'Making My First Ranalah Pattern' | Reviving History (Episode Three)

After stripping down my lovely new (old) Ranalah wheeling machine, it's time to figure out how to make the first wooden pattern that I'm going to cast. Such an interesting and baffling process!
If you've missed the previous episodes, please take a look and follow my journey, as I revive these wonderful artefacts of British craft!
What on earth is a 'wheeling machine'? • The English Wheel
My big announcement: • BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! | Re...
Dom's Instagram: / dominicchin. .
Ranalah Ltd's Instagram: / ranalahltd​​
CNC Paul's Instagram: / modular105motor
Edited by Dan Cross: / djcross87

[@markmiwurdz202]

Many years ago I visited a small foundry near Frankfurt in the then West Germany. As we walked through the pattern shop, the guide said "Oh, please do not steal the measuring rules here because they will be useless for you. What you think is one centimetre is actually approximately one-third longer to allow for shrinkage of the castings during cooling". At this factory, when the castings were broken out of the moulding boxes, they were each given a rough clean-up, sprayed with red-oxide paint and stacked outside in the open. They were left outdoors to "season" for five months minimum before being brought back into the main works for machining.Keep up the good work Dominic. Stay safe and well.

[@A2Z1Two3]

‘contraction’ or ‘shrinkage ‘ rules, each one will be marked with the metals/ alloys the pattern is designed for . Definitely a bad idea to use these on other work:)

[@s3aham]

Hi Dom,i first used a Ranalah English Wheel,when i was in the RAF,as an Airframe Technician Aircraft,I can Remember using one at RAF Abingdon when i was on Buccaneer Majors 89 to 91,then using the same wheel,in 2002 to 2011,at RAF Lyneham Station Workshops.Thanks for rekindling my memories

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

What a fantastic series of videos Dom, what you are doing is to be highly commended mate👍 A company I worked for 20 years ago rented the 'Planeing shop' in the old Vulcan Engine Works in Newton-le-Willows where we designed and built conveyor systems for all manor of industry. We were well known in the industry for 'one offs' whereby the item needed was not available off the shelf. It wasnt unusual for me to do a 'back of a postage stamp' rough drawing to take into the cad designer and great things came from that source. I have the dubious accolade of engineering and constructing the very last piece of equipment to come out of the Vulcan works, sadly the entire site is now a housing estate. Your enthusiasm for the past resonates with me as it nearly broke my heart to see that great works mercilessly raised to the ground. I kept one momento, the plaque off the last wall crane ever to be used there. Not much, but, like the plaque you received from Ken, it means a lot to me. Keep up the great work Dom👍👍

[@LeoAzzakaGoile]

It's quite funny. I was speaking to the Wife last week saying that there are smiths out there who still use Hammers made over 100yrs ago, and it's a shame they no longer made. Absolutely over the moon with the fact you are bringing them back.

[@christimms102]

Omg Dom. Thank you so so much for letting us come along on this amazing adventure. I so look forward to the next update on this story. My favourite YT Channel. Many thanks again. Kind Regards Chris

[@DominicChineas]

That’s brilliant thank you for the lovely comment!

[@petehall889]

Brilliant to see your progress, Dom - you have such energy and enthusiasm that I am carried along with the excitement. It's almost like we are part of the project. Thank you!

[@steverickman3076]

Ken, what a star for sending you that plaque! Well done to him. CNC stuff is always fascinating to watch, no matter what it’s producing. Keep up the great work mate, can’t wait for the next video👍

[@lesleysmith5623]

Thankyou Dom for taking us on your exciting Ranalah journey and also showcasing the unsung craftsmen hidden away on small industrial estates. One of the best KZbin channels.

[@markharrisllb]

Wow! I have exactly the same table saw as the wood suppliers, and CNC machine as Paul in my imaginary workshop where I work on imaginary projects with imaginary friends. Your videos just get better and better.

[@rayhall4578]

i used to work the same machine, very nice . AXYZ cncs are very good

[@Mrjohnbigboy]

Good to see someone with real enthusiasm. Fascinating stuff, Dom.

