Author Topic: My first use of a lathe to make something useful :) (Read 11690 times)

Brendon M · « **on:** July 20, 2016, 02:15:27 PM »

Hello! I hope this post is appropriate for the chatterbox section

While this sort of reads like an introduction post, I have been on this board for a while now, and I have yet to post anything even remotely related to anything machining.

I still have no machine shop of my own, but I recently became a member of the Connected Community Hackerspace in Melbourne, and one of the benefits of joining is that their workshop is equipped with one of these

(sorry for blurry image)

It is a Sheraton lathe, what appears to be a Southbend copy, which was manufactured here in Melbourne, Victoria (specifically, in Fairfield). Sheraton moved to Knox in 1981, which means this lathe is possibly 35 years of age.

I checked the spindle runout and found it to be 0.05mm, or about 2 thousands of an inch. For a machine of this age, I figured was good enough. I was then told that the spindle bearings were recently replaced, so maybe it could be better?

The handwheel dials are in imperial measurement, which poses a bit of a challenge, but I'll get used to it eventually

So, I am a complete newbie when it comes to machining; naturally the very first machining project I had the nerve to do was create a custom washer for my front door -- an old design with the knob mounted in the center of the door (otherwise I probably would have just replaced the whole mechanism)

The knobs are held in place by a circlip. Over time the circlip has worn the housing bracket to the point where the knob can be pulled right through. The temporary solution* was to make a washer larger than the circlip.

I used drills to open up the internal diameter as much as I could, and then finally (after a lot of confusion on the correct cutter choice), bored out the inside to the correct diameter. I think the washer was mild steel.

Overall, it worked pretty well.

I understand that this is Machining for absolute beginners and that this post is probably boring, but I am glad to just (finally) have access to a lathe

My next project will be to build something more complex: a metal scriber as described by Chris at Clickspring

I hope with enough time, I'll be able to build something as great as everyone else on here.

Thank you for reading.

*There is a saying, however: "There's nothing more permanent than a temporary solution"

Jo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2016, 02:29:50 PM »

Well done Brendon,

Starting with these little "fix its" is a great way to build up confidence and to learn about using machine tools

The negative of using club tools is you have to get there early so no one else beats you to your machine

and it is not advisable to leave things set up when you go home

And normally all the best tooling has been ~~nicked~~ mislaid

Jo

Flyboy Jim · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2016, 02:45:56 PM »

Good start on your machining journey Brendon.

My first project, when I got my lathe, was the scriber (by Clickspring) that you show the link for. I used a piece of 1/4" welding rod to make it. I use it a lot.

Jim

Chipswitheverything · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2016, 02:53:04 PM »

Hi Brendon, glad that you enjoyed your first encounter with a decent sized lathe. As you suggest, when you are a beginner it seems like a big step forward to switch the machine on and give it a go, but you're on your way now...!
Might be worth thinking of making up ( grinding and honing ) a couple of basic HSS tool bits for yourself, say a standard knife tool and perhaps a tool with a radiused tip, so that you know that you will always have tool bits that you are happy to use and have kept nice and sharp, when you come to have session time on the lathe. Just an idea... Dave

b.lindsey · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2016, 03:28:11 PM »

Well done Brendon. That first step is often the hardest, but every journey starts there!!

Bill

RMO · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2016, 03:47:11 PM »

Brendon,

Got to start somewhere and making something functional is a great way to start. After a while, you will wonder how you got along without access to a lathe.

Mike

zeeprogrammer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2016, 05:07:09 PM »

Quote from: brendonm on July 20, 2016, 02:15:27 PM

I understand that this is Machining for absolute beginners

Many of us (and I) started just that way. This forum is great for beginners.

and that this post is probably boring,

Never boring to see someone start. Actually helps us/me to learn more.

but I am glad to just (finally) have access to a lathe

Yay!

Brendon M · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2016, 02:10:05 AM »

Thank you all for your words of encouragement

Quote from: Jo on July 20, 2016, 02:29:50 PM

The negative of using club tools is you have to get there early so no one else beats you to your machine and it is not advisable to leave things set up when you go home And normally all the best tooling has been ~~nicked~~ mislaid

Jo

Hello Jo, lucky for me most of the members are attracted to the 3d printers and laser cutter

Also I think the members are pretty honest and/or likely don't have their own lathe for which to accidently "indefinitely borrow" tools, and also the committee would notice things going missing as well

That said, I will take Dave's (Chipswitheverything) advice and learn how to grind my own tool bits.

