Member postings for Mike Clarke

Agree completely about increasing issues with driving standards. As for drink driving, that is just beyond disgusting and those guilty should indeed never drive again. My commute is 2 hours per day, so I get to see a few antics. On the motorway it's not speed alone that presents problems, although absolutely illegal and in my mind should be clamped down on, but the ever-increasing selfish and aggressive styles of driving - usually coupled with excess speed of course. The Police didn't really help matters a few years ago by suggesting that 80mph is now tolerated as the norm.

An example would be joining a motorway. The rules are perfectly clear on the subject (some seem to think the highway code is just a collection of casual suggestions), you should adjust to the speed before overtaking - yet every time you get the Audis and Mercs pushing their way down the slip-road, often forming a non-existent second lane of their own) and straight into the third lane of the motorway - many times crossing the solid white line to do so. I actually have no idea how people get away with such routine speeding. Then we have people tail-gating - which I find the most irritating act on the roads. It's not just roads either, our local supermarket car park is like a Grand Prix.

A major road near us has just installed average speed cameras and this has made a huge difference for the better. However, I think the time has come to have speeds and distances from vehicles in front automatically controlled.

It's actually quite sad as I am passionate about cars, but like everything else, it just takes a few to spoil things for everyone else.

Mike

PS: Barely see a motorway police car (yes some are unmarked).......don't quite see the reasoning behind cutting motorway patrols because if that was my job Lancashire Constabulary would be making a tidy profit out of me.

CABLE GRIPS

Hi,

I have used cable grips (Chinese fingers) for a product I developed at work:

http://www.cablegrip.co.uk/stype.php

Not sure if they will sell one offs (or if it's what you're after!) - but you can try.

Cheers,

Mike

Hi.

I am a fan of Picoscope USB scopes. The software is very good and continually improved across the entire range.

Quite expensive to buy normally but they often have flash sales via their eBay store......so if you're interested save a search on eBay and keep your eyes peeled.

I had a Velleman at uni and it was great, but the Picoscope offers so much. The print feature alone is worth the £££ for me.

Cheers,

Mike

Made some holders for commonly used cutter and tools to sit on my milling table. They are 3D printed and the base incorporates lugs to sit in the T slots. Really handy having somewhere to keep things - always used to have trouble remembering where I'd put my chuck keys!

Cheers,

Mike

Hi Michael - I used to have an identical Sharp mill and used an Emco machine vice. Bought it new from Pro Machine Tools.

I also used a "precision" vice I got from Chronos. Quality is quite nice, something like this:

http://www.knighton-tools.co.uk/acatalog/52482155.jpg

Lovely mill apart from the aluminium handwheels! I used to get filthy using mine.

Great light workshop - 100% agree about the fire comments though. Nothing worse than seeing your ways covered in surface rust.

Cheers,

Mike

Do as Boxford do and ignore the prices on the Boxford website. I wanted a tailstock eccentric shaft - it was listed about £35 on their website at the time, only last year I think it was. But when I made direct contact the price rose to  £133 + delivery + VAT.

I ended up making one.

Cheers,

Mike

Edited By Mike Clarke on 30/07/2016 19:14:50

THanks all - and thanks for the links Nick and Hopper. I will keep my eye on them.

I know most companies get their money's worth from their machines, but nice ones will exist. Our place has a Bridgeport (Adcock and Shipley) they bought new with unused slotting head attachment. It has seen lots of use, but has been maintained and cared for. Mark free table and looks like the day it came from the factory (in the 60s I believe). Got my eye on that!

Regards,

Mike

Hi,

I keep an eye open on the famous auction site for the likes of Harrison M300s and Colchester Triumphs but they always have pretty high price tags. Which would be OK if they looked as though they were in good condition and well equipped, but it's pretty obvious they are often on their last legs and any accessories the vendor bought along with the lathe have been prised away from the lathe for extra profit.

So I suppose my question is.......where can we buy such machines to avoid the resellers? Private sale would be my favourite avenue but they don't seem to pop up very often.

Thanks,

Mike

Edited By Mike Clarke on 25/07/2016 23:21:33

Hi Michael,

I did a lot of research a few months ago on 3D printers (i.e. what I could get for what I wanted to spend).

I ended up getting a BQ Hephestos 2. If you wanted something more "commercial", then they offer a more expensive model called the Witbox 2.

Can't recommend my printer - or BQ enough. Very impressed with the results. I will be adding a heated bed, but for now with PLA I have not missed it.

Regards,

Mike

Edited By Mike Clarke on 30/03/2016 14:37:14

I'm always reluctant to use abrasive cut off wheels in the workshop as not keen on the dust sticking to my oiled slideways. Noisy too.

I've cut many a 50mm slug off with a hacksaw - it's almost therapeutic and definitely good exercise! I find a little lubricant on the blade helps (tend to use Trefolex).

Cheers,

Mike

Inspector Meticulous is a favourite of mine.

Hi,

I have limited room too and placed my mill at 45 degrees in the corner - which works quite well.

Regards,

Mike

Hi,

I make lots of aluminium parts that are used in fresh water (lakes). I have used this in an emergency, where like you it's not possible to get parts anodised in time:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Birchwood-Casey-Aluminum-Black-Finish/dp/B002JCW2CG

It's not great, but might just offer the few days of protection you need. Like a lot of things, cleanliness is key to good coverage. Instructions also mention applying wax post-treatment - which might be good for your application(?).

Regards,

Mike.

Edited By Mike Clarke on 09/04/2015 20:31:02

I recently bought the Axminster UE-127DV1 bandsaw. Absolutely love it - quiet and cuts perfectly in a range of materials. Came with a bi-metal blade.

Regards,

Mike

An engine crane would do it. I borrowed one from our local hire place and it was only about £20 - just make sure you observe change in capacity when extending arm. They will also have slings to loan if you need them.

I have no idea why they make lathes so low - I used to have an Emco that seemed designed for children.

That's what you'd get on Shiply - collection in person, handled by one man, no mail centres, delivered by same person who collected. Ideal for delicate objects you don't wish to be thrown around a distribution centre.

Worth placing an ad.