S 50

Hi, I am a complete novice So I do struggle some times. I recently purchased a X2 mill and I would like to remove the molded bolts on a Stuart S50 I purchased some years ago. I am thinking the way to go is to first find the center of the molded bolt and drill it then mill the head off leaving the hole to be taped. If this is right how do i find the center of the molded bolt. If some one has a SIMPLE way of doing this Please enlighten me.

Many thanks Keith.

Hello Keith,

Welcome to the forum. That seems a sensible way to do it, although you could mill the feature off and then drill for a stud. I assume you mean the ones that make the base look like two pieces fixed one on top of the other?

Neil

If you pop a bit of rod into your chuck that is about teh A/F size of teh cast nut you can bring that down onto the top of the nut and eyeball it to get the rod central to the hex.

I would then spot drill, drill tapping size, use an endmill or slot drill to spotface the area and remove teh cast nut in one go. you can then either use this surface for teh new nut and washer to bear on or go a little deeper and then JBWeld in a "washer" that can be fettled to look like a raised boss on the casting

Counterbored hole

Washer added

Filled & painted

Hi Neil, yes that's right but I am not confident about finding the center of the molded bolts if I machine them off first I think I would be even less confident. I was hoping some body could give me a simple way to center the mill on the molded bolts only when I do machine the molding I would like to keep the little mold pad under the bolts. At the the moment for me it's like the north face of the Eiger.

Many Thanks Keith

Keith,

You might follow Jason's general method but, instead of chucking a rod in the mill, chuck a box spanner that fits the dummy bolts ... it will be a faff, centering it, but at least you will know when you're there.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 21/05/2016 17:45:31

Either use a rod as Jason suggests, or try a sticky pin.

Stick a pin to the end of your chuck with blu-tack or plasticene so its more or less central. Running the machine very gently nudge the pin with the edge of a ruler until it runs perfectly true. Use this to line up with the moulded studs.

You can buy a posh version, called a 'wiggler'.

Neil

Hi all, I have found a darning needle and some blue tack also a piece of bras tube that fits snugly over the molded bolt, I have been having a practice and feeling much moor confidant now. Thank you all for taking the time and trouble to point me in the right direction.

Many thanks Keith

Let us know how you get on, Keith

MichaelG.

Hi all, sorry it's been so long but some thing came up. As you can see from the photos I have achieved what I wanted, in the end I went with the Wiggler so much so I have purchased one.Thank you all for setting me on the right track. Sorry one photo is upside down but I don't know how to turn it around hope this is OK.