Forster Vice

Cigar for tonight

Small Tap Wrench Handle

Hex Drivers

When I first got into the hobby with an SXC24 I bought a set of cheap Chinese made hex drivers a whole set for little money.    I quickly started to round out hexes in fasteners.   I went to my local hobby shop and bought a set of Dynamite drivers.   These were way better than the cheaper ones.   I built a few kits and decided to try MIP drivers.   These MIP are better than the Dynamite drivers.   The MIP are close tolerance ground tool steel and I have never stripped out a faster with them yet.   The Dynamite are good but the MIP is way better.   Worth the extra money.   The round ball version of the MIP drivers are really good as well though I only use them when I have access issues.   

The build is finished… for now.   Fusion Pro, Stealth X on Canyon Trails.  

ROKU RC / Canyon Crawler Build

ZOKU RC / Crawler Canyon Update

I have trouble holding onto to crawler links to install rod ends.   I usually try to hold them in a shock pliers but they always spin and smell up the surface finish.   I find this smooth jawed vice holds them tight and does not spin as I install the ends.  

https://www.forsterproducts.com/product/swiv-o-ling-vise/

Not cheap at all but this vice holds small parts very securely allowing fine detail work.   With files and rotary tools (dotco).   

I also use square aluminum tubing split in half in a normal vise way cheaper.  See second picture.   



 

Bearing instl / removal

This afternoon’s plans

Starting on a ZOKU RC / Crawler Canyon build.   TRX6 axles, Stealth X, Fusion Pro….  

ZOKU RC / Crawler Canyon build

These are cheap aluminum step pins.   I use these to install bearing and remove bearings in 1/10 crawlers.    These fit the ID of the bearings well and help to get them started at least.   The gold one I cut the tip off with a hack saw and sanded the end smooth for installing and removing bearings in blind holes.   They fit well enough to help wiggle the bearings out for replacement.   

https://a.co/d/dqHkaj4



Building aluminum and steel parts for 1/10 scale crawlers I find myself tapping a lot of M3 x 0.5 holes.   I prefer not to use a drill but tap them by hand.   The Starrett 174 is the best tap wrench I have found to hold small taps.   It is not cheap but it works well and holds the tap very secure.   

https://a.co/d/66lYLNn

There are cheaper options but I grew tired of using cheap t-handles where the tap would wobble and make it hard to hold the tap normal to the surface.   

M4 X 0.7 is the typical thread size for 1/10 crawler rod ends at least for Vanquish and AE Enduro.   This tool makes starting the threads easier in the rod ends.   

https://www.amainhobbies.com/scorpion-tools-maintenance-cars-trucks/c89?fb=267

The tap is replaceable and I have noticed the plastics tend to wear the tap a bit.   Measure your rod ends and make sure the threads match the rod end by laying the tap on the threads.   They should nest.   Make sure this is the right size!

I picked up a set for M3 and M2.5.   

jimthemeek

Forster Vice

Cigar for tonight

Small Tap Wrench Handle

Hex Drivers

Hex Drivers

ROKU RC / Canyon Crawler Build

ZOKU RC / Crawler Canyon Update

Forster Vice

Bearing instl / removal

This afternoon’s plans

Small Tap Wrench Handle

ZOKU RC / Crawler Canyon build

Bearing instl / removal

Small Tap Wrench Handle

Tap Tool for Crawler Rod Ends