Hi from Birmingham

Hi

Very new to engineering of any sort. I am the proud owner of a Taig/Peatol lathe which I have messed around with for a couple of years.

Now is the time to do something serious, so have decided to build a skeleton clock. Have the John Parslow skeleton clock plans/booklet (slowly trying to understand the plans).

Have also just purchased a Colin Walton wheel cutting engine and yet to use it.

My first question is, has anyone got one with the instructions that they can copy for me. Really trying to work out how I can use it with my Taig.

Many thanks

Dave

I had not heard of this wheel cutting device before and google only has a couple of pictures. Perhaps you can work out how to post a few rather clearer pictures of it to clarify it for us all.

A couple of decent photos, and a basic description here: **LINK**

https://pennyfarthingtools.co.uk/wheel-and-pinion-cutting-attachment/2014/08/02/

MichaelG.

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Note: Malcolm J. Wild's book is excellent.

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Sorry, Dave ... I just re-read your opening post

Do you have the device that I linked, or an actual stand-alone wheel cutting engine ?

MichaelG

The engine I have is I believe one designed by Colin Walton, some very slight differences from the one linked to.

I will be posting photo's shortly.

Having spent some time investigating the engine I now think I know how to operate it, quite simple really, but we will see.

Might be a bit heavy for the taig!

Ok photo's added in album, hope they are ok.

Any comments are welcome.

Hi Dave

Welcome.

I built the John Parslow skeleton clock as my first clock making project. I finished it in 2013 and it has run well ever since although now it has started gaining about two minutes a week so it must be due for a service.

You can see some pictures taken during the construction in my album. If you have any questions just ask.

Russell

Hi Russell

Great photo's and very informative. am sure I will be asking several questions .

First one is best way to turn silver steel for the arbors, my attempts so far are a failure!

Dave

Dave,

Have a look, here: **LINK**

https://picclick.co.uk/Colin-walton-Wheel-and-pinion-cutting-attachment-153071656760.html

Then follow the link to ebay

The listing has ended, but image 4 of 5 is still visible ... it may help.

MichaelG.

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P.S. ... I have no idea why, but only three [of an advertised seven] images are currently visible in your Album 

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 19/01/2019 10:41:58

I can't tell you the best way but what I did was turn them held in an ER collet chuck using a very sharp HSS tool. Then polished starting with oiled 400 grit wet and dry and going through the grades down to 2000 grit. Finally used "Micro-Mesh" with water **LINK**

I cut thin strips of the abrasive sheets and glued them to lollipop sticks to help keep the polishing even. By clockmaking tradition the pivots should be burnished but I found that a good polished surface worked fine.

I don't know if you have a collet chuck for your lathe but you do need to ensure good centering.

Russell

Hi Michael

From what little I could see in that link, I believe that it may be the one that I have just purchased or at least one very similar. The info given has really confirmed my thoughts on how to set it up.

Dave

Russell

Thanks for the information, I think my problem with turning silver steel is due to my lack of ability in ensuring that the tool is sharp enough, I have been using an indexable tool.

Have just upgraded to er16 collets and must admit I am very impressed.

Dave

Yes, if you are using an indexable insert you will need to use one of the highly polished inserts that are intended for aluminium, they have a sharper cutting edge. The general purpose coated ones have a rounded edge to give them more strength but then need a deep cut to work well. They are also likely to deflect the work somewhat.

Russell

Russsell

Thanks for the info, I will and try and find a UK supplier.

Have just set the wheel cutter up an my Taig lathe, Had to do some small alterations but nothing severe and it seems to work well.

Next thing to get is a wheel cutter, maybe from bergeon, although a bit costly.

Dave

These people sell Thorntons wheel and pinion cutters **LINK**

http://www.clock-works.clara.net/index.html

Not cheap but probably cheaper than bergeon.

Russell.

Welcome to the forum Dave,

Neil

Thank you Neil