[@bozz1954]

Hi Dom. I've spent 25 years using CNC machines, mostly lasers and press brakes and at 67 yrs old I wouldn't be working now without them. There accuracy and quality of cut is amazing. Always look out for these uploads. Highlight of my You Tube week. Keep em' coming

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Don, The pattern looks good... that was very kind of one of your viewers to send you the Ranalah sign... be sure to let us know anything else you may learn about to... See you on the next one... Take care. Paul,,

[@phillipmaciver3226]

Cascamite......thats a name from the past, I used that at school fifty years ago for veneering and jointing.....loving the series..👍👏

[@rogerbayzand4455]

My thought exactly, I haven't see cascomite since the 70's.

[@mattWallJsy]

Same here. Used to use it on boats a lot, but been superceded by epoxy.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

The same here. I’ve not heard of it in 40+ years either.

[@ericrawson2909]

I used it in 1979 on the joints when I made a sturdy workbench with mortice/tenon joints.

[@davidwhite4915]

A fascinating video for a relaxed Sunday afternoon Dom I look forward to th casting !!

[@harrytuttle0]

Very fascinating. I’m loving all behind-the-scenes trade stuff the average person wouldn’t get to see 🤓🧐

[@lynnhaswell1690]

Another great video Dom, another day closer to completing your very first Ranalah Wheel - lovely to see Lucia popping into say Hi - 👌😊

[@robinmitchell3862]

I have only just started watching your channel due to the Triumph restoration, and I am now so hooked on the Ranalah project, well done!! Lovely to see your enthusiasm.

[@williba24]

Never heard of the English wheel till I came across your videos. On KZbin I found Eastwood, Proshaper and Lazzemetalshaping all worth a look.

[@percybrown]

The casting will be great to watch as it's very intricate with recesses, so will be keen to see how that works when taking the template out of the sand. There's bound to be a knack to that.

[@bobingram6912]

This is a great Dom, I'm watching, listening and learning and your shed loads of enthusiasm is infectious, is it next Sunday yet??!!!!👍🏻

[@nicolaliddle9622]

Very cool! Bet that timber yard smelled amazing. Can’t wait to see the foundry!

[@johntisbury]

I've not seen or heard of Cascamite glue for years!, I used to use it in model boat making 40 years ago! Great video...

[@DominicChineas]

The old stuff is the best!! Thanks for watching

[@sweepsp8468]

I used to be a pattern maker for a well known kit maker and we used Lime, it is very fine grain so you can get the detail. The CNC cutting the wood out would have put me out of a job but what a fantastic machine. great video, thank you

[@R.Craig.Collins]

As we live across the pond, as it were, we were late finding the "Repair Shop." But that wonderful show has lead me to your channel, and I am just engrossed with your new project. Thanks for the needed distraction, and history lessons.

[@andrewdovaston1057]

Hey Dom,I know a lot of old engineering tools made it out to NewZealand in the early days.Will keep a lookout for any related parts,or even a wheel!!.I’m hooked mate,can’t wait for the updates. Cheers

[@jtucker7209]

“Wheel get there” wheels good pun Dom. I know nothing about engineering etc but am really enjoying the journey with you. I guess that’s good filmmaking

[@mikec2505]

This ☝️

[@lewisp3954]

seriously fella people like you make me proud you wont let this country forget its roots ,nothing more british than an English wheel id love to buy one from you one day.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you for the kind words and support it means a lot, I’m doing what I can to keep these old things alive!

[@turbokeene]

By a complete coincidence, I fabricated a lower cradle just yesterday for my Ranalah! I made it from steel, to take my 2” wide lower wheels/anvils. There must be some spooky algorithm going on for your video to me on my KZbin feed... good work by the way Dom! 🤙

[@DominicChineas]

Is this matt Keene down in Cornwall? I remember you from my vw days! Unless it’s not you, then sorry, I bet it was a lot more simple to fabricate than cast! Haha Thanks so much

[@turbokeene]

@@DominicChineas yes, Dom. It’s Matt Keene in Cornwall. Loving your Repair Shop stuff. Great program full of hugely talented peeps 👍

[@turbokeene]

I’ll post a pic of Ranalah on my Instagram page: Airkraft 👍

[@colinsmith6480]

i worked in a woodyard for part of my career, but that yard was beautiful, thats the only way i can describe it, amazing, make me want to go back to working in that job, although i no longer think my back could take it !

