Have started to have a go at head work

[knobstar]

After seeing Tony's mightily impressive results I thought I'd have a go at some headwork. This are by no means finished shots - indeed this is a spare head I intend to slice up - but I'm keen for a steer as to whether or not i'm working the right areas and/or if I have the right tools.

From a bit of reading and then trying to apply it to our engines it would seem that the areas in which gains can be made are to de-shroud the valve and then open up the throat (slightly upstream).


This is the carbide cutter I was using to work the throat area:


I'm a bit unsure as to how much de-shrouding you can do but am under the impression that you can ease the flow path so long as you stay within the lines (so to speak) i.e. the area sealed by the gasket:





The set of carbides I have comes with the usual shaped bits, though I have to say that I am surprised how easily they remove material from the head even on a very low drill speed. I mean, I understand that the final finish isn't made with these cutters but it would be nice to know i'm at least starting with the right tools and approach!

Comments welcome