Assembly Fixture For Cannon or other Models

[jjr2001]

It all started a long time ago while reading posts from this forum. I found this Cannon that Marv Klotz made.
Marv's is a firing model but I am just making mine for display. Model Deck Gun
I knew I wanted to build one but at the time (probably 5 or 6 years ago) I knew it was above my pay grade.
I figured that now was the time since I had my lathe and mill and a little knowledge (much from this forum) for this build.
The copy I am making will recoil, breech will open and is of the interrupted thread type. Still working on parts for the base.

First I had to find the magazine where the original plans were posted. March and April of 1945 Model Craftsman magazine.
Found the entire year for 1945 on the bay and snapped them up.

So I started making parts..The barrel first of course and then moving on down from there. So I have enough of it finished to do a bit
of assembly but no easy way to hold the parts in alignment. I had several work plates in the shop so I thought one of them would make a
good base and was just right for what I wanted to do. The

Here are the pictures of the fixture in use. It is the best way I could think of to hold 6 parts together to test for fit and function.
The end result of the fixture and it's capabilities are just what I was looking for. Basically two angle plates with two modified spindles at the top.

The two pins are made from 1/2-20 all-thread. One end of each is bored to match the trunnion pins. (other end left undrilled for future use).
Two brass knobs with fine knurls..(I can't pass up a chance to knurl!)
10-32 allen cap screws attach the vertical post to each base and a .260 slot in the base allows for coarse adjustment.
5/8" x 1 1/4" aluminum bar stock for bases and posts. Extra holes spotted for future use and the layout lines are left in place.
I made it larger than needed for future modification.
Posts are 4 7/8" long and the bases are 1 1/4" x 2" long.
Here's the pics:

[DIYer]

Thanks jjr2001! We've added your Model Assembly Fixture to our Model Making category,
as well as to your builder page: jjr2001's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Model Assembly Fixture by jjr2001

tags: fixture, assembly

[mklotz]

I'm flattered that my post inspired you. Looks like you are well on your way to making a great model.

The setup jig is a good idea. In retrospect, I wish I had had one (or built one) when I was making my version.

Be sure to show us more progress photos as you continue and, of course, the finished product when it's ready.

If you run into any snags feel free to PM or email me and I'll attempt to help.

[jjr2001]

Thanks Marv, I have been inspired by many of your tool and model builds. I read this forum often for ideas and methods and frequently find one of your posts to be just what I was looking for.

Thanks again, JR

[thehomeengineer]

Looks really good. Looking forward to seeing the finished model.

[Paul Jones]

Very impressive fixture and crystal clear photos.

[takkleberry]

As a former Armament Fitter I would like to say that is awesome. Well done.

[Jon]

Congratulations jjr2001 - your Model Assembly Fixture is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

Another big week around here, but this is a solid winner. Nice job taking inspiration from mklotz's previous post on this forum, and turning that inspiration into a homemade tool.

Some more nice builds from this week:

Sheetmetal Bending Techniques by rgsparber
Height Scribe by JKeetonKnives
Bullnose Shoulder Rebate Plane by Philip Davies
Broken Taper Removal Method by thehomeengineer
Gear Pulley by machining 4 all
Toolbox by Crusty
Table by Salix84
Height Gauge by Didpoolhall
Lathe Carriage Lock by machining 4 all
Sheetmetal Cutting Sled by rgsparber
Metal Putty by Kovanca Polock
Keyway Cutting Tool by machining 4 all
Tap Alignment Fixture by machining 4 all
Sanding Block by RCTURKA
Electroplating Setup by Kovanca Polock
Vise by Kwandotechnic
Magnetic Ground Clamp by Mr.DK DIY
Drill Bit Sharpening Jig by Didpoolhall
Puller by ttmrj
Drill Press by Kwandotechnic
Slide Hammer Guard by tony b
DTI Holder by MachineNZ
Adjustable Wedge Parallel by ttmrj
3-Axis Welding Clamp by fawabros
CNC Hot Wire Foam Cutter by Sgbarker
Chicken Feeder by mariost


jjr2001 - you'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and gift card choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

More importantly, this is your 5th Homemade Tool of the Week win! I've just added the silver wrench-on-pedestal graphic to the awards showcase in your postbit, visible underneath your avatar.

Great job, and you're in excellent company joining these other 5-time winners: rgsparber, rossbotics, Christophe Mineau, Brendon, Frank S, mklotz, Vyacheslav.Nevolya, brianhw, LMMasterMariner, Tuomas, olderdan, tonyfoale, bobs409, thehomeengineer, and Stevohdee.

Here are all of your Homemade Tool of the Week winning tools. Congrats again

Grinder Fine Feed Adjuster by jjr2001

tags: grinder, adjustable

CNC Motor Spindle by jjr2001

tags: CNC, spindle, motor

EDF Thrust Tester by jjr2001

tags: fan, tester

Offset Tool Bit Holder for Lathe by jjr2001

tags: machining, threading

Model Assembly Fixture by jjr2001

tags: fixture, assembly

[jjr2001]

Thank you Jon. I started out making tools and fixtures to make parts for airplanes. RC Model aircraft were my hobby from 2006 to about 2015 or so.
I found making tools to make other parts or tools was most enjoyable so now I make models so I can make more tools. The whole process seems to drive itself!!!
Well I do like model cannon and still make a few model planes (static display not flying).

Thanks again, JR

[Jon]

I've found that same journey-is-the-destination realization in our homemade tool building culture throughout the years: the tool is the project.

People can keep building tools, only to use those tools to build more tools. They can do this without ever having to legitimize the building of the tool by using it to build a non-tool item. This is intellectually challenging, culturally satisfying, and a perfectly valid hobby. The tool building itself is and always was the true destination.