Shop Challenge April 2019

[pep]

I roll the same, have an idea to start with and then run with it. Think that's built into a good troubleshooter's DNA.

Not a handicap, and the difference of an engineer or troubleshooter, each having its own advantages.

Pep

[Bill Gruby]

I don’t think there needs to be toooooo many limiting rules, since we do have a pretty diverse membership in the way of experience, abilities, and creativity. Maybe instead of stipulating the material, or size, or quantity of materials, I think maybe it would be interesting if the challenge were if someone listed an object to make, but no further description. Then we see the various designs that come through.
I say this mainly because I’m terrible with coming up with an idea from nothing. I usually need an idea to start with and then my mind can run with it. That’s my handicap anyways.

The only other rule I think I’d personally prefer is limiting the use of CNC. I, for one, can’t hold a candle to cnc.
My thought anyways.

 I disagree with ruling out machinery such as CNC. This takes away from the level playing field in my opinion. Just because someone has a CNC machine or at least access to one and someone else does not should not stop it from being used.

 My opinion on the rules is anything goes. That's a level playing field. Use what you have or have access to.

 "Billy G"

[Carpenter84]

Alright, fair.

[Terrywerm]

Well if somebody is ready to outline a set of rules, or no rules, or just a couple basic rules, and is ready to get this going again, have at it!  Nothing says that I have to be in charge.

As for what to build, well, how about a turbo encabulator?

[Carpenter84]

Ooookay, let’s say, rules - the times and dates as you, Terry, mentioned before, stay. I’m not sure stipulating the material, size, etc, is really necessary. We’re a small community. Limiting too much might narrow the the willingness to take part too much. Since this is all just for fun, listing a project idea, or object, and leaving the rest to the creator, is a fun approach.
I’ll retract my previous opinion on cnc. Just because I don’t have the possibility of cnc doesn’t mean we should exclude someone who does - I understand that now. In reality, it would push me to up my game all together.

Personally, I need an idea to start with, then my creativity can take off. No matter the material. Maybe stipulate the material, it may not make a difference. But, maybe I want to add some brass for a splash of colour......

That’s my opinions. I’d love to take part in these challenges, and have a fighting chance when my lack of creativity to come up with an original idea may hold me down.

So, since it seems no one seems to be willing to take the reigns, maybe we run with this idea for one challenge and see how it goes?

To figure out the idea, instead of leaving it up to the winner (might be too much pressure?), leave it up to collective brainstorming then a poll? Then the winning poll is the object to make. And the ideas can be whatever tooling, project, or task that someone might have a current need for. Then, that might actually help that person’s need for said tooling (etc), to either, push them to finally make that tool, or see some interesting original ideas that might make their tool better.

[Bill Gruby]

The basic concept of an idea is simple. If you can't get one on your own, ask for help. I'll bet your wife could come up with some good ones.

 I vote use the old rules or no rules at all. My personal opinion on someone setting rules , never mind we won't go there. Fly by the seat of your pants so to speak. There is no limit to what you are capable of in this situation.

 "Billy G"

[Terrywerm]

Keep in mind that I am not trying to make an argument here, but instead I am looking at this from a slightly different angle and presenting my thoughts.

I am in full agreement with no rules, but then where is the challenge?  Going for a walk in the park is just that, a leisurely stroll through the park, no challenge at all. But add the requirement that you must do it when there is three feet of snow on the ground and it becomes a real challenge! This is where the creativity part comes in. Don't wear sandals, wear boots. Snowshoes would be a big help too. The rules, requirements, restrictions, or whatever you want to call them are what create the challenge.

So if we simply say "make this set of center punches and you have 30 days to make the three piece set" where is the challenge in that?

Maybe we need to change what we call this and refer to it not as a 'challenge', but rather a 'project'.

If it becomes a 'project', it loses the competitive side completely. We all work on certain projects from time to time, and typically are not afraid to show them here. I have a hot one that I am working on right now that has presented its own set of challenges, and there have been many. I have not posted anything on it yet, but I have been taking photos of the initial steps that I have taken and will continue to do so so that I can create a thread detailing the whole project. Now, I could challenge the rest of you to do a similar project, but it would be useless for most of you, if not all.

The project? Convert the steering on an Allis-Chalmers 5050 four wheel drive tractor from power-assist to full hydrostatic. Initially it doesn't sound too bad, but as I get all of my stuff together and post the details you will get to see that it is not a simple project at all.

Anyway, I think you guys catch my drift. Thoughts??

[Carpenter84]

Okay, so we revert back to what it was originally. Change nothing. It seemed to work fine in the first round. Maybe then we don't fix what's not broke. We just need to light another fire under the challenge.

[Bill Gruby]

I am going to take Kens' route. I have no time to devote to this endeavor. I have VA appointments that average 3 per week for the next 4 months.

 "Billy G"

[jpigg55]

It might not help, but the one thought I had to increase participation would be to change it to a "Quarterly Shop Challenge".
Even though I'm now retired, I find it difficult to come up with an idea, plan it out, acquire any needed materials, and make the project.
Although, I guess it would be easy enough for anyone to "Bend the Rules" and submit a project they did even if not completed during the time line as long as it met all the parameters. 

[4GSR]

Rather than call it "rules".  Let's say we make requirements, or 'this is the tools you have to work with" for each project challenge.  Just like Terry is saying.
Creating a set of "rules" that governs all project challenges is no fun.  That creates constraints that make it dull to play the game. 
Look at the TV series on the History channel, the contestants are given a set of parameters they must work within to make a knife or what ever weapon it is they are to make. We can do something similar.  Like, make a widget, using only a chisel and hammer for this quarters challenge project. 
Sharpen up your chisels! And get ready!  

[Jake Parker]

My $.02

Make a Yo-yo, using at least 5 different materials.
Its judging criteria
Function.
Form.
Practicality.

Or, a spinning top, same criteria.

Make any project using a piece of black iron pipe, any size, any other materials required to make "whatever"?

We start a new thread, and participants post finished products, then if theres any intrest post a build thread.

[Terrywerm]

Terry
Did Saturday the 27th not come or was there no entries?
Nelson

Nelson, the actual challenge thread where the projects were posted and voted upon was located here: https://www.machinistgazette.com/index.php?topic=1493.0

Sorry I didn't answer your specific question sooner, I kind of got sidetracked...

SQUIRREL!!!!