05-02-2014, 07:31 PM
Hi,
Yes I agree Big Al; I used to use this size of alligator clip on big conveyor belts. I think the stitching I showed in another thread would be more appropriate. No way am I smothering this tail-stock with oil; I need to paint it first and it's not going to hurt until then.
Using a "G" cramp to turn a tap whilst threading Refugee is a sure way of breaking the tap; holding the tap in the vice is slightly better but for little money a tap holder is a must for tapping because a proper tap holder gives "feel". To break a tap in an almost finished job is highly frustrating because the embedded end usually refuses to come free without one almighty fight. Taps are fragile especially in the smaller sizes and any side pressure will shatter them. I was always taught a tap used on steel should not then be used on brass which is a tip worth passing on.
I'm in full agreement with you Refugee when it comes to circuit boards on lathes and plastic gears. I never hid the fact that the first thing I did when using the Clarke lathe Bron generously bought me for Christmas was to destroy it. The circuit board and motor expired in a cloud of smoke and I've posted the story elsewhere as to how I updated and heavily modified the Clarke which by the way I've been using quite a lot recently. Unfortunately lathes never come cheap at least not any lathe worth having; the little Clarke I have would fetch around £300 or even more now with the heavy duty electrics installed. A circuit board for one of these Clarke's I believe runs to £130 and would surely burn out just as quickly if a decent cut was applied and I don't mean a ten thou scratch as recommended by the manufacturers.
An old worn lathe will frustrate a novice but an old worn lathe in capable hands can produce top class results; it's all down to practice; anyone can be taught lathe basics and lathe safety but this is only the first step; I'm still learning after 50 years and will never ever know everything about lathes.
I've installed a new Huanyang VFD powering the Graduate and so far it's been brilliant but the VFD is remotely mounted well away from dust and dirt of any kind; these VFD's have come way down in price and are becoming very popular in home workshops.
Good luck Refugee in your endeavours; stick with it and you'll win through in the end.
Kind regards, Col.
Yes I agree Big Al; I used to use this size of alligator clip on big conveyor belts. I think the stitching I showed in another thread would be more appropriate. No way am I smothering this tail-stock with oil; I need to paint it first and it's not going to hurt until then.
Using a "G" cramp to turn a tap whilst threading Refugee is a sure way of breaking the tap; holding the tap in the vice is slightly better but for little money a tap holder is a must for tapping because a proper tap holder gives "feel". To break a tap in an almost finished job is highly frustrating because the embedded end usually refuses to come free without one almighty fight. Taps are fragile especially in the smaller sizes and any side pressure will shatter them. I was always taught a tap used on steel should not then be used on brass which is a tip worth passing on.
I'm in full agreement with you Refugee when it comes to circuit boards on lathes and plastic gears. I never hid the fact that the first thing I did when using the Clarke lathe Bron generously bought me for Christmas was to destroy it. The circuit board and motor expired in a cloud of smoke and I've posted the story elsewhere as to how I updated and heavily modified the Clarke which by the way I've been using quite a lot recently. Unfortunately lathes never come cheap at least not any lathe worth having; the little Clarke I have would fetch around £300 or even more now with the heavy duty electrics installed. A circuit board for one of these Clarke's I believe runs to £130 and would surely burn out just as quickly if a decent cut was applied and I don't mean a ten thou scratch as recommended by the manufacturers.
An old worn lathe will frustrate a novice but an old worn lathe in capable hands can produce top class results; it's all down to practice; anyone can be taught lathe basics and lathe safety but this is only the first step; I'm still learning after 50 years and will never ever know everything about lathes.
I've installed a new Huanyang VFD powering the Graduate and so far it's been brilliant but the VFD is remotely mounted well away from dust and dirt of any kind; these VFD's have come way down in price and are becoming very popular in home workshops.
Good luck Refugee in your endeavours; stick with it and you'll win through in the end.
Kind regards, Col.
Happiness is a wreck of a cabinet to restore.