PStechPaul · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2016, 07:11:32 AM »

That scriber looks like a nice simple project. Good information also about neutral rake for brass, and making a spear point drill bit.

My first useful lathe project was an MT2 drill chuck adapter for my lathe to use a threaded base Jacobs chuck. I made the adapter from a large Grade 8 bolt:

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/MT2_Drill_Chuck_0792_800p.jpg height=589

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/MT2_Drill_Chuck_0795_800p.jpg height=589

The taper is not quite right and the finish is poor, but I learned a lot from this little project. I'm glad you are finally getting a chance to do some machining. It's a very satisfying hobby with many practical applications around the home, shop, garage, etc.

I made this brass fitting to replace a plastic one that had broken on my Sleep Number bed:

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/Sleep_Number_Fitting_1824.jpg height=589

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/Sleep_Number_Fitting_1825.jpg height=589

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/Sleep_Number_Fitting_1833.jpg height=589

Brendon M · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2016, 01:07:43 PM »

Thanks Paul. Being able to make my own tools -- especially to fix things -- will definitely be invaluable

Myrickman · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2016, 08:56:22 PM »

Great you're making this journey into machine tools. My advice learned from aggravation is to be able to select cutters which are sharp and or being able to true them up. Nothing worse than messing up a part or struggling due poorly sharpened cutters. A dial indicator on the cross slide can compensate for a worn half nut on an older machine when you have to be spot on size. The feeling of making something useful or saving $$$ is also nice. Welcome aboard! Paul

philjoe5 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2016, 09:28:46 PM »

Nice work Brendon. Your hackerspace is lucky to have what appears to be a well made lathe. Our makerspace in southeastern Pennsylvania has lots of 3D printers, a laser cutter and various whiz bang electronic stuff. But we also have a small machine shop and there's lots of interest in learning how to use the tools there because it's hard to make anything without needing taps, dies, bushings, milling and lathe work at some point.

I'm curious...did you get someone to help you get started on the lathe or did you just pick up on it and figure things out?

Good luck with the hackerspace

Cheers,
Phil

Brendon M · « **Reply #12 on:** July 22, 2016, 01:56:22 PM »

Quote from: Myrickman on July 21, 2016, 08:56:22 PM

Great you're making this journey into machine tools. My advice learned from aggravation is to be able to select cutters which are sharp and or being able to true them up. Nothing worse than messing up a part or struggling due poorly sharpened cutters. A dial indicator on the cross slide can compensate for a worn half nut on an older machine when you have to be spot on size. The feeling of making something useful or saving $$$ is also nice. Welcome aboard! Paul

Thank you Paul

Quote from: philjoe5 on July 21, 2016, 09:28:46 PM

Nice work Brendon. Your hackerspace is lucky to have what appears to be a well made lathe. Our makerspace in southeastern Pennsylvania has lots of 3D printers, a laser cutter and various whiz bang electronic stuff. But we also have a small machine shop and there's lots of interest in learning how to use the tools there because it's hard to make anything without needing taps, dies, bushings, milling and lathe work at some point.

I'm curious...did you get someone to help you get started on the lathe or did you just pick up on it and figure things out?

Good luck with the hackerspace

Cheers,
Phil

Hello Phil, I was shown the basics of lathe operation by a member at CCHS. But I have also gleaned information from the channels of Myfordboy and Clickspring and various other videos on youtube

Brendon M · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2016, 12:47:34 PM »

Hello again, I figure I can just keep posting in this thread, rather than create new threads. I hope this is OK.

I had a go at making a metal scriber. I don't know where to buy brass so I substituted with steel rod from Bunnings hardware store.

As I kind of expected, I mucked up the first attempt, but I learned a lot in the process. Also, this is why I have enough rod left over for at least 6 more mistakes

I mucked up on Step 2, which is drilling the hole for the sewing pin. I think I got a bit aggressive with the 1.5mm drill, as it snapped off inside. I was running the lathe at 1250rpm, which may have been too fast. I was initially running at 315rpm, and the drill seemed to cut OK at first, but it was getting progressively more difficult to drill. I was clearing the chips and coating with cutting fluid.

