Machining smokebox door.

I have a smokebox door with hinges cast onto the front. Is there a cunning way of cleaning the front up and maintaining the hinges? Is it actually much easier to cut them off, turn the front of the door and then make and rivet on new hinges? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Bob

The only cunning way I have found is a selection of files, most probably easier to cut them off, turn the door and make some and rivet on.

Not knowing the size or details of the door we can only guess (a photo, drawing, dimensions would help).

Filing as suggested, milling m/c with door on a rotary table, or possibly an angle grinder (or Dremel) using sandpaper type flap wheels and discs, etc.

Paul.,

One of my favourite tools for finishing odd shaped parts is a power file. Mine is a Black and Decker which I have had for years but lots of others available at the local hardware store.

Paul

Edited By Paul Lousick on 27/09/2020 01:46:13

Baz - I tried small files and emery paper and came to the same conclusion as you - cut them off and start again.

Paul - It's a 3 ½" Maisie, so not very big. I have tried the Dremel which worked quite well but is difficult to get an even finish round the hinges. I don't have a rotary table. I had not thought of a power file - could be the opportunity to justify buying one! I have often thought it might be useful to have one so maybe now is the time.

The other problem of leaving the hinges on is getting the outside edge circular. I tried holding it by the chucking piece and turning the lathe by hand with very small cuts so that I could stop when it reached the hinges, I thought I would then be able to finish the bit between the hinges by hand. This works ok but I think I will probably end up cutting them off and putting on new hinges.

Thanks for the suggestions - Bob.