[@diggerdelaney]

I understand all about draft angles and the importance of them as well as fillets on casting patterns (I am not an expert). That wood place is a treasure trove I wish that was near me as I build wooden models

[@davidsaxby5400]

It is such good fun to be caught up in your enthusiasm for this project. Your excitement spills over into the videos and I never thought I’d be anxiously awaiting the next episode of something like this.. however I do feel for the clients whose Land Rover coffee bar has been put on the back burner, they must be very patient.

[@kevinball2517]

In the words of my dad " it's above my pay grade " but I'm really enjoying being on this journey with you Dom 👍🏼

[@bigbadjohn10]

Ranalah had a boat yard at Wotton on the Isle of Wight, They made fast patrol boats for the navy and airforce during the war and then sold similar boats to the public afterwards. I wonder if that plate would have been fitted to a boat.

[@DominicChineas]

That’s interesting I didn’t know that! Do you have any more information at all? I will get researching! Thank you so much

[@paddrivers]

It's fantastic that we get to come on this journey with you Dom , your enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious. Thank you 😎

[@DominicChineas]

so glad your enjoying it, thank you!

[@dogphlap6749]

I was wondering why you could not use an original cast piece as a pattern, thank you Dominic for clearing that up. It all makes sense to me now.

[@simonfairweather4184]

Hello Dom, another cool video. One baby step closer! Few more bits and you're ready to go! Cheers Simon

[@Crewsy]

Very cool project but I’d think you’d be just a little bit excited about it. 😉 Your enthusiasm is contagious Dom. You’re infecting us all. Definitely something the world could use more of.

[@SteveBraithwaite]

This is exciting. I'm sure I'll take one when they become available.

[@oldtomsphotos]

I used to watch the pattern makers when I worked at the foundry. I never understood why they were wood and not just make the mould from the steel rolls. Thank you as I was asking the question to myself at the beginning of this video.

[@nbrowne73]

The other day i saw a program on tv , they were at the factory in the Isle of Wight where they make new spitfire fuselages, im sure they had a Ranalah in the workshop..

[@countk1]

Guys, it doesn't really matter where the model is made from.... There are such things as casting cores to deal with cavities and such. 3D printing surely made stuff easier but is not the only way to make a model. Don't forget they made quite intricate stuff before there was rapid prototyping or 3D printers. + it's nice to see the craftsmanship on how it used to work.

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks for the comment, I hope you’ll watch the rest of the ranalah videos and see how we finished the pattern!

[@countk1]

@@DominicChineas I already did ;-) Can't wait for the body casting. The work I did was in a casting research facility. We mostly did reversed engineering, optimization of castings such as weight reduction (from design, simulation to casting) and rapid prototyping for foundries here in Belgium. I liked seeing the foundry there from the inside. Same vocabulary, habits and such. I only noticed that they simply keep the forms together with weights. We always used the clamps (we did cast these ourselves too actually). 10 years ago I stopped doing this work. I also was doing metal working and mechanical analysis of metals. DO you know what cast iron the bracket is made of? The body wil be plain lamellar cast iron I guess. Depending on how the bracket is machined I suspect a somewhat austenitic nodular cast iron like GJS-500 or a lamellar cast iron like GJL-250 or higher if i look at the machined surfaces?

[@moonstarer55]

Great video Dom. I’ll echo other fans by saying your enthusiasm comes thru in your videos. Loving the Ranalah sign.

[@ianlainchbury]

This is one of the best series on KZbin for sure! Thanks Dom and can't wait to see the next update!

[@moisesjaimes6315]

Love what you do. I see the joy in your eyes. Onwards Dom!

[@stephenwilliamson5610]

Dom, absolutely fascinating, I am loving this series. What a lovely place you bought the wood from, I could spend a lot of money in a place like that. 25 years ago I 'acquired' 20 oak desk tops 4x2 from my old classroom. The legs were beech which I have turned into lots of varieties on my lathe, and made numerous items from the desk tops. Watching the computer cut outs was fascinating, Technology has left me behind!! Keep these fascinating videos coming. Steve Williamson

[@DominicChineas]

If you ever need any timber the guys at english woodlands timber are so nice, and have some beautiful rare pieces of wood!

