Member postings for Russell Eberhardt

As you are a "spark" and understand safety issues you can probably convert the motor from 420 V to 230 V yourself. Many 420 V motors are wired in star configuration. If you can fish out the winding tails you can wire it in Delta configuration and you have a 230 V motor with no loss of power.

Failing that I would get a new 3p motor made specially for use with speed control. They are designed with better cooling so that they can run at full torque at low speed and a 1/2 hp one will cost about £50.

Changing to a 3ph motor and inverter drive was the best mod I made to my lathe. Not only for the convenience but also for the improved finish as a result of the constant torque vs. rotation characteristic of a 3 ph motor.

Russell.

As you are a "spark" and understand safety issues you can probably convert the motor from 400 V to 230 V yourself. Many 420 V motors are wired in star configuration. If you can fish out the winding tails you can wire it in Delta configuration and you have a 230 V motor with no loss of power.

Failing that I would get a new 3p motor made specially for use with speed control. They are designed with better cooling so that they can run at full torque at low speed and a 1/2 hp one will cost about £50.

Changing to a 3ph motor and inverter drive was the best mod I made to my lathe. Not only for the convenience but also for the improved finish as a result of the constant torque vs. rotation characteristic of a 3 ph motor.

Russell.

Do you notice any difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit versions. It shouldn't be very processor intensive, unlike it's big brother Solidworks.

Russell.

Nigel,

If you have a fixed internet conection with BT you can join the FON network and get free wifi access in all European countries. I regularly use it in both the UK and France.

Russell.

GIMP - Somewhere between Paintshop Pro and Photoshop, probably closer to Photoshop. Free downloads for Linux, MAC, and Windows.

Russell.

My advice would be, save your money (or spend it on tools for the workshop) and try PCLinux OS running on your PC. I have both my computers set up to dual boot giving me the choice of Windows or Linux and haven't booted Windows for six months or so.

Liux is based on Unix just like MacOS so doesn't suffer viruses like Windows. Being a true multi user system the security was built in from the start, not bolted on later like windows. I agree that Ubuntu gets a bit of getting used to but if you choose a Linux distribution with the KDE desktop you will find it similar to Windows. One such distribution is here. It comes with a full Office suite, photo editor (GIMP), and much more already installed and there are thousands of programs available (free) from the repository. You can try it before installation by running it from the CD before installing. When you install you can install it as dual boot alongside Windows and you will be able to access all your existing files from Linux.

For CAD there is a Linux version of DraftSight available, also free.

Any questions just ask.

Russell - no connection other than being a satisfied user for four years.

Sorry, Ihaven't taken the spindle out of mine so can't help there.

If the bottom of the spindle runs true it is not bent. The top will doubtless run true as well.

I suspect that the most likely cause of the problem is that the drawbar wasn't tight enough and the jam caused the arbour to rotate in the spindle. Turn the head 90 deg. Shine a lamp through the spindle from the top end and have a good look at the taper at the other end. Is there any sign of scoring or of foreign particles?

Russell.

Oops!

Surely, if that was the intention, the gears would be made stronger and the drive key would be designed to break. With electronic speed control the overload protection should be built into the electronics.

Russell.

Before dismissing the Champion mill have a look at the articles in MEW issues 61 and 101.

I have had the Warco equivalent, ZX15 for five years and have had no real problems. Yes, the round column has disadvantages but, with a little thought before starting a job, they are easily overcome. You will certainly find it more capable than your present machine and adequate for building a loco.

Yes, if you can afford it go for a big heavy machine but I couldn't afford or house a Bridgeport!

Russell

Sounds as if it could be a very useful site for me as I have completed my SX2 conversion and now need to learn how to use it!

Only problem is that the link doesn't work for me.

Russell.

Neil,

Only just seen your post as I've been away.

This is how I aligned the head on mine: **LINK**

Russell.

To answer Jason's original question: Boilers of less than 0.5 l. are not subject to the PED (Directive européenne 97/23/CE). Boilers of less than 2 l. must not be CE marked.

The "Regulations" issued by clubs and insurers are not compulsory however it is a good idea to comply with them as they represent good practice.

Russell.

Lowering the tool will increase the front clearance - perhaps you need a greater clearance angle? However I suspect the main problem is lack of rigidity. Deflection of the toolpost/topslide will lead to the tool moving forward and digging in. Lowering the tool will reduce this effect.

Make sure the gibs are properly adjusted to eliminate play and that the toolpost is firmly clamped down.

Russell.

That's a good point. I have always found that parting tools ground on the end of a HSS square work better than the standard bought tools as I can give them adequate clearance. Could this also be why the inserted tip types seem to work so well?

Russell

The dovetails are fixed to the apron with a couple of screws so it should be relatively easy to make and fit the other type of guide. Easier than making new leadscrew nuts at least.

Russell;

... and, if you want to know the best place to get one (IMHO) send Ketan a pm.

Russell - a satisfied customer.

I'm 67 and building a 5" guage loco. I intend to be around to finish it. I anso started in ME when I was 57.

Russell

Good choice. It worked for me.

Russell

I have a Mitsubishi and an ABB. Both have reasonable manuals but, surprisingly I found the Mitsubishi the easiest to set up with remote controls.

Russell.