Keyboard Shortcuts
ctrl + shift + ? :
Show all keyboard shortcuts
ctrl + g :
Navigate to a group
ctrl + shift + f :
Find
ctrl + / :
Quick actions
esc to dismiss
Likes
- 7x12MiniLathe
- Messages
Search
Re: Making springs
Making your own springs is the best option if you need a one-off
spring, or something out of the ordinary. Another option is to buy a length of spring stock and just cut out a section to suit your need. Companies like Reid Supply Company sell lengths of spring stock in varying sizes and materials (piano wire, stainless, etc.). And it's cheap, usually just a few dollars per length. John |
Re: Best Plastic to use
Turning epoxy resin and/or using it as a handle can cause a problem
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
for some people because they have, or develop, contact sensitivity to the resin. This may result in an allergic reaction, anything from red skin and/or itching to swelling to difficulty breathing. The allergic reaction is generally not immediate, it can take 12 hours or more for symptoms to develop so it is easy to miss the connection between exposure and symptoms. The allergy is mainly to un-reacted hardner so chances of a reaction diminish over time and also if the epoxy cure is accelerated by raising the temperature. Be alert for any of the above, especially if you turn this material on your lathe since the resulting additional surface area brings additional risk of a reaction. John --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "rancerupp" <rupps@...> wrote:
|
Re: Tap and die sets
Hi Andy.
I was actually thinking likewise and having read your comments now know I was right! I am using 12mm aluminium rod and having turned it down an inch from the end attempted to cut a 8mm thread, which did not work out too well. Then I thought why not drill and tap a hole and use a screw instead or just screw in a piece of 8mm thread and still use a nut on the end. Still waiting for delivery of a tailstock chuck so have not been able to try it out. Paul --- In 7x12minilathe@..., andrew franks <andyf1108@...> wrote: seems to stick to the tap or die and to tear out the threads as you progress. One method I have used with (limited) success is to sort of "form" the thread rather than cut it. For an external thread, I have used rod a bit under half way between the outside and core diameters of the desired thread, taper-turned the inside of a plain steel nut of the desired size, and then (with lubrication) forcibly screwed the nut on to the rod - basically, squeezing the aluminium into shape. Similarly for internal threads, using a bit over half-way sized hole and a tapered bolt.The results weren't terribly pretty, but good enough for my needs. The internal threads were better, because it was easier to emery off the machining roughness left on my "tap" than it was to smooth the inside of my "die". Andyout more at the Yahoo! Mail Championships. Plus: play games and win prizes.
|
Re: Best Plastic to use
Hi Rance,
You've basicly got it except the first 2 parras go together to describe how I put a handle on a hand tool shaft. For example, I recently cut down a screw driver since I needed a little carbon steel and also needed a very short screwdriver. By keying I meant I didn't want the shaft to move in the new handle. A couple of grooves turned in the steel shaft stop it pulling clear out of the resin (axial direction) and a couple of flats ground on the shaft stop it twisting in the resin (rotational direction). Is that clearer? The last parra was a standalone comment about how the guys in the workshop of my previous employer used to cast blocks of the stuff. I follow what you mean about the cardboard. However, I think you'll change your mind after trying it. The resin is pretty runny before it starts to cure and the cardboard will probably end in a sticky disaster. In any event the resin will likely soak in so far that you will have little chance of soaking it off. Having worked with the stuff in a previous life I went the PVC, silicone and WD40 way to avoid getting messy. I've previously used aerosol caps, etc. as formers. Anything that comes to hand that's disposo and won't leak. Apart from the copious swarf it's nice to machine. It also does a pretty good job at bonding to itself if you need to cast in layers. Sometimes that becomes necessary if doing large volumes and you don't want to risk the curing heat melting your Chinese takeaway container mold! John --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "rancerupp" <rupps@...> wrote: first two paragraphs are you talking bout two different procedures?resin using pvc. Then turn it off and turn the resin rod into whateveryou wnat."? It seems like an appropriate sized cardboard tube(cappedon one end) could be used for casting the resin. Then just soak thethen store.cast the handle with fibre glassing resin from the hardware critical. clampingGlue a piece to some scrap with silicone, etc. Then spray theinsidelightly with WD40 as a release agent. Support the shaft by thefrom above and pour the resin in. Next day, stick the shaft in won'tchuck and turn off the PVC. If the WD40 has worked well you andneed to machine much before it slips off anyway. Discard that orcontinue turning the resin to shape. Fine cuts go smoothly and Finishthe job will eventually grab the whole pile and wrap it up! with emery or wet & dry if you want a nice polish. |
Re: Best Plastic to use
John,
I think I understand most of what you are saying. Between your first two paragraphs are you talking bout two different procedures? Overall, are you basically saying "Cast a rod of fiberglassing resin using pvc. Then turn it off and turn the resin rod into whatever you wnat."? It seems like an appropriate sized cardboard tube(capped on one end) could be used for casting the resin. Then just soak the cardboard tube off after it hardens. What's all this about axial and rotational keying? :) Thanks. Rance --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "born4something" <ajs@...> wrote: axial keying), grind a couple of flats (for rotational keying) and theninside lightly with WD40 as a release agent. Support the shaft by clamping |
Re: 1st Timer Accessories-Which 4-Jaw chuck?
