Bonny Doon snarling iron

Jewelry Discussion
1

A bit of Valentin Yotkov’s book draft mentions that Lee of Bonny Doon
was working on an automatic snarling iron. Does anyone know if it
ever came to fruition?

Thanks much.
Kay Allen

2 
A bit of Valentin Yotkov's book draft mentions that Lee of Bonny
Doon was working on an automatic snarling iron. Does anyone know if
it ever came to fruition?

Ah yes…projects not finished. Valentin has periodically reminded me
of this, and I occasionally revisit the boxes of parts where it
resides.

Almost all of my design energies of late have been focused on
developing a new hand saw (3"-5"-8") that I will be introducing soon.

I have been going through a lot of changes over the last couple of
years, selling Bonny Doon Engineering to Phil Poirier, moving into
town from Bonny Doon, starting up my new company: Knew Concepts, and
trying to become known as “The Saw Guy”. Check out knewconcepts.com
if interested.

Now, back to the original question. To get the cost down, I had
planned on using an automotive part called a “starter bendix”. These
are what are defined as a ratcheting clutch, and have all been
replaced with a different way of accomplishing the task. So, I am
back at square one for the moment. Whether I can get the costs down
to a reasonable level is up in the air.

Thanks for reminding me.

Lee Marshall
knewconcepts.com

3

Lee,

Now, back to the original question. To get the cost down, I had
planned on using an automotive part called a "starter bendix".
These are what are defined as a ratcheting clutch, and have all
been replaced with a different way of accomplishing the task. So, I
am back at square one for the moment. Whether I can get the costs
down to a reasonable level is up in the air.

Look up Boston Gear, them may be able to produce a ratchet and
pinion gear setup you could use. Or else, maybe some other
arrangement, it has been a while since I’ve looked at a starter
bendix, to know exactly what you need. You should also look up Yoder
(or Yodder) hammers for some ideas. Baliegh (?) in Wisconsin makes a
very nice reciprocating hammer that crosses planishing, Yoder, and
English wheel, about $20,000.00 so not for many to afford.

DAn C.

4

That is the problem. Yes, I can have a custom part made, but the
price is more than what the entire snarling iron would cost. I try
to price the final product so that it is affordable. Thanks for the
suggestion, and I will keep looking.

Lee