[@johnbaker174]

Hi Dom long been a fan of repair shop and lately your Ranalah adventures videos however its the red biplane on your bonnet of your Landy 110 I'm commenting on, and I'm convinced its a Phil Ramsey Pitts maybe S2a got one in the loft, foam wings covered in obechi and a grp fus, from the late 80's had loads of fun with it, cheers

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Good show !! You're on your way. Good score on the Ranalah sign.

[@unclefranko2452]

Hi Dom 👋 as the guy before said, I haven't seen cascarmite used for ages. Good stuff ,the super glue of its time , great video again mate ,looking forward to the next one ,also can't wait to see you doing the large wooden former 👍 that will take some doing . Regards Frank

[@adrianlynch9435]

Strangely enough I am using Casamite to glue together a large plywood rocking horse that I am making for my neice.

[@brendawilliams700]

Amazing stuff Dom. I am learning about things I had no idea of. Your joy is infectious 😜

[@marcolyott]

Brilliant adventure Dom! Can't wait for the next episode and all best wishes to you on your venture!

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much!

[@scottcolley8925]

Awesome, thank you Dom, I really look forward to watching your videos so keep them coming

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you, there’s plenty more on the way!

[@scottcolley8925]

@@DominicChineas absolutely brilliant news, I get a lot of joy from them

[@glenncrockford8100]

Loving the updates. I saw a company online called Roach Manufacturing Ltd in Romsey near Southampton. They build old vintage car body shells and in one of their photos (of an HRG1500??) there is what looks like a #Ranalah wheel in their workshop. Keep up the good work!!

[@The-RA-Guy]

Hi Dom. A random thought about typefaces. I wonder if they ever got a copyright on the design? If so you now own it. If not maybe you want to own it? Equally, I would hate you to run into copyright issues later. Maybe Lucia or the rest of the team have some expertise you can tap into? It is such a pleasure to watch you on this channel, more power to your elbow as they say. Whoever "they" are!

[@DominicChineas]

I have recently found out it’s a standard typeface used on many castings, I have actually found a very old manufacturer and got hold of some identical cast letters!

[@nickmassey9104]

Great update 👍🏼 Great to see the progress

[@steveallen8987]

When you make the pattern for the main casting as well as the company name I think you deserve to add your signature to the casting. After all it’s your achievement now. Steve

[@stevemumford6983]

Dom I'm loving the channel. You are always so upbeat and positive. I am worried when do you actually stop to eat as all the videos I've watched of yours are on your Repair shop lunch break. 🤔😂

[@richardwhatton1249]

Great progress Dom and watching that CNC machine was fascinating. Looking forward to seeing the foundry at work. Kind regards, Richard.

[@smd1uk]

Brilliant Dom. Looking forward to the next episode. I wonder how Ranalah got its name?

[@DominicChineas]

I wish I knew! I still have no idea on this, if anyone has any info please let me know!

[@paulburbidge8636]

I like how you do it in your lunch time, brings back memories resorting cars in my lunch break. Keep it up

[@DominicChineas]

It’s the only way to keep productive!

[@daz41262010]

great to see the update on the ranalah english wheel dom and what a cool sign you was sent :)

[@DominicChineas]

Such a cool sign! I just wish I knew where it came from haha

[@raydriver7300]

I look forward to watching your videos, Dom. Such enthusiasm 🌞 And talent.

[@paulsouth3926]

Different materials require different expansion rates built into the pattern. Thus a pattern for a Cast Iron part will be a different size to a pattern for a Brass part, its not a lot but it makes a big difference as the size increases. This part appears to have been created in 2D CAD, if it was created in 3D CAD such as Solidworks all the expansion rates, draw angles, edge and fillet radii, Prints for Core Boxes etc could be created from the one master file. Pattern would need minimal clean up and finishing. Also why Beech, traditionally Jellutong was the favourite for patten making or the modern Polyurethane Pattern making Block? Cascamite was used to glue up the DH Mosquito fighter bomber.