Thanks for the comments from all. I understand about the jaws
sticking out. Since I'm getting an 8x12 I think I will go with the 5" though. I thought about the 6" but I just don't know. I'll wait on my purchase until the lathe actually gets here. Rance --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "steam4ian" <fosterscons@...> wrote: hex stock only needs a 3 jaw self centering chuck, it will be the mosteven off set pieces for eccentric turning by means of packers.its 4 jaw chuck time or even use a face plate. Ive had my lathe 10 monthsand haven't used the face plate yet but they are cheap and just worthbe set up rather than just thrown in the 3 jaw SC chuck. You will needa dial indicator and magnetic stand. If you are really clever you canuse the cross slide and shims (cigarette papers) to get the workcentred. Get the biggest chuck/s you can afford and swing in the lathe,remember the jaws sometimes extend beyond the perimeter of the chuck.drill centre holes; this also means centre drill bits.is not essential, you just need high pressure molibdenum grease.purchase. centering orpocketindependetent jaws. In my limited knowledge, I expect thatindependentjaws is what I want. Should I get the biggest that my lathe & recommendationsbook can handle? Price IS a consideration to me. Any for a 5" (specific part #'s please)? Thanks. :) |
Re: Buying & Using a Knurler
Looks like the scissor type wins out. I'll try to catch one on sale
or do the ebay thing. Once I get it in, I may consider making my 2nd one (if further needs arise). Thanks for the input guys. --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "rancerupp" <rupps@...> wrote: make my own mount or buy the whole tool? Seems to me that buying the wholetool would be best. Do I really need multiple tpi knurls? I'm just awhat you can knurl due to the throat they have worked very well for me.Mine will take just under 2" and in reality this has not proved aproblem for the type of stuff i do. |
Re: 1st Timer Accessories-Tool Bits (HSS vs Carbide)
Folks, Sorry for the late reply but I've been out of pocket (ie.
working a side job to pay for the HF 8x12 that is on order.). I'll fill you in when I get it in my grubby little hands. Thanks a bunch for all the replies, comments suggestions and encouragement. I particularly like Ian's suggested use of the angle grinder for roughing. That's a $10 tool from HF. And I could mount it to the bench too. I also have a newer appreciation for the tangential holder now that I understand more about it. I believe I'll probably use carbide inserts for threading (initially) but grind HSS for all my other applications. Thanks again for all the comments. Rance |
Re: 7x12 capability
Me agen John.
I have looked through Minitech's offering, they don't seem to have spare threading dials either; but you should ask. I must admit that during the drooling over catalogue stage the threading dial was one of the things I looked for. I had only ever cut inch threads on imperial machines so was not aware of the complexity of chasing metric threads. That reminds me the threading dial is also called a "thread chasing dial" The pinion is quite simple and you could probably cut you own in aluminium. Turn up a blank then the use the change gears as an indexer. By grinding a tool with the Acme thread profile you could mount it on edge on the lathe centre line and then traverse it along the blank with the saddle using the cross slide to set the cut depth. There must be a better way with metric threads but i haven't worked it out yet. I recall there is a third method after reversing the lathe, using the dial and.......? As an aside, the 7x12 had the features that our Workshop Practice I instructor told us to look for when assessing a lathe, e.g, a prism bed, tumbler reverse, back gear, thread cutting change wheels and a thread chasing dial. --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "born4something" <ajs@...> wrote: dial existed for that model. I got one from LMS.at www.mini-lathe.org.uk/thread_dial_change_gears.shtmlhighlight the need for several spindles in order to cover relatively standard |
Re: 7x12 capability
andrew franks
Chris, I had a 3.25" length of 1" diam. aluminium handy, so I've just tried facing it in my 3-jaw, without using undue force to tighten the chuck. In fact, the chucked end was a smaller diam. for a quarter of an inch, so the effective grip was on less than 0.5" of the job. Using modest (3 thou or so) increments, it faced up nicely - can't see any appreciable light getting through when holding it up to the window, against a straightedge.Would be a long job, though, if there was much metal to be removed to achieve the right length, and a travelling steady, as Ian recommends, would enable more ambitious cuts.