Despite that, I continued on with the other steps, since it was quite likely I'd muck something else up as well. Here is the end result:

I actually ran some sandpaper over it to clean up the surface, although I obviously did this more at the pointy end than the other

A tip that was offered to me by a friend is to cover the ways so that grit from the sandpaper does not form a grinding paste. Luckily I had wiped the ways down with paper towel, but hopefully I haven't caused long term damage as a result.

The most important lesson from all this is: lathes are great fun!

Flyboy Jim · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2016, 02:39:01 PM »

Good work Brendon.

You'll find your scriber to be very handy.

I made mine out of 1/4" brass brazing rod that I was able to buy locally.

I don't suppose they happen to have a mill there to go along with that lathe?

Jim

Brendon M · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2016, 11:30:00 PM »

Hello Jim, thank you

We do have a mill but it is of the CNC variety. No manual mill, unfortunately.

I can model stuff in 3D, but most of the projects I have in mind are simple and CNC would be overkill, so I don't use it.

This might be a great excuse to purchase my own mill

zeeprogrammer · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2016, 02:12:01 AM »

All I can say is

You are going down a well traveled path.

"muck"...loved that. Haven't heard it in ages.

I used to use it. Makes me wonder where you are.

Jayville · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2016, 12:05:30 PM »

Brendonm you can buy all the brass that you want at George White in Clayton...last time I was their they let me behind counter..talk about a kid in a lolly shop.and they will cut to any size....clem....tasmania

Brendon M · « **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2016, 12:09:32 AM »

Quote from: zeeprogrammer on July 28, 2016, 02:12:01 AM

"muck"...loved that. Haven't heard it in ages.

I used to use it. Makes me wonder where you are.

Thanks Carl, I am in Melbourne, Australia. Now that you mention it, I have only just noticed how close it to a certain other expletive

Quote from: Jayville on July 28, 2016, 12:05:30 PM

Brendonm you can buy all the brass that you want at George White in Clayton...

Thank you for the tip

b.lindsey · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2016, 12:40:30 AM »

Watch out there Brendon, you know this can be very addicting!! Nice work on the scriber

Bill

Brendon M · « **Reply #20 on:** August 21, 2016, 01:10:04 PM »

Hello again,

My next adventure in machining was another repair job. This time my lawn mower - the rod which connects the front and rear axels for height control has a pin which uses a circlip to hold everything together. This pin has eroded overtime and the circlip essentially falls off. So I decided to make a new pin.

I once again used a bit of scrap mild steel. I am quickly learning that I really need to think about the order of machining operations and not just "wing it", since I parted off without realising I had nothing left to chuck to finish the job

Here is the pin in action. I made the groove for the circlip too big, I suspect there'll be a "Mark II" in the near future, once I learn how to grind my own tool bits.

Of course, you fix one problem, and another presents itself. D'oh!

mcostello · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2016, 06:36:17 PM »

You are getting the idea. If You make something that saves "THE HOUSE" some money just be sure to show it around a bit. It makes it easier to buy (the inevitable) next tool. You have been bitten and are getting addicted, enjoy the ride.

b.lindsey · « **Reply #22 on:** August 22, 2016, 12:41:21 AM »

Nice fix !! Maybe you should think about making a whole new mower, or at least a new set of tires for that one

Bill

PStechPaul · « **Reply #23 on:** August 22, 2016, 02:03:20 AM »

Wow! Blew a wheel off that mower, eh? How fast were you going when that happened?

http://www.meaforensic.com/wheel-separation-investigation-metallurgical-expert-mark-bailey-mea-forensic

Bearing failure?

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Maeaht5vEBM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Maeaht5vEBM</a>

Brendon M · « **Reply #24 on:** August 22, 2016, 04:31:49 AM »

Haha, only walking pace, I swear

Nothing too serious, just the circlip that holds the wheel onto the axel came off. I'll repack the bearings with grease and put the wheel back on.

Quote from: b.lindsey on August 22, 2016, 12:41:21 AM

Nice fix !! Maybe you should think about making a whole new mower, or at least a new set of tires for that one

Bill

That could be an interesting project (edit: making a new set of wheels)

Robert Hornby · « **Reply #25 on:** August 22, 2016, 07:56:31 AM »

Good work Brendon, I get a good deal of satisfaction from 'fixing' things. Now you have access to the machines, the world is your oyster.
Robert

ShopShoe · « **Reply #26 on:** August 22, 2016, 04:19:03 PM »

"Wow! Blew a wheel off that mower, eh? How fast were you going when that happened?"

