Member postings for Chris Evans 6

More thoughts it may be called a Comparitor.

Not really sure of correct terminology but it sounds like a "Plunger" style dial gauge. I use the kind of set up you describe with self made probes to screw on the bottom of the plunger and get to small shoulders etc. For good accuracy the dial gauge needs to be set up as near vertical as possible. I have a dial gauge with 1" travel that suits my needs.

Motorcycle parts are what I do, if you are anywhere near Lichfield Staffs I may be able to turn something to get you up and running again.

I have a welding DVD that I bought off Ebay; must get round to watching it one day. I still take my TIG requirements to a specialist welder but would love to learn and get the kit.

My chuck board is always put in place to protect the ways when polishing with emery. Does any one else do this ?

Good work. I have never had a lathe ridged enough to attempt that. At present making a new cross slide incorporating rear tool post, once fitted and with new lead screw and nut I will attempt more parting off.

Where are you based ? Lots of brass foundries around the Black Country area of the West Midlands. I used to pass two on the way to work but both recently closed.

I have had a few new 5C collets that required the key way to be extended. At less than £5 a time I can live with that as it is only a few moments on the mill to correct them.

Give a clue on your location and it will be easier to get ideas for suppliers. I have to do a 30 or 40 mile round trip to the suppliers I use so tend to stock up on a selection when I go.

Mark, it would help if you put a location up. There may be someone local to you.

I have no preference at the moment but looking at your set up I have now got to make something like that. I am waiting for a casting to be done for making a new cross slide with provision for the rear tool post set up, once that is finished I will have the centre height to make the boring bar set up. Thanks for showing it.

Not used them but I believe Slideway Services ? Nuneaton have been mentioned in the past.

Welcome Richard, as a recent new member myself. You will find this forum fun and very helpful, whatever the query someone will have an answer.

I tend to use 1/2" diameter tool steel (HSS Cutting tool ) blanks for checking purposes. Mainly due to having several in 6" lengths so no fear of bent silver steel. I get up to 0.001" run out from my cheap 5C collet chuck which uses a mix of newish standard accuracy collets and ones from my old South Bend lathe of 1942 vintage. In the real world it is about as good as it will get.

Google Mr Tachograph and ask him, this guy knows all about them and worked for Kienzle.

Can the reverse shaft be ground to clean up and a bush turned to suit ? Most case hardened shafts have around thirty thou of "case" If you think it is soft after grinding get it tuftrided ?

I have had odd springs wound in Brum for the cost of a drink. I am 30 miles away so by the time I've travelled there and back not much saving but worth it to get the right spring.

Looking at that picture you could make up a jockey wheel to tension the belt. Plenty of room to tap some holes in the end of the bed. I wish my lathe would go down to 50 RPM I find 80 to quick for some screw cutting.

My 1933 copy of "Fowlers" machinists handbook states. "There is no drive as efficient as a rope drive"

Nice job and saves a fair bit of fiddly machining. I may try the CAD package, I bought a copy of Turbo Cad from Maplins but it was out of stock and so far they have failed to deliver so it looks like a money back job.