Member postings for Russell Eberhardt

Don't use HSS bigger than you really need. 1/4 in should do for most ME jobs. Remember that the amount of material you need to grind away increases with the cube of the size so, for example a 3/8 tool will need more than three times the amount of material removed for a given shape than a 1/4 tool.

Russell.

With those plus help here you should have all the help you need to get started. I cut my teeth on Bradley's book when I bought my first lathe in the mid '70s.

Russell.

The three examples I mentioned are written in Python and thus work in both Linux and Windows. I agree that for a professional user there are better, paid programs but for the hobbyist who can't justify the expense these work well. Support is generally available either in forums (fora?) or directly from the authors.

Russell.

Edited By Russell Eberhardt on 09/04/2013 10:48:48

If you are looking for cheap engraving software have a look at F-Engrave. It comes free and does straightforward engraving plus a certain amount of V-carving.

For converting your draftsight files to GCode there is DXF2GCODE again free.

There are a lot of free CAD/CAM programs out there if you search. If you get into full 3D there is PyCAM as well.

Russell.

My first step would be to contact Tony

Russell.

If you are anywhere near dept 66 PM me.

Machine shops are listed in the "Pages Jaunes" under "Rectification, usinage, fraisage" - hope that helps.

Russell (also in sticksville, France)

Edited By Russell Eberhardt on 07/04/2013 11:57:16

+1

Russell.

Personally I use a soluble oil for cutting steel, bought a litre at a time by taking a bottle along to a local machine shop.

Dilute it 20:1 with water. You can apply it with a brush, a wash bottle, or a pump (a windscreen washer pump works well). No problem with rust as the water evapourates from any left on the machine leaving a coating of oil. It can cause staining of the machine surface if left under slides, toolposts, etc. but I find a quick wipedown with kitchen paper does the job.

Use paraffin (called petrole here!) for aluminium.

Russell.

The EU mains voltage standard is actually 230 V plus or minus 10%. Thus it neatly covers the old 240 V ± 6% and 220 V ± 6%. So if equipment is made to the new standard it should work anywhere in Europe.

A rare case of them getting it right?

Russell.

The only tool you need, other than Andrew's toolpost guide is a rod with a hole to take the end of the wire. You will have to experiment a bit to get the diameter right.

It's a good idea to wind the chuck by hand rather than under power until you get the hang of things and wear safety glasses just in case!

Russell.

Personally I try to avoid Windows entirely being a Linux user. However Win32 is the program interface for all versions of Windows since Windows 95. The latest 64 bit versions have an aditional interface called Win64 but most software still uses the Win32 and it cannot be avoided.

Russell.

I believe the 5% silver loaded tin solder is for use in electronics with surface mounted capacitors to stop the silver being leached off the contacts. This caused many failures in the early days of surface mounted components.

Russell.

Cut the battery open carefully and replace the cells with tagged NiMh cells from Maplin or at half the price from an Ebay seller. NiMH cells can be charged with the same charger as NiCads.

Russell.

Also available as solder paste in syringes. It is easy to deposit small quantities without waste or mess.

Russell.

Not stricly true any more. Most decisions for standards are made at the European level now. In the case of electrical standards by CENELEC committees. The IET does of course have a presence on the relevant committee.

Russell (retired chartered engineer)

The VFD on my lathe can not only vary the slope of the start and stop ramps but can also be set to give an S shape curve to eliminate rapid change of acceleration (jerk). Although it doesn't eliminate the jerk driving the lathe!

The soft start also eliminates the starting stress on the motor and thus the necessity for a clutch.

Russell

Finished at last. I've added a photo of the finished clock to my album. Must admit I got a local verrerie (glassworks) to make the glass case but did make the base out of a bit of teak left over from my boating days.

Russell.

Do you mean for flanging the boiler plates or for forming the firebox?

Russell.

ISTR that that's the principal ingredient of Jenolite rust remover so should work OK on steel. You can buy phosphoris acid as teak cleaner in garden centres or boat chandlers.

Russell.

Same in Draftsight, one of the cheapest package as it's free. Oh yes, it's left click not right.

Russell