Unfortunately, all too common nowadays. Wheels attached with cheap hardware. Lost one off my (new) snowblower in the middle of a blizzzard last winter. Had to sieve snow to find the attaching hardware as all the stores were closed due to the blizzard and too darn cold to work in the unhearted garage to come up with an alternative. The wheels on my grand-daughter's doll buggy were held on with better fasteners (He grumbles).

ShopShoe

Brendon M · « **Reply #27 on:** August 24, 2016, 02:36:34 PM »

Hello ShopShoe, the mower hasn't done too bad, I've had it for about 6 years, and I'm the second owner. It was already old when it was given to me.

While I'm here, I thought I'd show this practice run to grind a lathe tool bit, specifically one intended for cutting brass.

It's a piece of unknown 1/2 inch steel from Bunnings which I paid way too much for, but I was eager to do some practice grinding.

I've purchased some actual HSS tool blanks, and will purchase a bench grinder as well (CCHS only has a belt/disc sander).

I have indeed been bitten.

By the way, this thread is becoming a bit more like a learning journal, I can start a different thread elsewhere if that would be more appropriate.

Flyboy Jim · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2016, 03:06:04 PM »

Good work on the toolbit Brendon.

That's a skill I have yet to start working on, even though I have some blank toolbits and a grinder.

Jim

PStechPaul · « **Reply #29 on:** August 25, 2016, 01:07:38 AM »

A grinder is arguably the first and most important machine tool to acquire. Even if you just have hand tools, you will want to sharpen drill bits, axes, chisels, mower blades, etc. Lathe bit sharpening can be a challenging and rewarding project. I have found that pictures and videos are not quite adequate to explain all the details, but are good starting points. It is rewarding to try a few variations of grinding to get a good "feel" for what works well and what does not. I bought an odd lot of perhaps 30 assorted lathe bits that have been sharpened to various profiles for special purposes, and I have used some of them mostly as-is, or with minor modification. It was only about $20 for the lot, so I don't much worry about mistakes.

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/Lathe_Bits_0814_800p.jpg height=583

http://enginuitysystems.com/pix/Lathe_Bits_0815_800p.jpg height=583

Brendon M · « **Reply #30 on:** August 31, 2016, 01:46:31 PM »

Hello Paul, considering that 6 pieces of tool steel cost me $20AUD, you got a bargain

Brendon M · « **Reply #31 on:** September 07, 2016, 05:46:21 AM »

Hello again,

I finally purchased myself a bench grinder, a Linishall BG8 model.

I also had my first "D'oh" moment on the lathe.

I was working on Metal Scriber Mk II using a piece of previously turned down 3/8th inch brass rod. All was going well; I just finished cutting the taper, but instead of backing out the cutter, I accidently turned the wrong way and plunged it in, carving out a wide ring in the scriber.

I attempted to correct it by re-cutting the taper until the ring disappeared; unfortunately the length of the scriber was now too short, and the taper too long.

Oh well, on the plus side it only took me 25 minutes this time to turn down the next bit of 1/2 inch brass rod stock down to 3/8th, so at least I am getting faster at starting from scratch

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #32 on:** September 07, 2016, 09:41:35 PM »

Turning a dial the wrong way - We have all been there

crueby · « **Reply #33 on:** September 07, 2016, 09:44:25 PM »

Yup, as they say, Practisse Makes Prefect!

Been there. Done that. Will do it again, I'm sure...

Brendon M · « **Reply #34 on:** September 08, 2016, 03:29:06 AM »

Thank you both

Yes I can definitely appreciate the advice given to me when I made my intro post on this forum: "start small".

I am starting as small as possible and I'm still making errors

AOG · « **Reply #35 on:** September 08, 2016, 05:00:13 AM »

For what it's worth, in my experience you will always make mistakes. In the beginning, you start with the make thrice use one method of machining (I know because I exited that phase not so long ago.) eventually you build a bag of tricks to fix your screw ups or work around them by adjusting the dimensions of the other parts. Keep at it and you will learn from your mistakes and start to build your own bag of tricks. One of the things this forum is great for, is that when you screw up and you don't know how to fix it ,people here will let you borrow some of their bag of tricks to help you through the rough spot.

