Member postings for Andrew Tinsley

Now that is interesting. I copied the set up from the one used on the Danfoss valve actuators (central heating, 3 port valve).

I made the assumption that Danfoss would know what they were doing. They use a rotating metal cam to operate the microswitches, so there is sliding contact with the microswitch button. Seems they don't know about sliding contact being a potential problem.

The V4 microswitches in the Danfoss unit that I examined had no manufacturers mark, which I found very puzzling.

Andrew.

P.s. Omron V4 microswitches now .ordered

Edited By Andrew Tinsley on 12/02/2023 19:54:43

Just rechecked my dimensions and they are correct to the odd mm. It is certainly a standard size. Thanks for the "names". I have been out of the field of electronics / electrics. for 30 years. The companies quoted are familiar as good manufacturers. I am always bothered by companies being taken over and their products downgraded. Glad this hasn't happened to the "old stagers".

The existing micro switches that i have are failing mechanically. The contacts are fine but the actuating buttons seem to wear and no longer operate the contacts.

Thanks everyone,

Andrew.

The size is 20mm x 10mm x 6mm. I need some of these micro switches which are good quality and have a high reliability.

I have tried several sources and I am not impressed with reliability. So can anyone give me a named manufacturer that could supply the goods?

I just need a simple changeover switch, solder tags and no lever.. The standard 3 amp at 240V type will do just fine.

Andrew.

I have such breeze blocks and I use rawbolts or hefty wall plugs for fixings. Simply drill the holes and coat the fixing with eurathane glue (gorilla glue). Doesn't matter if the fixings are a tad loose, when the eurathane glue sets, it expands and the fixings are very firm. I can load up shelving with very large and weighty kit and experience no problems.

Andrew.

I learnt a long time ago "Do not try tapping pure aluminium". I found it to be a mug's game. There are plenty of other ways to solve the problem, drill clearance and use nuts and bolts is probably the simplest.

Andrew.

Oh dear, that should put the cat amongst the pigeons!

Andrew.

If a machine, with a single phase motor, works to your satisfaction, then leave well alone, If it does not meet your requirements and a VFD and 3 phase motor will, Then do the conversion. It is as simple as that

Buying a new 3 phase motor and a good brand of VFD is not cheap. Some of the cheap Chinese VFDs are not user friendly and have a dubious reputation, although many on this forum are very satisfied with them. New 3 phase motors are cheaper than equivalent single phase ones, but prices are not bargain basement. Only other alternative is a second hand item, but then you need to have some experience in bearing replacement and rewiring the input to match the VFD

I have both 3 phase VFD powered machines and single phase powered ones. Horses for courses.

Andrew

Much as I respect Arc Euro. I would not consider their digital readout. If I were going to spend money on a system then I would go for The Machine DRO type of system with glass or magnetic scales and a combined readout. The 2 or 3 channel readout enables you to do quite a few useful and fancy tricks! If I could not afford this type of system, then I would wait and save up for it, I would not be tempted by the Bar system.

Andrew.

Edited By Andrew Tinsley on 22/01/2023 16:44:20

The Gibraltar tool post, designed by TD Walshaw ,did this more years ago than I care to remember. Hemingway do a kit for the Gibraltar ,using a large casting for the main body But easy enough to make out of a lump of steel.

Andrew.

I use castors that have a screw down foot. So best of both worlds, very stable when all four feet are screwed down and easily moved by screwing up the feet.

Andrew.

The belts for the 918 are not the usual standard belts, they have a very small cross section and they are made by Gates in the US. They are very pricey and £20 or so seems to be the going rate.

There are two sizes that are used on the 918, one a little shorter than the other (Too cold to go out and check the sizes!). Make sure you get the correct one!

Andrew.

Edited By Andrew Tinsley on 18/01/2023 17:27:09

I have a gasless MIG welder and find it invaluable outside, in windy weather I also have a top of the range BOC MIG, so I know what a good weld pool looks like.

Last time I mentioned this, I think it was Noel who said he had no problems with a normal MIG welder outside in windy weather. He is probably an expert MIG welder and can manage those conditions, I cannot.

A lot of people buy cheap gasless MIG units and then blame the gasless angle for poor welds, when it is actually the cheap welder that is deficient. If the job is safety critical, then I use oxy acetylene welding.

Andrew.

Thanks Michael I was unaware that Araldite Standard was the 24 hour epoxy. Easy when you know that. So fixed up now.

Andrew.

My local supplier of slow setting epoxy has stopped stocking this item. Any recommendations for a supplier and indeed a good brand to replace my old stuff.

Everyone seems to go for quick setting epoxy, which I have never found as good as the 24 hour variety.

Andrew.

It is obvious that Dave is an engineer, certainly not physicist.

Andrew.

China makes decent quality end mills and slot drills, but they cost! You will not find them on Alibaba or similar set ups. Good quality is expensive wherever the cutters come from.

Do yourself a favour and buy good cutters, they last much longer than the Chinese dross, so it doesn't work out to be that expensive after all.

Andrew.

Thanks everyone,

More than enough information in the above to answer my problem!

Regards,

Andrew.

Are the above available with an unhardened Morse taper? I have always assumed they are hardened throughout.

Andrew.

+1 for Mick's boring bar. Dead simple to make if you can't find them commercially. If you use a round HSS bit then even easier.

Andrew.

Great firm to deal with, nothing seems to be too much trouble and they are inexpensive and fast in delivering..

Andrew.