Member postings for Michael Gilligan

Ian,

Try this thread for starters

... L C Mason's book is a little gem.

MichaelG.

That IS rather nice!

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 02/09/2012 22:30:06

Sorry Neil, it was only meant as an interesting diversion.

.... there is a six-way version illustrated on lathes uk, if that helps.

Looks like it is intended to take a different wheel-cutter, slitting-saw, or whatever; on each of the vertical axis spindles. The drive pulley plugs into the end of whichever spindle is in use ... and would be driven from an "overhead", and idler pulleys to change the direction.

The lathe headstock would effectively just be used as a dividing head [unless there is something really devious going on]

I will see if I can find a picture of one in action, and report back.

MichaelG.

The second picture on this Pultra page should help.

... or perhaps this Levin page.

Both only show single spindles, not a turret ... but you get the idea.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 02/09/2012 21:45:16

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 02/09/2012 22:05:42

Well done, that man !

MichaelG.

I think you've hit the proverbial Nail on the head, Ian.

"... would shop for known brands thinking they are getting a top of the range unit "

Regrettably; you simply cannot trust the name on the dial any more.

"Badge Engineering" or, as Long Island Indicator puts it, the "Vanity Dial" ... is rife.

MichaelG.

A sensible choice, Chris.

MichaelG.

I have posted a few photos of a Mercer DTI, purchased secondhand.

Apart from slight discolouration on the Dial, it looked pretty good; but the action was just a little sticky.

... "I can soon fix that" thought I.

MichaelG.

Ergonomics: Man in his Working Environment

by K.F.H. Murrell

is an excellent, and very readable book, by the man who invented the word.

[see here]

... probably available on inter-library loan from your Public Library.

MichaelG.

Martin,

John makes some excellent points regarding the Ergonomics.

You may also get some inspiration from the design of the Boley F1

This was a masterpiece of design, but was [and is] expensive.

In the affordable world ... It may be worth putting your Unimat on a tilting table, to achieve similar effect.

MichaelG.

That looks quite a bargain.

MichaelG.

Well folks ... between us we have given Chris almost every possible answer.

But at least we are all agreed on one thing

... the "Clock" needs to be Analog not Digital.

Chris: Find one or more [new or secondhand] that you can read easily, and that move smoothly [there should be absolutely NO hesitation in the movement] ... then practice using them. You will quickly discover what works for you, and can then either "trade-up" or start a collection.

MichaelG.

.

P.S.  Here is the link that Bill mentioned

... you will find lots of good information there.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 01/09/2012 08:12:17

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 01/09/2012 08:17:09

Neil,

Whilst you are pondering the way forward ... have a look at this little gem of a 3 station milling spindle to fit on the cross-slide of a watchmaker's lathe.

MichaelG.

.

Apologies ... I posted in haste, and repent at leisure!

"WW" originates from Webster Whitcomb, not from Waltham Watch.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 31/08/2012 20:34:09

John [and all],

A timely word of warning about the total cost of importing stuff these days ...

The Customs & Revenue rules changed [November 2011, if I recall correctly]

My Summary:

The UK Customs/VAT threshold rule is:

• If the base price is £15 or less, then no VAT is chargeable, BUT
• If the base price is more than £15, the VAT is chargeable on the base price plus shipping & handling!
• Added to which; ParcelForce makes an outrageous charge for the "service" of collecting the VAT.

... This makes it a very significant threshold. [as I know to my cost]

Caveat Emptor indeed

MichaelG.

Just reporting back ...

Yes; the iPad seems to "Remember me" as it should

[provided that I do not log-on via another machine]

Thank you Dave & Sid

MichaelG.

That's very neat, Mike

Quite a lot of work; but looks worth it.

[... Clive's point regarding concentricity is well made, however.]

MichaelG.

An excellent "point", Swarf [Sorry ... I couldn't resist that.]

Seriously though: Very good advice, and of course you can make "specials" for those really awkward jobs.

MichaelG.

Does anyone know a good source of the classic square-headed screws in small sizes ?

... Hex Socket screws are great in many respects, but they do collect little chips of Brass rather too well.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 31/08/2012 16:39:23