Tony

DTR · « **Reply #36 on:** September 08, 2016, 05:29:15 AM »

"One who makes no mistakes makes nothing at all"

10KPete · « **Reply #37 on:** September 08, 2016, 05:33:49 AM »

Quote from: brendonm on September 08, 2016, 03:29:06 AM

Thank you both

Yes I can definitely appreciate the advice given to me when I made my intro post on this forum: "start small".

I am starting as small as possible and I'm still making errors

And that's the important thing; they are small errors!!

Pete

Wabeco D6000E · « **Reply #38 on:** September 13, 2016, 01:03:46 PM »

Joining the Hackerspace or Makerspace is a great idea. I did that locally because of the CNC equipment. I learned how to draw models on Autodesk inventor and can bring the file in and run it on a CNC mill. People are there to help to things. And can see what other people are doing. $20 per month and I can use a Haas CNC mill or lathe and all the other machinery there.

Brendon M · « **Reply #39 on:** October 06, 2016, 12:48:30 PM »

Hello again

I finally managed to create a metal scriber, as described here.

I can finally tick this off, only needed three attempts

At least from the failed attempts I had scrap brass stock to try machining operations on first to see what could possibly go wrong.

For my next project, I am going to attempt something more complex: a benchtop gyroscope

What I have not figured out yet is how I'm going to drill out the 6 holes in the flywheel accurately.

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #40 on:** October 06, 2016, 09:27:48 PM »

Congratulations - it looks great and you should be very happy with it

Chris at the site you linked to showed it nicely - if you have a mill - if not .... I cheat. When I did my Viking 2.5cc diesel, I used the lathe to mark the centre diameter of the holes. Next I used a digital angle meter on the chuck, set it to zero, turn the knob for the cutting depth to make a small line across the diameter mark. Backed the tool a bit and rotated the chuck until the angle meter shoved 60 degrees, turned the knobs again to make the next small mark. If you repeat this another five times, you end up with a circle divided by 6. Another way of doing this with the divider, as the radius of a circle divides it into 6 or 60 degrees apart.

steam guy willy · « **Reply #41 on:** October 06, 2016, 11:55:17 PM »

Quote from: brendonm on September 07, 2016, 05:46:21 AM

Hello again,

I finally purchased myself a bench grinder, a Linishall BG8 model.

I also had my first "D'oh" moment on the lathe.

I was working on Metal Scriber Mk II using a piece of previously turned down 3/8th inch brass rod. All was going well; I just finished cutting the taper, but instead of backing out the cutter, I accidently turned the wrong way and plunged it in, carving out a wide ring in the scriber.
I was demonstrating an old Drumond lathe to a friend recently and the top slide had a right handed thread installed!!. So every time i tried to take a cut it moved in the wrong direction !!! i think it was maybe a left handed persons lathe or something else..........
I attempted to correct it by re-cutting the taper until the ring disappeared; unfortunately the length of the scriber was now too short, and the taper too long.

Oh well, on the plus side it only took me 25 minutes this time to turn down the next bit of 1/2 inch brass rod stock down to 3/8th, so at least I am getting faster at starting from scratch

Brendon M · « **Reply #42 on:** October 07, 2016, 01:25:38 AM »

Quote from: Admiral_dk on October 06, 2016, 09:27:48 PM

Congratulations - it looks great and you should be very happy with it

Chris at the site you linked to showed it nicely - if you have a mill - if not .... I cheat. When I did my Viking 2.5cc diesel, I used the lathe to mark the centre diameter of the holes. Next I used a digital angle meter on the chuck, set it to zero, turn the knob for the cutting depth to make a small line across the diameter mark. Backed the tool a bit and rotated the chuck until the angle meter shoved 60 degrees, turned the knobs again to make the next small mark. If you repeat this another five times, you end up with a circle divided by 6. Another way of doing this with the divider, as the radius of a circle divides it into 6 or 60 degrees apart.

Thanks Admiral

The hackerspace has a CNC mill, which can be controlled in a manual fashion -- the main question is whether it is sturdy enough for drilling the required sized holes.

I am sure I could just mark the locations out and use a bench drill, but I do not know how accurate do the locations of the hole need to be to avoid the flywheel becoming unbalanced.

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #43 on:** October 07, 2016, 07:56:54 PM »

If it is a CNC mill it should be able to do the job, but if it is a CNC engraver router like the small Chinese one we have at work, you will be in trouble (it haven't got the power to do holes bigger than 1.65mm. ~ 1/16" in aluminium) - it might then be useful for marking the holes, using a very small drill bit as starters.

