Member postings for Paul Lousick

Standard oil can that you use for lubricating bearings etc. Or a plastic squeeze bottle (tomato sauce, etc)

Tallow was one of the original lubricants for cutting tools.

Just have to save some the next time I cook lamb. (also remember my mum cooking chips in it)

Use a tapping block as listed above for small diameters but as most taps come with a centre hole or tapered end, use a spring loaded tapping guide. (lots of examples on Youtube).

If you do not have a tapping guide use a piece of round bar with a pointed end (or hole to match taps with a taper) and hold it in the chuck of your mill or drill press.. Exert a light downward force with one hand while you turn the tap wrench with the other. If you do not have a DRO to position the hole. tap the hole after you drill the hole without moving the job.

If using a holder like the one above, instead of the tap guide shown, use a round bar with a point. (even a centre punch held in the chuck will work)

Edited By Paul Lousick on 24/03/2022 09:36:09

Lots of previous posts about readouts.

They work OK BUT do not last. I had to replace the ones on my mill 3 times after they failed. Now have a decent set of scales made by Easson.

Copper sheet is expensive, especially if you stuff it up and have to buy a second sheet. A set of slip rolls is also expensive and a costly ornament if you do not have another use for them.

For a one-off project, best to take the plate to a local engineering business.

You could also machine the curve on a milling machine with a rotary table and a 3/4" dia cutter

CAD software that has a sheet metal module can produce a flat pattern that is used for bending.

It is first modeled as a solid 3D part to the final shape. Then the software converts it into a part that is made from sheet metal. This part can then be flattened and dimensions added. Lines for bending are also shown.

Try searching in model engineering sites. eg **LINK**

James,

Do a search on ebay for diamond grinding disk. They are available in lots of different shapes for not too much money. Most are designed for attaching to an angle grinder.

I have been known to lightly sharpen a cutter on the side of a normal wheel because of the tool shape that I was sharpening but I would imagine that any sharp grooves that were left in the side of a wheel would be a stress raiser and a starting point for a crack which could cause part of the wheel to come loose.

Grinding on the side of stone wheels is not recommended as too much wear can weaken the wheel but the wheel in the photo above is an aluminium (aka aluminum in some countries) disc with diamond particles adhered to its side.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 20/03/2022 07:12:03

Your engine is very impressive Bob. Well done.

Thicker lines can be painted with a Beugler pinstriping tool. Rollers are available in different widths.

" I always wear a tie clip when using the lathe". You don't need one if you wear a bow tie

Lots of previous posts about reversing single phase motors.

Do a search for "reverse" or "reverse motor"

When you said "outhouse", I had visions of one of these with not enough room to swing a cat, let alone a lathe.

You will have to carefully plan what you put in it to make use of the available space.

You can do milling operations on a lathe with a vertical slide but they are also available with a proper milling head attachment. This can also be used for drilling operations.

The workshop is never big enough to store everything.

I have suspended an old ladder from the ceiling and use this to hang things from for extra storage.

Buongiorno Fabian.

There are lots of international members on MEW and new ones are always welcome. I live in Sydney, Australia and have retired from a career in mechanical engineering design. My hobby interests are mostly steam related (and boats). A steam powered boat is high on my wish list.

Paul.

Do a search on this site.

Lots of previous posts about reversing switches and motors

Hi Chris,

How old is your mill ? If its still under warranty, go back to the supplier to fix the problem.

Use a sharp drill. Stainless can work harden if the drill rubs and does not cut.

The quill on my mill has a fair amount of tension and If I release the lock with the fine feed dis-engaged and do not hold onto the drive levers, it flies up and bottoms out with a big thump. The strong spring tension could be why I don't have any backlash.