Member postings for SteveW

To close a rivet on a moving joint I was taught to put a couple of paper/thin card washers between the moving parts to give some clearance. Rivet up and what paper you can't remove will work out with some oil and use.

However, for me, it was all a bit hit and miss... I don't think it was intended for any precision joints only the more agricultural devices!

SteveW

I keep mine on a very low shelf with a bit of scrap ply to keep rubbish out. Any slip with oily hands could be bad news for the chuck and worse for the toes!

SteveW

I'll give that a try now:

Compatability view works! Many thanks! Goodness know what changed to stop me using it 'cos it had been working and (as far as I know) nothing had been changed...

Steve w

Anyone know where my return key has gone? When posting I don't now seem to be able to add a new line or paragraph. I'm using IEv10 Steve W

Spend it on a lathe a bit bigger than you think you need, keep a little to buy any tooling, taps etc (say £150) and start saving for a mill. Steve W

For all those times when you use the chuck as a 'handle' to move it round. In my view not so much use on a small lathe (or mill really) but jolly useful on a large machine. The larger the machine more useful it is... SteveW

Sounds like a good idea. I dislike any blowing of swarf esp brass - tends to get places I can't see

I have a WM250. I would suggest mounting it high rather than low. If too high you can use duck boards, if too low the back ache will never go away! I visited Warco and had a good measure up and settled for the hieight the lathes were displayed at. This was height of stand plus the wheeled chassis they use. So far, I have been pleased with my choice. SteveW

I reckon its a reference flat used when scraping a surface. Bit like a small surface plate for small areas or weaker fitters.

Thank you, but you may keep it on this occasion! Could be good quality cast iron though...

SteveW

Its most useful (to me) if tapping drills etc are all metric but I guess some will prefer imperial depends on your drill stock! I would find % engagement sizes particularly useful.

This will be a useful starting point for a magasine as so many people have contributed their views before the publication - something not often available for the editor to consider. Hence I'm looking forward to it!

SteveW

If you can, visit the Warco(Chester) showroom. I found they were very helpful when I bought my lathe and I took all the measurements from an actual machine. This allowed me to estimate the best height for a bench and access requirements so when the lathe came I was able to 'put it to bed' straight away.

SteveW

That is great. While I worry about if I have the right size reamer and if ENxx will be OK you make an engine and have it running. I will try and learn from what you have done - many congratulations

Steve W

I've been pleased with my wm250. Before purchase I went along to Warco with a rule and checked out all major measurements that I needed to make a decision and make a bench. I made the bench a bit taller than necessary on the basis that I did not need back ache and i could stand on a duck board (manufactured from a pallet) if needed. So far I have not needed that but grandson and other small visitors have been grateful!

I've found the slow speed perfectly OK for the sort of cuts I take; in fact the speed is rock steady and the motor control so easy I never really want to see a gearbox again...

Steve W

I'd suggest a visit to Warco (for example) as being well worth the time and trouble. You can see the machines and gauge their size. I went back a second time to check with a tape as well!

I have been happy with Warco products and would judge them good value as the WM250 comes pretty complete - important if its your first machine. I decided against second-hand as I did not feel confident that I could make an informed judgement. Bit like buying your fisrt second-hand car without Dad to advise...

Best advice for milling machines is to tot up all the extras you will need when you consider purchase.

Of course there are also clubs to help and let you see things running.

Steve

Big lumps of steel don't benefit much from any heat treatment unless they are subject to direct wear and you do stand a slight chance of it distorting afterwards. So I would leave alone and get on with using the lathe for more exciting things...

SteveW

I think I'd take two short bits of angle and file a radius in the top corner. Then use them in the vice. I think you will need to experiment with a more gradual radius to get the effect you want. The bits of angle would only have to be a bit longer than the tube diameter so not very wasteful.

As it's in stainless ....good luck!

Steve w

I'd say down to 150mm long as some will not have a large lathe bore to cope with more. But I guess you can nibble it down to what suits you.

I would not pay 'top dollar' unless I had a use in mind, but would be happy to pay 'bargain basement' for an addition to my scrap bin.

SteveW

Normal way might be to wrap wire round more than once. Sorry if someone else has suggested that.

SteveW

I had the same problem. Rather than buying a Myford that had been 'pre-owned' and of dubious pedigree I bought a new Warco 250. It came with all the necessary to get started including 3/4 jaw chucks a complete set of tools. I think the tools and equipment are important. Not all Myfords come with everything and some with nothing as owners try and extract the maximum cash by selling off all the bits.

So far it is better (more accurate) than I am. Maybe I'll find its weaknesses but it has got me hooked.

I would loved to have been able to have a heavier lathe but circumstances (mainly room) dictate this is the biggest I can house.

Steve W

I know I'm repeating others but try local model club and any evening classes at colleges/schools etc. These are a bit thin on the ground but if you found one you could make use of the facilities and expertiese for a fairly modest outlay.

You may even find a local modeller who would welcome some company or be prepared to give you some access in return for liquid payment

SteveW