Member postings for Chris Evans 6

As I recall there are no centres in the replacement lengths of leadscrew. The threads are formed by rolling and I have found them to be very accurate. I simply cut off the required amount and held it in a 5C collet to turn the ends to suit. I made two cross screws and nuts from what I bought and still had enough over to make a third screw. After 5 or 6 years of regular use there is still no play in the first one I fitted so the spares are still on the shelf. I did add an additional oil point to lubricate the screw a bit better than original design.

Welcome along from another Brummie, I was born in Worcestershire lived and worked in and around Brum until 13 years ago when I moved to Staffordshire. I served my apprenticeship at GEC in Witton.

All depends on the type of work you regularly do. I make a lot of spindles/studs /bolts etc for my old motorcycles. 80% of my turned work is done in a 5C collet, I have a full set of imperial sizes and a good selection of metric plus some common hexagon sizes. On the mill mainly R8 collets plus Clarkson for the jobs where a cutter could pull down.

An interesting thread. I used Pudlo about 50 years ago for a car inspection pit and it kept the pit dry. My Daughter has just bought a Georgian house with a small stream running through the cellar, I think it will be impossible the get dry.

Welcome along David, you are right re old machine tools going to Canada as I once worked at a UK company that sold off a few old spark erosion machines to Canada. I had the pleasure of a trade trip to visit toolmaking companies around Toronto and Windsor where they had some nice modern kit as well as very old stuff. Enjoy the forum.

I mount up a thin elastic cut off wheel and gash freehand. I do a batch then set up the Cuttermaster cutter grinder for side or end work as required.

A few years ago I found my Pratt-Burnerd 3 jaw to be well worn and suspected the jaws. New jaws where available at £184 but not knowing if they would cure the chuck I bought a cheap chuck from ARC for about£110 (160mm)

The new chuck runs better than any 3 jaw should across all sizes and I now consider it as good enough for 80% of my jobs. The only downside is a poor feeling action when winding the jaws in and out.

They do work, I have used from memory "Speedysleve" ? for ground keeping machinery repairs but not in recent years.

From my limited knowledge I think a rotary inverter would run your machine. I run my 3HP lathe from a Transwave static inverter wired into a 32amp single phase supply. I suggest you speak to one of the many inverter/converter suppliers for their advise. My Bridgeport mill runs from a Chinese VFD but only one motor involved in this.

Welcome along Brian, I am no model maker. Tinkering with pre war motorcycles is my interest. I get over to the North 2 or 3 times a year for the road racing. Where in Ireland are you ?

Most  Asian import machines should be a lot better than a well worn old industrial machine. I had a South Bend "Heavy Ten" for 45 years, then needing a bigger machine on retirement bought a used Taiwanese 14"x40" lathe. It is a 1998 machine and given no major problems apart from when I made a new cross slide plus screw and nut. Main reason was to beef it up a bit and incorporate tee slots on the slide. I think you may struggle to find a budget lathe that will cut a good range of threads without change gears. Good luck with the search.

Edited By Chris Evans 6 on 30/09/2020 18:35:01

Memory is fading but I used to buy these to secure our nameplates. I think the brand name was "Titex" With 4 to a nameplate a box of 1000 lasted a long time.

Welcome along Ronnie, like Brian above I like the sound of your workshop. If you can sort out how to post pictures I would love to see the GenSet.

Welcome along Peter, I am no model maker but a motorcycle tinkerer. The 1920s/1930s stuff appeals to me. What sort of thing do you prototype ?

Welcome along. Mill choice is mostly about space and budget available rather than what you really desire. I have a Bridgeport that will do all I need but most jobs could be done on something else if required.

Think about the spindle bore size if you are a motorcycle tinkerer like me. My bikes are pre war girder fork jobs but at times I do other folks stuff and need to put front fork stanchions in the lathe. Most are 35mm and upwards. Enjoy whichever lathe you choose and let us know how you get on. Chris.

Welcome along to the forum Paul. Before jumping in for your lathe purchase have you got a firm idea of what you will want to make on it ? I am not a model maker, old motorcycles are my interest so my priorities differ. I think your decision to go for a new lathe is sound, Myford lathes are very capable but a lot of old worn out ones now given the possible age of some of them.

I do have a manual for my Bridgeport. What year is your machine ? ( the serial number contains the date code)

Lots of wiring changes over the years.

I look forward to your posts and depth of knowledge should you return. Your contributions have always been useful. Chris.

Welcome along Richard, a lot of knowledge is shared on this forum.