Member postings for colin hawes

Went to my workshop this morning to repair the toaster which I had unplugged and placed near the door so I couldn't forget it then, full of self congratulation, I remembered to also take a data sheet from my desk that I had previously forgotten several times for another project. Almost got to the workshop then realised I didn't have the toaster and went back for it. Reached the workshop again and had forgotten the keys. So I went back indoors to have a coffee break and write down what I had to take with me. Toaster, data sheet and keys. Third time lucky. As a matter of interest the toaster fault was a solidified build up of breadcrumbs preventing an electro magnet from holding the toast down. Senior excuse..... Colin

I favour the ER collets for a light machine they can hold any tool with a parallel shank. Colin

For screw on chucks It is vital that the end locating faces of chuck, backplate and lathe spindle are accurate, clean and free from any tiny embedded particles before thinking about test bars. Colin

I always prefer measuring and working from one known datum edge in x and y axes. A vice with both jaws moving would not satisfy this condition. Colin

A 1927 7"centre height Drummond because it was going for £20 with accessories, line shaft and ancient motor and I was a hard up apprentice. For about sixty years this flat belt machine, which can easily swing 18" in the removable section gap bed, has been able to accurately machine everything I wanted to do for models and car, motorbike and old machinery restoration. I have recently been given a very rusty old 3 1/2" flat belt Drummond which I have resurrected and now use for small parts; this is a nice machine too. Colin

ps I would rather not be known as "hey you"

The leading cutting edge of the tool, having done the hard work, may be less sharp than the trailing edge which is cutting on the carriage return. Colin

DC31k is correct; the thread will be 1 3/8 x 8 and it's job is to push the chuck onto the register which IS a close fit. Colin

I have considered buying a 3d printer but can't see it being used much so I've postponed the idea. Colin

It seems to me that missing rollers could twist sideways and cause some cross locking which could result in the hard rollers skidding and cracking . Colin

I absolutely agree with JasonB. Colin

It is sometimes possible to mount a mini mill, a bench drill and a grinder on a rotatable locking bench top so that the required machine can be brought to the front whilst the other two are behind to save space. Colin

If I'm in my shed for more than 5 minutes I need the temperature to be 20 degrees C. I cant do precision work when it's cold so I have got my small lathe in an insulated 8x6 ft shed and only use my bigger workshop if I have to as it takes too long to get warm.. This arrangement works well for me. Colin

I have actually been refused two jobs when I presented the qualifications required because I was considered overqualified. I was about 55 at that time.

Hi Jodey, always making sure the cutting tools are very sharp will give you a good start with your turning. Colin

I am quite happy with our lovely "archaic" forum. Colin

Bob , thanks for the comment about my traction engine model; It is a working on compressed air model and has been shown at the now discontinued Brighton model world exhibitions several times during construction. It still has some pipework to be done but I have tested the boiler to twice working pressure successfully. Colin

Studs are preferable in my opinion to reduce the risk of wear and other damage to critical threads when carrying out maintenance. Colin

Silly Old Duffer; I don't know about "Lady-Wee" but ,from experience, I can confirm that a dog bitch's can kill grass. Colin

Round column mills are often a pain as it is generally unlikely that you can raise and lower the head to accurately arrive at the same co-ordinate position: I would definitely recommend a vee slide column. Colin

I repaired the rusted through deck on my mower with fibreglass on the top and inside (like a sandwich) two years ago and it is still excellent now.