We use our router to insulate route printed circuit boards for prototyping and I use it for starter holes in the boxes - that way I get very precise starts to the drill bit in the big drill press.

Best wished

Per

Brendon M · « **Reply #44 on:** October 19, 2016, 12:26:32 PM »

Hello Admiral Per, I got a clarification about the CNC mill -- apparently it is rigid enough to mill steel; however they'd prefer if most people just stick to softer metals like brass, until they get the cutting fluid system working.

Back to my projects... I am getting considerably quicker. I managed to cut a new scriber from brass metal stock in 2 hours completely from scratch. This includes turning the diameter down from 1/2inch to 3/8ths. I did this to record footage as I was presenting my early machining experiments as part of a "bring your hobbies to work" day. The scriber itself isn't very exciting, but it was a great "attention grabber" to have videos of the machining process playing in the background.

OK, so I can definitely say I am done with making scribers!

I decided it was time to move on to something more complicated -- build a cartridge pen. So with every new project, the thread title becomes increasingly inaccurate... This new pen project involved a few new skills:

Accurately turning down to a required diameter, instead of simply "close enough"!
Cutting an external thread using a die
Drilling a 2 inch deep hole without breaking off the drill bit inside! :facepalm:

Also, unlike with the previous projects, I simply could not wing it. I had to sit down with pen and paper and work through some dimensions, and plan the order of machining operations, mindful that I needed to carry out all machining that needed to be done on the workpiece in one go, since the three jaw chuck would introduce slight misalignment.

After a few trial experiments, I got this far:

One of the issues I came up against is that the tailstock can only drill 2 inches deep. The cartridge length overall is a bit over 4 inches, and I would prefer if the cartridge hole was 3 inches deep, so that I don't have to drill so deep with the 2mm drill for the pen outlet hole in the pen cap. Unfortunately, I had to finish up before I could get to the target 3 inch depth. This means I am going to have to rechuck the workpiece and do so accurately, so I will need to learn how to use a 4-jaw chuck.

Either way, "fun" awaits!

Roger B · « **Reply #45 on:** October 19, 2016, 07:17:14 PM »

You look to be having fun here

Everything you do is useful experience

There are a couple of other tricks for dividing into 6. If there is enough flat area on the lathe bed a spacer of appropriate length to go under the jaw of a 3 jaw chuck will give six divisions using both sides. If you set a pair of dividers/compasses to the radius of the chuck or faceplate you can step 6 divisions round the outside and then set up a simple pointer to get the 6 divisions.

Don't worry too much about the initial balance of the gyroscope, you will always be able to correct it with some delicate filing/grinding once it is mounted in its bearings.

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #46 on:** October 19, 2016, 09:12:41 PM »

My tailstock can't more than that either. What you can do, is drill the first step (~2"), retract drill, lose the tailstock and move it forward, tighten it again and drill next step - this is almost certainly has to be interrupted to "empty the drill bit from swarf" or you will end up with a horrible noise + broken drill bit

My given name is Per - Admiral_dk is an internet ID I got from my first homepage back in 1998, that I kept using since

Brendon M · « **Reply #47 on:** October 19, 2016, 11:26:40 PM »

Thank you for the advice, Roger.

Yes I did also say the gyroscope was going to be my next project, however I am having a bit of difficulty tracking down the required materials. I may have to make a smaller version.

Quote from: Admiral_dk on October 19, 2016, 09:12:41 PM

My tailstock can't more than that either. What you can do, is drill the first step (~2"), retract drill, lose the tailstock and move it forward, tighten it again and drill next step - this is almost certainly has to be interrupted to "empty the drill bit from swarf" or you will end up with a horrible noise + broken drill bit

My given name is Per - Admiral_dk is an internet ID I got from my first homepage back in 1998, that I kept using since

Thank you Per, sorry for the confusion with your name. I figured for this project I would need to do something like this. Since I likely have a few more family members who would like a pen, I may take this as an opportunity to make a D-bit which can be mounted to the cross slide toolpost.

Admiral_dk · « **Reply #48 on:** October 20, 2016, 09:33:47 PM »

Quote

Thank you Per, sorry for the confusion with your name.

No worries - as our Ozzie member would say

News:

Author Topic: My first use of a lathe to make something useful :) (Read 11690 times)