Member postings for Jonathan Peters

Just to let you know my order arrived late evening yesterday (Wednesday).

Still no contact from supplier which worries me, so not using them again.

Jon

Hello all

Is there a problem with the multi metal store that advertises on here.

Anyone ordered recently?

Asking as I have not had any response from them.

My order was despatched on 08 December, and there is no sign of it yet.

Tracking details say awaiting collection. I have tried their online message system, no response. No response to direct emails either, and the phone number has message saying This number is not currently in use.

Its not a large order but every penny counts these days!

Cheers

Jon

Jeez you guys !!

Thanks for all the replies.

So context is important after all.

Although its been 40 ish years since I went to college and last worked in an engineering workshop I still have a bit of an idea even if things have moved on somewhat.

Yes, its Chinese, I get it. I just want to make it as good as it can be and to make stuff as good as I can. I bought this one because Optimum have a good website that talks the talk. Unfortunately it don't walk. For what it is and price its probably ok. I have been in touch with the supplier about another issue. They were a bit upset I was taking it apart but as far as I am concerned .... tough.

The reason for taking things to bits is that cost cutting means nothing is properly finished, grinding dust and swarf is everywhere . Not cleaning it up will no doubt cause premature wear etc.

Now my mistake was with that pesky decimal. That should have been 0.1, which to me is certainly not acceptable. The 0.01 I mistakenly posted, however is. The other clamp is about 0.01. Yes I know there must be a gap but only enough for a sliding fit. 0.1 is a sloppy fit.

I only felt the need to check the gap because there was play between the saddle and the ways.

Yep it does look Journymans lathe, and I like his idea about separating the lock from the clamp.

Cheers

Jon

This lathe is new with very few chip mileage on it.

I had noticed some play in the saddle, a slight lift, and set to looking for the problem. The gib was set ok so next I checked the fixed clamps. Oh, there's the problem.

I could slide a .01mm feeler gauge between the way and the clamp. Not sure what its proper name is. A .015mm gauge would not fit.

So removed the offending part and found this very nicely finished NOT !!

Tried to get a good picture. As you can see the surface that bolts to the saddle is not exactly flat. Probably not parallel either.

So my plan is to mill the surface to reduce the gap and hopefully improve the flatness, which should remove the play.

What do you guys think ?

Wait till I get to the cross slide !!

Hi all

So, which one of you kind gentlemen dobbed me in with my friend who lent me the Dore-westbury mill eh? LOL

Just kidding. No problem lol.

So anyway a change of plan means it is now going up for sale.

Cheers

Jon

Hi Noel

Yes I did know and have a copy. Managed to get a mint book that was on a charity website for the excellent price of £30 !!

I have also bought some back issues of ME that covered the build.. Still puzzling my way through the book/mag and drawings.

Cheers

Jon

Thanks for all the replies !!

Aaahhh, my mistake. Spent so long with the light on I mistook it for the sun. LOL

Yep it's rather dismal here too. Garden is like a bog.

Glad you lot have a sense of humour, I'm sure we will get on fine.

For those who asked (Noel), I'm not far from Cromer.

Cheers

Jon

Hello all. I have been signed up for a while now, so its about time I made a post.

I have a Optimum 2304 lathe and recently borrowed a Dore-Westbury MK1 mill which is having much needed attention.

Hoping to build some steam engines and maybe a small Loco.

Also a friend of mine bought a Royal Chester traction engine kit that has had a few parts machined and expects me to build it for him !! Yes he is mad lol. Also hence the borrowed D,W. from him

Hope I will be an active member although with more questions than help for others

Jon