Thanks again, Branson. 

Thanks, Frank.

Realizing that I had not documented the miniature lathe well, I went back and did a sketch and took some pictures that will detail the function of this machine.
I found this project challenging, interesting and unique in that it employs no electric motor with a rotating armature to turn the head stock.  A linear stroke motion is created by the solenoid
operating very like a steam engine, but by way of an electro magnetic field instead of steam employing electric switching in place of mechanical valves, and it drives a fulcrum mechanism which further drives a reciprocating motion from the moment arm by a thin steel wire that connects through the base to the  treadle plate.  The rocking treadle then converts the reciprocating action into circular motion through a connecting rod hooked to the crankshaft to turn the flywheel driving the head stock by a belt and stepped pulleys system allowing for rotational speed changes in the conventional way.

I know that that was a mouth full.  It is a complex mechanism.  Some pictures might make it more clear than words could.   Ralph





In the base box are the batteries, solenoid, switch and fulcrum mechanism.

I've just completed a new project that combines building procedures employed in the past - flat stock fabrication and lost wax casting.
The result is a miniature plane with high relief cast sides silver soldered onto a flat stock sole and other components.   Ralph


High relief wax model sides:






Cast parts:

Another masterpiece from the master!

very nice Ralph,

glad to see the mind is still busy.

Very very nice, free hand engraving?   The head looks like Kokopelli, another Navajo symbol?   Was trying to download some pics to me of some tiny steam engines, made mostly of brass, then my puter gave up.  Got an hour figure on these planes?

Thanks, Papaw.

Hi, Frank, and thanks.  Yes, sometimes I do wish that I could turn "it" off - just for a while, and other times I believe that I have more to do than I have life for. 
So I keep going while I can which seems to be much of what I aspire toward.

Hi, John.  Actually, this is the opposite of engraving which removes material from a surface. 
High relief is the method that the Egyptians used in removing material from around the intended symbol.
And, Yes, I see what you mean.  Every work of art is what one sees in it.  Some might see a Sphinx, a lion, a Kokopelli, etc.
I am experimenting with engraving, but it is a totally new art to me, and it may be a while before I develop proficiency.

Ralph

Saw this and thought of you Art,  I know what you mean about not being able to shut it off.   I have put a small blackboard in my shop, for the next idea,.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SAITO-3-Cylinder-Steam-Engine-T3DR-for-Model-Marine-Free-Ship-from-Japan-/271711218529

Hi, John.  That's what I need - - - a blackboard in my shop would be a great addition.
I do like small engines and have a nice collection including several that I have built along the way.   Ralph

are the irons from an exacto knife? pretty cool planes!

Hi, couchspring.  Yes, those blades work pretty well with some minor adjustment. 
Sharpening them and setting a new bevel can be tricky, but they are good blades.
I have also cut and sharpened old hard steel blades.  Both work just fine.  Ralph

Oh Ralph.  It wasn't enough for you to make a treadle lathe in miniature form, you had to create a way to set it in motion.  You keep up'ing the ante.  Just genius.  I sure hope those you taught sincerely appreciated the opportunity to learn from you.

 I appreciate Ralph's post, they are very interesting.   also great pictures included in his
write-ups.

  blackboard/chalkboard;  what looks good in a work shop are old roofing slates,
  they already have a hole on them to hang on the wall and do not take up too much space.

  many fine people here sharing their idea's.

  thank you, Frank

To quote Jim C.,
"I like hand planes.  They're fascinating tools."

I resemble that sentiment and decided to build a miniature 1/4 scale #4 sterling silver smoothing plane.
I had forgotten just how much of a challenge it was to build a genuine frog with so many operations and tight tolerances at this scale -
not to mention all the other components.

But cabin fever got the best of me, and I just jumped in.

Below is my rendition of a miniature 1/4 scale # 4 silver plane.   Ralph






See the documentary construction video on youtube:


http://youtu.be/h_s5GmGlOcQ?list=UU-GXI1Wp8qMJcEsSWF5Eu5A

Art, cabin fever or no, that is one great looking plane.  The screw slot, the kurling, all to scale, so much it is hard to tell how small it is.  Now, just one suggestion,  laser etch ART across the frog and highlight with red, ala Stanley!   

Thanks, John.  Good suggestion - I'd like to have the where with all to be able to etch or engrave as you suggest. 
That would really add the final touch.  I'll work on it.

In the mean time, here is a picture to more clearly convey a comparative scale.   Ralph