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks for the info! Really appreciate it, I have been speaking with the foundry and we are familiar with the contraction rate of the material we are using, it was intact designed in 3D so all of this has been taken into account. I think I explained in the video why I chose steamed Beech, it’s dense, stable, machines well, this was also checked with the foundry and they have no complaints Thank you!

[@davethedragonlee]

Fantastic Dom. Be grate to see the next video

[@DominicChineas]

Hopefully it won’t be long!

[@ian_morg]

Fantastic video! I love watching your videos, so interesting and entertaining. Keep at it 😎👍🏻

[@MidtownSkyport]

Ranalah's a good word. Very satisfying to pronounce

[@nicholasrodgers4360]

What a pleasure watching these videos by you Dom. Nick Rodgers Metal Sculptor

[@DominicChineas]

Thanks so much, appreciate it

[@luciascalisi7172]

Great Ranalah! & love the wood yard :)

[@dianestreet4170]

I bet all that wood smelt amazing !

[@martinr5235]

Nice one Dom , love your passion mate

[@myfordboy]

It will be impossible to remove that pattern from a sand mould as made with those appatures. I have made many wooden patterns in the past but 3D printing is the way to go now. All the draft and fillets can be added with CAD, export the file and a 3D printer will make the part. All that waste wood too.

[@DominicChineas]

I will cover all of this in the next video, I know I don’t know what I am doing, but luckily I am working with people that do!! Haha

[@myfordboy]

@@DominicChineas Thanks for the reply, not mean to be a critism.

[@mythreestars61]

@@DominicChineas myfordboy is right 3d printing is the way to go you can get a small printer they are quite inexpensive , but its handy to know how to 3d model, try fusion 3d the software is free and im sure autodesk would help you out , there are loads of tutorials on line too, i design interiors for superyachts, a scanner is handy too..im in new Zealand , been watching your progress its great your embracing older tech, i served as an apprentice joiner 40 yrs now and things have changed massively cncs 3d printing lasers its cool..

[@ttmwttmw]

I knew nothing of Ranalah or even English wheels before these videos, but the thought of a 3D printer spewing out plastic to help revive the making of such a traditional item just seems so, so wrong to me.

[@myfordboy]

@@ttmwttmw But it's OK to use a CAD design and CNC router like shown in the video?

[@stephendriver5853]

Marvellous.

[@jonno7910]

Hi Dom, just watched your latest Vlog. Once again absolutely brilliant. It just shows how much passion you have for your job 👏. Keep up the great work.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you! I am really enjoying this project

[@peterjones3453]

Great Vlog as usual, really looking forward to the casting 👍

[@alharris3157]

Good one Dom. What a ride you are taking us on! Thanks so much.

[@DominicChineas]

its definitely a rollercoaster!

[@spiffer27]

Hi Dom, I've designed a few casting in my time but I really can't see how you are going to use that pattern to make an impression in the sand to cast the part. I'm sure you're going to need at least one core. Perhaps two copes and a drag? but that would have been easier if you hadn't glued them together. I look forward to you proving me wrong! I really wish you every success with this venture. Kevin.

[@DominicChineas]

There will be a core box, I’m going to meet the foundry next time and we will discuss all of this!

[@spiffer27]

@@DominicChineas Ok, Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@David_11111]

Yay the first part to be recast can you see any old casting lines or makes on the part you removed to copy !

[@SuperMarinaman]

Terrestrial TV is almost dead, this is the way to be entertained with honest real content, well done Dom keep it going

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you! I agree, The freedom of KZbin is brilliant!

[@andymccabe6712]

Almost dead...?!! Not here on Planet Earth, it isn't..!!

[@patrickfay1055]

So nice to see the whole journey keep up the great work

[@brenwyattm0rij909]

Well exciting Dom! You have me hooked. Cant wait for the next episode!

[@kevinsimpson7114]

Great video and love the enthusiasm. Really excited for the next instalment.👍🏻

[@leslieaustin151]

Nice episode, and you’re moving it all on apace. Like you, I’ve never cast anything, so my ignorance might catch me out. However, I think that pattern being glued up in one piece is going to cause some problems and need modification or it will probably be impossible to ‘draw’ it from the sand-mould. Still, exciting to see it all taking shape. Les

[@DominicChineas]

I appreciate the concern but its all ok dont worry! I have been speaking with the foundry every step of the way to make sure they are happy with everything I am doing, I will cover this all on the next video when we meet the guy that is going to cast the first part!

