Ideas for Beginners' Articles

Would you like a piece about Files? This might include the various types and what they will and won't do, how to store and keep free from rust etc, problems such as pinning, Filing flat edges, surfaces, curves etc.

One article, or a mini series? How many words & pictures per section?

This might fit in very well with the sponsor, although rather wider than lathework.

Regards, Tim

Edited By Tim Stevens on 29/09/2017 17:25:49

Edited By Neil Wyatt on 30/09/2017 09:56:01

Am I the only person left who refurbishes their hand files ? John

Edited By Neil Wyatt on 30/09/2017 09:56:20

Please post any suggestions or offers for beginner's articles here.

Neil

Tim,

Yes such an article would be of interest, but as a stand-alone one.

Neil

John,

I've seen it discussed on here, but if you have a reliable method, an article would be of inetrest too.

Neil

Might I suggest an article on simple milling on a starter or mini lathe? I'm a real beginner (I have been beginning for a while now) and have built a couple of little engines but struggle with everything to do with milling. TBH I'm very unlikely to acquire a milI in the foreseeable future. I got some help from this forum on vertical slides and home-made solutions (Neil, I think you described a device you made?) As ever, there is a lot of info out there when you search and ask but a single article setting out some basics on kit and technique would be useful. Also maybe a couple of little starter projects to build confidence?

I am toying with the idea of writing an article about how to read a micrometer for the absolute beginner but unsure whether to submit it to ME, MEW or the Forum

+1 for an article on files, particularly cleaning them without dulling the cutting edges. Also what to do if 'contaminated' with softer metals or body filler.

A related question, where can you get new file handles?? Seems like most places sell files with handles and files without handles, but not the handles by themselves. In my experience the handles fail well before the files die.

.

**LINK**

https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/handles-for-files-gravers-broaches

MichaelG.

Phil, I will be doing a series on Milling for beginners in alternate issues to Neil's one on Lathe work.

Geoff, in the box of goodies that came with the SX2.7mill From Arc were some of the blue Tome File handles that they do along with the Tome range of files and very comfy to use they are too. Will be buying some more for myself, I already have a few of the files.

Eric, I wonder if most newcommers will just buy a digital Mic and not have any problems reading it.

Edited By JasonB on 30/09/2017 13:21:58

Jason, OK if they buy a digital mic but someone posted on the forum that they had problems reading a mic and suggested such an article.

quick search for file handles threw up lots of suppliers.

Id be willing to write an article, by a beginner, for a beginner if it was of interest to others.

Probably at the moment along the lines of setting up and repairing an old lathe. Or tools to buy for a beginner, dial indicators, verniers, 1"test bar ect. Or I could just keep posting and let Niel take what he wants for an article or series.

Types of reamers - how and why they are used?

Carbide indexable tooling versus HSS?

Abrasives?

Essential reading?

Rik

You 3D print them. Of course you need a 3D printer ....

Basic milling on the lathe and carbide & HSS (not versus!) will both be covered by the lathe series.

Hmm... files handles. A good one for 3D printing?

What hand tooling would complete beginners need to set up a SMALL shed ready for small lathe with a £1000 absolute limit.

I am sure many Forummers would be able to supply what advice is required.

Declaration of self interest here.

Ps. I am good at making file handles out of that wooden stuff on a wood lathe.

Edited By George Clarihew on 30/09/2017 22:21:58

I get wooden file handles from Axminster Tools, the quality is good.

Edited By V8Eng on 30/09/2017 22:46:56

.

Dip in acetone or cellulose thinners and rub with a small wire brush.

.

But I also would like an overview on using files. I obviously use them like most here do but I often make a total hash of the process. - Hence me knowing how to clean body filler off them.

Nick

With a budget of £1,000 I would decide on a project and buy tools as I needed them rather than buy things a might need.

But other than the lathe: a nice solid bench, a bench drill, decent set of drills in 0.1mm steps, a bench vice, hacksaw, some files (large and small), small hammer, soft-face hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, Allen keys, modelling knife, little spanners, a square, digital calipers, a couple of nice rules, a slab of something hard and reasonably flat and a bench grinder will accomplish a fair bit.

Neil