Member postings for Russell Eberhardt

You could have a look at FreeCAD, it's written in Python so works on Linux, Windows and Mac. Haven't tried it myself I run Autocad in Virtualbox on my Linux computer Autocad is available free to students and retired engineers.

Russell

Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the UK being uncompetitive

Russell

Which, in turn was based largely on the 1930's Atlas lathe.

Russell.

Don't know if you are anywhere near a ferry port but if so one of these might be worth the trip.

Brico_Depot

Russell.

You'r welcome.... but it wasn't me. It works fine here on Linux/Firefox and with XP/IE6.

Russell

This isn't a problem when using wet sandblasting with a pressure washer.

Russell.

I use one here to heat the whole house. They are very effective and about 300% efficient (3 kW heat from 1 kW electricity); However the efficiency does drop off fairly quickly below about -5 deg. _ not a problem here.

Russell.

The answer is not to use Windows 8. On the rare occasions I have to use Windows I stick to XP, it does't have all the bloatware!

Russell

Can't you create the pdf file on a computer then copy it to your iPad?

Russell.

Have a look at the links on this page.

Russell

Bon chance Neil

Russell

The Meccano gears are an odd DP so that combinations can be made to mesh at multiples of 1/2".

As stated above most gears are 38 DP but there are also some 16 DP abd 20 DP. See here

Russell

How does the cost compare to casting?

Russell

Right click on the page and select "View Page Source"

Russell

Depends what you want; tools, materials, castings, kits? For a start have a look at the adverts in the digital editions of M.E.

Anything specific you can't find - ask here.

Russell.

Go for it. You have nothing to loose. It won't damage your inverter and you can easily change the motor later if you find the lack of power to be a problem. I would buy an inverter capable of driving a 1/2 hp motor though - just in case.

Russell.

If you run a 1/2 hp 230 V motor it will be capable of supplying 1/2 hp at normal speed, not 40% less. However at reduced speed, as Andrew has pointed out, the torque will remain the same so the power is reduced more or less in proportion to the speed reduction. It's not quite that simple but a good enough approximation.

The rated power of a motor is for continuous operation. For the sort of intermittent use it is likely to be subjected to on a home lathe you can squeeze more power out for short periods. The limiting factor is the heating.

Modern motors can run at higher temperatures due to improved insulation materials so can be made smaller fpr a given power. I replaced the old 1/2 hp motor on my lathe (a bit bigger than Myford) with a 3/4 hp 3 ph motor as it had the same frame size. It is more than adequate and has never got too hot. However, you will still need the belt changes for heavy low speed cuts.

Russell

Unless you are using the mill as a bench drill as well the spring, whether gas or the original, is a waste of time. I just removed it for my CNC conversion.

Russell.

230 V delta puts the same voltage across each winding as 420 V star.

Sorry, not familiar with 2 speed motors. Personally I'd go for a new motor. Have a look at Marelli motors on this site.

Russell.

Yes, so why do so many lathes have the handwheel at the left hand end of the apron?

Russell.