19-07-2011, 08:25 AM
Hi,
Here's a bit of information regarding collets;
http://www.sherline.com/1160inst.htm
A lathe is generally considered a machine for producing round items such as shafts and spindles but it can also produce dead flat precision surfaces. If the item can be gripped in a chuck or secured to a face plate then it is easy to "face". For items such as castings then these can be accurately set up on the cross slide and machined using a single point cutter (fly cutter) in the chuck. For great accuracy and ultra fine surface finish lapping can be employed.
Here's a fly cutter being used in a milling machine;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzT2R6luWxo&NR=1
Here's a fly cutter being used in a lathe;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOEjGSCIub4&NR=1
I'd better not forget to mention using milling cutters in a lathe as these are extremely useful but highly expensive; I have a good selection of these cutters and they are ideal for cutting key-ways in shafts and slotting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZNaqSRYER0
The size of the lathe limits the size of the item being fly cut but by re-adjusting the position of the item overlapping cuts can be taken; a bit of imagination helps a great deal and it is amazing what can be done using a lathe. Even a lathe as small as this Lorch will produce quite large items; obviously on such a small lathe it is impossible to put on a 1/2" cut and engage feed but taking light cuts and exercising a lot of care and patience the Lorch will prove highly usable.
Many thanks for the eBay link Alan, what an old beauty this Colchester Triumph is. I was delighted with my more modern (60's) Triumph as it had a gearbox and matrix clutch; it would thread cut in both imperial and metric at a push of a lever; two levers gave the speed range; I do regret parting with it but it was a big lathe and took up a large footprint in my garage; fitted with a 5HP three phase motor it was an industrial quality lathe.
I fully agree David that certain machines or even tools are used seldom but once they are used come into their own. I do use my giant Startrite bandsaw a great deal though for cutting both metal and timber; this bandsaw is way over the top for an average workshop but now it is restored it is a joy to own and use. It's time I got something done!!
Kind regards, Col.
Here's a bit of information regarding collets;
http://www.sherline.com/1160inst.htm
A lathe is generally considered a machine for producing round items such as shafts and spindles but it can also produce dead flat precision surfaces. If the item can be gripped in a chuck or secured to a face plate then it is easy to "face". For items such as castings then these can be accurately set up on the cross slide and machined using a single point cutter (fly cutter) in the chuck. For great accuracy and ultra fine surface finish lapping can be employed.
Here's a fly cutter being used in a milling machine;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzT2R6luWxo&NR=1
Here's a fly cutter being used in a lathe;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOEjGSCIub4&NR=1
I'd better not forget to mention using milling cutters in a lathe as these are extremely useful but highly expensive; I have a good selection of these cutters and they are ideal for cutting key-ways in shafts and slotting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZNaqSRYER0
The size of the lathe limits the size of the item being fly cut but by re-adjusting the position of the item overlapping cuts can be taken; a bit of imagination helps a great deal and it is amazing what can be done using a lathe. Even a lathe as small as this Lorch will produce quite large items; obviously on such a small lathe it is impossible to put on a 1/2" cut and engage feed but taking light cuts and exercising a lot of care and patience the Lorch will prove highly usable.
Many thanks for the eBay link Alan, what an old beauty this Colchester Triumph is. I was delighted with my more modern (60's) Triumph as it had a gearbox and matrix clutch; it would thread cut in both imperial and metric at a push of a lever; two levers gave the speed range; I do regret parting with it but it was a big lathe and took up a large footprint in my garage; fitted with a 5HP three phase motor it was an industrial quality lathe.
I fully agree David that certain machines or even tools are used seldom but once they are used come into their own. I do use my giant Startrite bandsaw a great deal though for cutting both metal and timber; this bandsaw is way over the top for an average workshop but now it is restored it is a joy to own and use. It's time I got something done!!
Kind regards, Col.
