Member postings for Andrew Broome

Thanks for the replies.

Ady1 : How have you fitted the plastic pipe? That seemed an obvious approach to me save I couldn't easily see how I could make it "telescope"? I am wondering if a simple guard is best which Neil uses?

HI everyone.

After a vigorous attack on some brass bar the other day I noticed that the threads of my leadscrew were full of swarf. It got me thinking that apart from the safety aspect some form of cover over the Leadscrew may be beneficial. However a search of the internet revealed a variety of solutions which were either expensive curtain types, or required the removal of the screw for fitting.

Is there a simple solution to this problem? Alternatively am I worrying over nothing and just make sure I brush the screw clean after use??

Many thanks.

Hi Geoff

I am sorry didn't, but I will try and do it this time around.

Thinking of a DRO for mine. Just want something small though and not too expensive, commensurate with the lathe.

Regards

Andrew

Hi Geoff

I will check them at the weekend and post.

In terms of comparability, the 180 is a bigger machine to the mini lathes as Neil has said, which is evident from the web pictures and the weight specifications. I don't know about the internal dimensions and how they compare. Does the Warco website help at all? Do you have particularly specialised threading requirements Geoff?

I went for an imperial model as I didn't see i would be disadvantaged. My vernier will switch between imperial and metric at a button push, and I have not had any problems. I think you do just get used to what you use, metric or imperial.

Andrew

Sad about Andy. I didn't know that. I found his site very informative when I was considering my lathe.

Andrew

Wise advice Richard. Thank you.

Regards

Andrew

HI Geoff

I bought a WM180 a few months back as an upgrade to a small Cowells lathe I had. Frankly I have been very pleased with it.

The lathe comes will a full set of cutting gears for threading. I haven't opened mine up, but there is a large bag of oily gears supplied within the toolbox that Comes as standard on the lathe. I cant say how they compare to others, but as a first lathe I don't think you would be disappointed. it has plenty of features, and is perhaps a little more robust than some of the other entry lathes. If you look on the spec on the Warco website, I think you will see what I mean. I did this before my purchase.

In terms of a tool post, you may have seen my thread on this in the Manual Machine section. I looked at the Warco one and it looked a little flimsy to me given that although the lathe is some 60+kg in weight, the tool post stud was only some 10mm. Therefore, when Warco modify the one they supply (to cut out space for the boss at the end of the tool post) you are still left with the same flimsy stud- this I didn't like.

Another member of the forum gave me a brand new tool post (Piston type 250 200 series). it was a beast size wise, but I simply unscrewed the existing one and post, milled off (could have ground off) the boss, and drilled and tapped the slide in M16x1.5. Job done. I am no expert by any means, but I would consider that a very easy conversion. just need to make sure you have the right drill and taps before you start the job.

Hope this helps.

An update:

Thanks to the huge generosity of Jon, a 250 200 series tool holder now sits on top of my WM 180!!!

I decided in the end to mill off the 22mm (approx.) base that the existing tool post sat in on the top slide. That was going to be far easier than seeking to bore the hardened steel of the battleship sized tool holder on the 180 . I then drilled the top slide of the lathe with a new 14.5mm (turned down) drill which would fit my Saupe BF400 miller. Its a small machine, and I was anxious about its ability as well as my own, but it coped easily. I then tapped the hole, and the M16 post screwed in beautifully.

I have no doubt that the tool post is overkill on my little lathe, but its solid in the extreme, and it will centre the tools, and still articulate around the axis of the post without fouling the cross slide which I was concerned about. Thus, job done, and a boost in confidence to me along the way!!!

If I can work out how, I will post a picture, but the lathe is now akin to my Labrador wearing Pit Bulls huge black leather Studded collar!!!! You have the image I am sure, but it works well, meets the intended purpose of convenience, and is versatile.

Many thanks to Jon again and to all who assisted. I am very pleased with the result.

regards

Andrew

Jon

That would be kind. Drop me a mail and we can discuss payment etc.

I confess I am a little wary of how easily I will be able to bore out the base of the spigot. From what I remember, its 10mm overall, but has about a 20mm base. Any tips???

Regards

Andrew

Thanks Ed, that's helpful.

Regards

Andrew

Thanks John/Ed for the help.

Yes Ed, I noticed when I lifted the current tool holder off the stud, that its base was thicker (about 18mm +). It occurred to me I may have a little boring job whatever Post I went for. Did you cut the Post ok when you bored it, as I believe they are hardened?

Are you pleased with your WM180?

regards

Andrew

Thanks John

No risk of litigation, promise!

I do have a small miller, but fear that may be a bit much for me to take on as a basic novice.

Ideally I want something I can buy, and fit, perhaps with a small sleeving job to plug the bore up (or open out).

Regards

Andrew

Hi All.

I am a lawyer by profession, but have undertaken lots of small engineering projects over the years. In so doing I have made use of an early small Cowells Lathe (I think a Perris design) for most things, but found it limited in size and power.

As a result, I bought a new Warco lathe (WM180), which I am generally pleased with. However, I do miss not having a quick change tool post, and would like to acquire one.

On looking at the Warco site, they provide such a beast (although out of stock). That said, it doesn't seem very substantial when compared against some of the beefier items supplied by other manufacturers. Can anyone recommend a supplier for such a tool post which would be compatible with my machine? ideally one with the ability to hold two tools at once would be a help. I appreciate I could sleeve a larger bore post as long as the overall height isn't excessive. The Centre height is 90mm on the Warco.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Andrew