Andy mozziesplat <katiechris4evr@...> wrote: --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "steam4ian" <fosterscons@...> wrote: is the overhang from the chuck. There is a risk that the work couldskew in the chuck due to the cutting forces. Being aluminium doesn'thelp, it is softer to hold. If the work was any longer I would definitelyuse a fixed steady to give support at the work face. Use a steady to bea cost effective package.correctly you must be Australian.round Cheers Ian the work skewing due to the tool forces at the end of thealuminium stock tight enough so that i can face both ends off. work were exactly my concerns. What is the maximum diameter of stock that will fit through the fixed steadies ... You chaps down in Australia still spell aluminium correctly like us in the uk, the reason for my handle is another story that doesnt involve dead insects on your windscreen/shield? regards, chris --------------------------------- Now you can scan emails quickly with a reading pane. Get the new Yahoo! Mail. |
Re: 7x12 capability
Hi Ian,
Yes, my lathe came from H&F in Sydney. I too was worried about Ozmestore's lack of accessories. Also, he's a long way for after sales service. He never responded to any enquiries on the subject of warranty so in the end I shopped closer to home. Also the colour - a red & black one matches more aftermarket accessories. Later I discovered H&F are no better on accessories for the 7x. They didn't even know a threading dial existed for that model. I got one from LMS. I found an explanation for the threading dial with metric examples at www.mini-lathe.org.uk/thread_dial_change_gears.shtml <> that gelled for me. The only problem is that the examples actually highlight the need for several spindles in order to cover relatively standard pitches. Hence my question. Maybe I should browse the Taig store in Canberra? John --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "steam4ian" <fosterscons@...> wrote:
|
Re: 7x12 capability
G'day John.
My extra pinions came with the lathe and there is a chart on the side of the control housing saying which pinion to chose. Some how metric threads are more complex than imperial when it comes to this. I have cut imperial threads using my 57 tooth gear trick but have not got the threading dial mastered for such threads, had to reverse out; I suspect that only 19 tooth (57 is a multiple of 19) pinion would work but I haven't bothered with the maths. There is a very good article in www.mini-lathe.com.uk. The saddle on my lathe is a rectangular block without a cut out. The cut out isn't necessary on these lathes as the saddle and tail stock shsre a common V. On Hercus, Southbend and others the tail stock is on ths inside V and will nestle "into" the saddle. I have a heat treatment diagram at the end of the bed. You asked a while ago why I didn't get my lathe from Ozemstore. At the time he didn't have a "buy it now price" and the price was quite variable; also he didn't stock the accessories. His offer is now more complete and has a "buy it now price". After some evaluation I got the best deal from Taig machinery in Canberra with all tha accessories. Did you get yours from Hare & Forbes? Must get back to work. One good turn deserves another. Regards. Ian --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "born4something" <ajs@...> wrote: Hand wheels are black plastic (apron & tailstock). No way wipers. Metricto install on the leadscrew blocks. No retaining nut on r/h ofbut where do you buy the other pinions?. |
HELP!! I am in need of a lathe with the following capabilities
harleyknall
I am looking to buy a cheap lathe to do the following work.
I will be working on some 10" long pipe under 3/4" diameter. I need to make small sections of it thinner ( face?), and be able to cut the pipe to length ( part? ) I am specificaly interested in THREADING, I NEED to be able to make 14x1 left hand thread. Are the cheapo harbor freight ones suited to this? Which is the best to buy? This lathe will be LIGHTLY USED, I do not need an industrail machine. I am simply wondering what INEXPENSIVE lathe can perform the task and HOW to perform the threading task ( what gear set up ect ). Harbor freight has 2 7x10 lathes listed that look identical, there is a $10 price diferance...... which is better? what is the diferance? Will either do the required task? |
Re: 7x12 capability
Hi Ian,
Agreed the 30mm will handle Chris' job. I just baulked at the significantly different size. I'm assuming mine's Sieg. Certainly the controller is - they etched their name in the PCB artwork. The machine certainly matches their photos on their black & red site to a tee. The vendor advertised hardened beds. Not sure what you mean by saddle cut away. It's an H shaped casting rather than rectangular if that's what you mean. Hand wheels are black plastic (apron & tailstock). No way wipers. Metric leadscrew. No saddle or leadscrew oilers. I've bought some oilers to install on the leadscrew blocks. No retaining nut on r/h of leadscrew. No threading dial supplied. I've added one with 16T - but where do you buy the other pinions?. John --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "steam4ian" <fosterscons@...> wrote: to that.but a clone or even original.the lead screw end, a retaining nut on RH end of the lead screw,metric lead screw and three pinions for the threading dial? However7x toSieg made ones. The hole is 40mm but the fingers only back out fingers30mm. butopenout to fit 45mm diameter. I haven't tried anything this size 25mmshould be a breeze. |
Re: Just bought it on a 30% Coupon and now this....