[@manfromthepru]

As always, educational, interesting and entertaining. Good luck with the casting!

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

Fascinating video Dom, wonderful following your journey with the Ranalah.

[@TheFirefighter56]

Brilliant video Dom, looking forward to the next installment.

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you, it won’t be long!

[@Point221b]

Hi Dom, this is brilliant! We are addicted to this project! The best use of KZbin, no doubt. Positive, uplifting, creative, constructive, skillful and educational. Well done, look forward to next edition! 👍

[@dalepomraning299]

I'm a 35 year in Machinist trade, I find your Ranalah project very interesting,

[@DominicChineas]

Glad your enjoying it, there will be lots of machining of parts later down the line.. stick with us!

[@dchassocks]

You've got runners at The Repair Shop. You mean Jay doesn't actually source and get everything? Shock horror! 😀

[@negotiableaffections]

"We've got runners" is the p.c. way of saying, "We've got Jay rushing around like a b.a.fly sourcing everything!"

[@dchassocks]

@@negotiableaffections I hope for your sake that you're joking.

[@negotiableaffections]

@@dchassocks my joke is merely saying, blue-ass-fly which in the UK means rushing around non-stop. Just keeping Jay on his toes, thats all.

[@dchassocks]

@@negotiableaffections I know baf meaning, I'm just concerned that anyone thinks Jay has anything to do with sourcing materials.

[@negotiableaffections]

@@dchassocks We're ok then. I must admit I love the 'fake idyl' they've created for the Repair Shop though i'm under no illusion. I think its a prime example of 'getting-it-right' more by luck than judgement - just watch the imitators try to jump on the bandwagon.

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Dom, I Don't know about you I'm very excited , things are looking up , Stay Safe All the Best Brian

[@DominicChineas]

I am very excited! It won’t be long now!

[@seanives2345]

The repair shop should be filming/ funding this project ! Very interesting !

[@pdoubleyou7801]

Ah, how the world has changed. If I, as an apprentice, had made that pattern and cut the parts right out of the middle of an expensive piece of wood I'd have had my ass kicked all round the workshop! That CNC machine needs a 'Don't waste any more wood, sonny, or you are out on your ear' button!

[@dilihopa]

Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@nickedney1272]

Another cracking video, I was totally absorbed watching the latest developments.

[@bobt3374]

Well done Dom . Good luck with the next episode .

[@DominicChineas]

Thank you, its going to be a good one, I cant wait to get to the foundry!

[@rusty633]

Loved the wood yard. You are one talented man

[@DominicChineas]

Such a cool place! Thank you

[@terrynorton3182]

Awesome Dom. More power to you.

[@rayhall4578]

looks like an AXYZ 3m - 2m . not the biggest available Dom but great kit for standard size sheets

[@janzienkiewicz5295]

What a fabulous ride👌

[@flyerphil7708]

Going to pick up a Ranalah in the morning. Just hope it fits my trailer.

[@DominicChineas]

Brilliant! Was it the green one on eBay?

[@flyerphil7708]

@@DominicChineas it’s never been up for sale, I was lucky enough to know of it’s existence. A deal was struck!

[@DominicChineas]

Brilliant! Congratulations Will you send me a message on Instagram once you’ve got it? I am just collating some data Thank you!

[@flyerphil7708]

Of course, I will be pleased to share any information.

[@nancylynch6045]

About your sign. I think it's an address sign that would go outside the main door. Building # and Company name.

[@alanworland9478]

Dom, great stuff! Would it be an idea to bolt the Ranalah main casting to a large board increasing it's footprint to help prevent a topple over? Alan

[@DominicChineas]

It’s so top heavy, if it starts to topple it will just take the board with it!

[@alanworland9478]

A BIGGER board! Alan

[@McElhinney65]

Dom, I love the project, I really do. My concern is that there's no market for a reproduced cast wheeling machine.