Member postings for Chris Evans 6

Have you looked at the prices from the lead screw suppliers? It may be quicker and cost effective to buy a length of lead screw and a nut, for rise and fall does the pitch matter ? I did my lathe cross slide for sub £50 and have enough screw for three replacements. Consider going trapezoidal/metric it can be cheaper.

One of the first things I was shown when I started my toolmaker apprenticeship was how to shorten the end of a centre drill. The old hands would not use one straight out of the box. I still do it to this day 56 years later on all sizes up to BS4. Try it, only a small amount is needed to miss the end of the centre,

Welcome along Philip, I think paint is a personal thing on what pleases an individual, I am not a cosmetics man but some folk strive to recreate factory original, your choice of Paragon paint is good. The less shiny versions are likely to be more forgiving on less than good preparation ?

Always HSS for me, I once bought a set of carbon taps from RDG 5/8 x 26tpi. I only had one hole to do in 303 stainless but the taps could not manage it and I had to go HSS.

I run ISO 32 hydraulic oil in the headstock and ISO 68 for the ways and all other oiling points. It does not seem to be critical, just keep the machine clean from swarf and oil regularly. Lack of oil kills machinery.

Welcome along Chris, nice car. I am also a petrol head but nowadays stick to vintage bikes.

Welcome along DC, a wealth of knowledge available on here. As David suggests a rough location/county is good to know.

Well I knew exactly what it refered to and many of us on this site are bike enthusiasts.

Thanks for the heads up JimmieS. I watched the Cookstown 100 last week, got to miss the North West this year. My wife is going "Home" to NI next week.

I have done little ends with an adjustable reamer for the last 50 years, still doing my pre war stuff in the same way.

Just think how much more the likes of Warco/Arc/Amadeal etc would have to charge for the machines if they went to a few exhibitions. It costs big money to haul the stuff around and pay for space plus staff. They all seem to have open days and anyone serious about buying should make the journey.

I have a Loctite catalogue giving all grades/uses. A good reference is ARC Eurotrade's catalogue which gives their brand alternative.

Biggest problem I have with cast iron or any ferrous metal is the fine bits falling from clothing into the toilet. These seem to settle and rust/stain the limescale in the pan. No amount of brushing or bleaches seem to have any effect.

Any known remedy ?

I am with you Richard-, just nip one bolt and true up in less than a minute. No other junk to put away afterwards.

Not sure re correct pronunciation but I did use a couple of the mills when working at one place. After 50 years and many different machines I realise it was a privilege. Got to be the finest mill I ever used.

Welcome along Ian. I am sure someone will be along to help re the 1ES.

I will miss the North West 200 this year but hope to be at Armoy and the Ulster, Greatest racing in the world for me.

I concur re the 258kg. I always multiply to get cubic inches then multiply by 0.28 then divide answer by 2.2 Whichever way you do it that is a heavy old lump.

Old petrol lawnmowers at the local tip are a useful thing. Usually a few on the carburettor.

Welcome along Andy, a wealth of useful people on here. Enjoy the forum.