G'day Bill.
Dunno! Send us a picture! Enjoy your lathe, have fun, be creative. One good turn deserves another. Regards, Ian --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "Bill Kenny" <billcnc@...> wrote: night.
|
Re: 7x12 capability
G'day John & Chris.
My lathe and steadies are green, probably "Hawthorn Green". The opening is definitely over 45mm diameter and the fingers open out to that. Some of the features on my lathe make me suspect it is not a Sieg but a clone or even original. Do you have heat hardened ways, saddle not cut away in the middle, metal handwheels, oilers and way wipers on the saddle, oilers on the lead screw end, a retaining nut on RH end of the lead screw, metric lead screw and three pinions for the threading dial? However everthing else has the same shortcomings. For all that the Sieg steady would still handle the 25mm stock for Chris. One good turn deserves another. Regards, Ian. --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "born4something" <ajs@...> wrote:
|
Re: 7x12 capability
Not sure which steadies you have Ian but I just checked my red 7x
Sieg made ones. The hole is 40mm but the fingers only back out to 30mm. John --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "steam4ian" <fosterscons@...> wrote: open out to fit 45mm diameter. I haven't tried anything this size but25mm should be a breeze.allow 25mm through the headstock spindle.concern couldisthe overhang from the chuck. There is a risk that the work doesn'tskewin the chuck due to the cutting forces. Being aluminium tohelp,definitelyit is softer to hold. If the work was any longer I wouldusea fixed steady to give support at the work face. Use a steady becomesure. Consider getting steadies with the lathe, often they asifacost effective package.correctly theinchstandard chucks are cabable of holding 3 inch lengths of 1 off.roundaluminium stock tight enough so that i can face both ends simplisticI would be a complete novice to this hobby hence the theCheers Ian the work skewing due to the tool forces at the end ofquestion. |
Re: 7x12 capability
G'day Chris.
A quick trip out to the workshop showed that the steady fingers open out to fit 45mm diameter. I haven't tried anything this size but 25mm should be a breeze. You would have to go up a few lathe sizes to get one that will allow 25mm through the headstock spindle. The lathe has the power, I face 50m x 25mm Ali blocks without any problem. Hope this helps; must get back to work. One good turn deserves another. regards, Ian --- In 7x12minilathe@..., "mozziesplat" <katiechris4evr@...> wrote: definitely usebea fixed steady to give support at the work face. Use a steady to assure. Consider getting steadies with the lathe, often they come athecost effective package.correctly theroundstandard chucks are cabable of holding 3 inch lengths of 1 inchCheers Ian the work skewing due to the tool forces at the end ofaluminium stock tight enough so that i can face both ends off. work were exactly my concerns. What is the maximum diameter ofstock that will fit through the fixed steadies ... You chaps down in |
Re: Just bought it on a 30% Coupon and now this....
Doh ..... Do I look as stupid as I feel? I figured it out late last night.
Bill On 3/13/07, andrew franks <andyf1108@...> wrote:
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
Re: 7x12 capability
mozziesplat
--- In 7x12minilathe@..., "steam4ian" <fosterscons@...>
wrote: is the overhang from the chuck. There is a risk that the work couldskew in the chuck due to the cutting forces. Being aluminium doesn'thelp, it is softer to hold. If the work was any longer I would definitelyuse a fixed steady to give support at the work face. Use a steady to bea cost effective package.correctly you must be Australian.round Cheers Ian the work skewing due to the tool forces at the end of thealuminium stock tight enough so that i can face both ends off. work were exactly my concerns. What is the maximum diameter of stock that will fit through the fixed steadies ... You chaps down in Australia still spell aluminium correctly like us in the uk, the reason for my handle is another story that doesnt involve dead insects on your windscreen/shield? regards, chris |
to navigate to use esc to dismiss