Leamington -Exhibition

Wish I'd read these comments before making the treck from Cardiff to the show today. It wasn't bad, but I agree it's not worth the =A38.50 entry fee. Saw some nice traction engine models though!

Bacon butties were a bit well done this morning as well, according to my mate, but I can highly recommend the sausage ones!

Got a bit of a bargain - a UK made set of 1-10mm drills in 0.5mm increments, for only =A312. I was pleased as this is only a few quid more than some of the other stands were charging for imported sets.

Overall, I didn't think it was as good as the Bristol show which I usually go to (that's a lot nearer as well!). However, it made a nice alternative to a day spent in the office, so I can't complain too much.

The workshop was a disappointment - interesting to see that Chester had loaned a lathe and a miller, which had been shoved well out of the way at the back of the workshop area, and no-one seemed to be making an effort to use them. Demos of gear cutting etc are all well and good for those of us who are relatively well versed in workshop techniques, but I still think they ought to be making an effort to demostrate the basics for the less experienced model engineer.

Anyway, I don't think I'll go out of my way to go back next year.

cheers

Alastair

Alastair. looks like we are not far apart I will be starting from 20 miles west of Cardiff

Thanks, sausage it is then for breakfast tomorrow

Is this a stock item on one of the stands or did you just find a "lucky" one?

I went to Bristol this year and enjoyed the first day so much I went for a second dose - sad isn't it?

I still think they ought to be making an effort to demostrate the

I agree completely, I think we should be doing everything we can to relate to the wider population and particularly the younger generation. It's difficult to criticize those who give their time and expertise so generously but perhaps an alternating 2 hourly programme of advanced/simple techniques might be worth a try. I must say though that having restricted space available for the workshop and then hiding everything behind an impenetrable safety barrier doesn't help. Yes I know the safety/insurance requirements but I do think we should try harder to make "the word" more accessible.

Regards

Keith

Keith,

The drills were a "Presto" set, on (I think) JB Cutting Tools stand. They seemed to have at least another 6 sets on display, and probably more under the stand.

I should say that one item which may be of interest to others is the lecture programme which they have - today there were lectures on CAD, Injectors, Gear Cutting etc. I didn't get the chance to go to any, however!

Cheers

Alastair

Alastair

A couple of thanks due I think, good news you were right the drills are on the JB stand and even after my visit they still have a few sets left; better news (for me) they have reduced the price by another couple of pounds to =A310 a set. A set of Presto drills for that price can't be bad; they also have some decent Presto end mills for reasonable prices too. I checked the lecture programme as soon as I arrived and attended one by D A G Brown, very interesting and gave the old legs a rest for an hour as well. Can also confirm that sausages were fine this morning so altogether a very pleasant day, thanks. Must agree with earlier comments though, for anyone who has been to the other shows there is much the same stuff on show/offer. Space (and light) a bit limited except in the "tent" and the outside activity didn't seem very inspirational but, I suppose we should support these events otherwise I have an idea that they might "go away". If my local accountant gets wind of my activities today she will say it's a long (expensive) drive to get a set of drills, some bits for my calipers and a couple of end mills. She never does understand how you can enjoy "looking at machines and toy trains" - no soul!

Best regards

Keith

In message , Tim Leech writes

Try

Tim. You upload bids in advance to their server and it bids for you about 5 secs before the end. First few bids are free IIRC. Works well for me.

Cheers

Guy

Thanks for that.

I'm using auction sentry on a free trial at the moment, seems to work well though there is the limitation that if your connection or your computer goes down at the vital moment the bid won't happen.

Cheers Tim

Dutton Dry-Dock Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs Vintage diesel engine service

In message , Tim Leech writes

That's why I use bidnapper. I'm often working away or on the boat at the vital moment so couldn't use an autobidder that depended on my internet connection. Actually I shouldn't be publicising the merits of bidnapper or I'll be helping people to outbid me :-)}

Guy - not usually after the same items as most on this group :-)} Would have been at the Fosse yesterday evening if the car hadn't broken :-(}