Member postings for not done it yet

There are PsOS aplenty. I think I would keep looking for a smaller POS than that, as a learner.

Our esteemed 'A' level maths tutor seems not realise that 'x' in my example was the error between assumed intersection and actual intersection on the x axis.

Simply, two equations with two unknowns is easily solved with simultaneous equations. As I wrote previously, the error margin may be in excess of the accuracy, or precision, of his practical measurements. But the principle is barely in excess of GCSE level, so can be assessed for worth, dependent on measuring skills.

Neil's 'slovenly pile' at least has some possible monetary value! A coarse sieve, to fish out the lost pieces, and a magnet to gather up any ferrous waste might leave eough brass there for a good sized casting!

350lbs? That is only 160kgs, or about 80kg at each end (if the weight is evenly distributed). Two strong people should be able to lift it - oh, sorry, make that seven people as elf'n'safe T won't allow anyone to lift more than 25kg at a time!

Pressure will not be your enemy, but leakage might! What is the actual weight distribution?

As a purely mathematical problem, you could measure the height at two different positions along the prism and use simultaneous equations to determine the horizontal error at the apex. Simply put, if the error were zero, the tangent of the angle would be constant wherever measured, so you could solve for the unknown error which would be the same for both positions. But doubtful that your measurements could show the error to any greater degree of certainty over such a small range.

It might be useful to know a few details. Its certainly not a 200tonne problem or one that requires a herd of contractors to be hired in for each moving operation.

Weight? Effective load area? Width of the frame bearers? Fixed to the machine and relying on vinyl to seal at the floor? Can it not be stored far enough away from a corner? (then only need to be moved back and forth).

At college, the linear air tracks would support a couple hundred grams or so over a short length of V bed with mm holes and a carpet cleaner on blow. Simple physics says force = Pressure x area.

Could you elaborate on what you mean by the other side?

Here you go. Other side of the headstock. Other side of the spindle. Maybe I should have written other end of the spindle.

Not rocket science. PresumabLy (again) there is a right handed thread on that side? Youcould use some engineering blue to determine where the unecessary contact is being made if it is not obvious by measurement.

What range of tooth count? It soon becomes more economical to buy a complete set from China. I am guessing RDG just buy in cheaply from China and then seriously hike the price. I recently bought a 16DP set from China, but have yet to use them, so cannot commentvon the quality. As far as I see it, careful cutting, well cooled, and cutting in not too hard a material will help them last a lifetime.

I found prices (and descriptions) from suppliers was not all it could be. Many pics were clearly of the same origin but with widely varied prices (for the same thing?).

At least RDG is UK based, so any complaints should be sorted easily.

Questions about re left and right handed threads. Presumably the other side is the same size thread? So easy to check?

"Free Estimates"

Aviod estimates like the plague, from a tradesman. Get a quote instead. At least with a quotation (written, of course) you then know how much it will cost you.

Field Marshal, and Lanz Bulldog tractors were coup;ed in tandem

Not needed in Britain until the 1960s, apart from the odd installation. Our 50HP tractor was sufficient for most draft use and smaller units, with 3 point linkage and hydraulics, became commonplace.. Ernest Doe changed all that until the Fordson (or was it Ford again by then?) Super Sixes and later 4 wheel drive tractors were trundled out by the manufacturers.

Sooo, it depends on whether it might need to be moved occasionally, whether it is on a stable base or one such that tipping is a risk. I know I could not overturn my lathe, however I tried, without some serious mechanichal advantage. It is a 5'' lathe on a stand, but not a myford.

Bolting down is just one alternarive to consider for your particular installation. Rubber feet is not the only alternative, either. The requirement is a stable, level installation - however that may be attained. Is thd stand a factory item or aftermarket? It could make a difference.

Weelll, when you think about it, just one washer on its own, by post, is likely to cost getting on for a quid! What with postage, the packaging and the labour time to collect, count and dispense. Then there is labelling and possible invoice/receipt printing costs an dc records of sale to be retained. And ten per cent to epay, and more to payfriend. Yes, def better to buy multiple units!

Edited By not done it yet on 27/10/2016 21:42:53

The simple principle of never force fitting any bearing by transmitting force through the bearing contact surfaces is a basic fundamental. A simple mechahanical rule. Ignore it at your peril.

For ball races, the outer is bedded into position by force applied to the outer race only, and the sindle is fitted by force between the inner race and spindle only. Removal often means the bearing should be replaced, if the above simple rules are not able to be adhered to, while stripping the spindle from the housing. One very good reason why roller bearings are the better option in many cases (providing preload adjustments are carried out to specification).

Edited By not done it yet on 27/10/2016 19:47:33

The comment re possible oil loss was because the power-out shaft is vertically downwards. They may have some superb oil seal arrangement, but oil running downwards is so much more difficult to control. I, for one, would never buy an engine with vertical crankshaft, if avoidable (think here lawn mowers in particular).

I most certainly did not mention 3 HP!! It might be robust enough for a 1HP motor but a 0.75 HP would likely make it much more responsive without overloading the mechanicals. I would most certainly not fit a 3 HP motor to that machine - far, far too powerful.

Fitting a VFD for 415V is more expensive than fitting one for 230V three phase operation from a single phase supply. Changing the motor to a (slightly) larger motor which can be run from a VFD might kill two birds with one stone - better power, and speed control.

Many machines of that era were uprated in power, at a later date, by the manufacturers. Both my lathe and milling machine were originally fitted with lower power motors but the later iterants, using the same basic mechanicals, were fitted with higher power motors. One went from 1/2 HP to (eventiually) 1 HP and the other from 3/4 HP to 1 HP.

RAB

Easily missed when you are looking to at all posts across the whole board.

I thought, early on, thaf this was likely a scrap spindle, but it is difficult to post that on 'gut feeling' alone. Hopper got there before me on the bearing scrappage issue. Hopper has my high regard on practicality. There are engineering ways of doing things, mostly which don't include the use of extreme hammer force.

Controlled force is the way to go. With bearings it is force applied to the appropriate race, taking care not to transmit force through single contact points (of balls for instance),. Differential expansion is another means to an end, but needs some degree of speed. This thread is surely one of how not to attempt a repair. Sorry, but it needed saying.

would this be seen as a better idea than using the top slide?

lathesdotco explain this. ''Under power' is nearly always better than hand feeding. Certainly easier!

Looks substantial. Able but cumbersome.

It looks to be conservatively powered and might benefit from a larger 3 ph motor with VFD speed control? The bottom power feed, to the lead screw, might be a source of oil loss?

But, if accurate, another great british machine that could last into the next century (unlike that chinese poo!). New bed bars could possibly be available from a hydraulic cylinder builder if needed.

I like it! Enjoy!

Light bulb? Hopper spelt it out last night?

Specialist engine suppliers? Nobody heard of Perkins? Still going but now owned by Cat. Not exactly just thinking cars, here though.