The HobbyMat BFE65

After much soaking (four days) with penetrating oil, and then several swift blows onto the centre of the Allen-screw end of the draw bar (almost fully engaged into the thread), I finally persuaded the milling cutter collet head to let go.

Many thanks,

Sam

Roger, Jim, Peter and Terry - Thanks to you all.

Once again, as a rather Nervous Nellie, (I’m repeating myself), it’s because the machinery does not belong to me, that I feel bound to proceed with caution. Additionally, I have to drill a few more relatively tiny holes into the engraver’s brass scrolled plates of the skeleton clock, and the thoughts of damaging these hand fretted, filed and polished items gives me the Willies. With due respect to all the Willies!

Also, since selling up my workshop and all that went with it, I’m very limited in materials (drifts and other `knocking-out’ devices).

With respect to the BFE 65 MT1 (#1 Morse taper) lock-up, when I saw how small the thread was on the end of the draw bar, it concerned me that too much thumping might strip it. Making a new one on the HobbyMat lathe with its rather limited screw-cutting facilities, is not a sensible option for me.

I suspect that the mill `chuck’ had not been used for some considerable time and, judging from the rust (or some other substance) around the MT1 stem, the need for penetrating oil turned out to be more than necessary.

In closing, you have also brought back memories of locking-tapers and coefficients of friction.

Keep up the good work.

Sam

I've just remembered one other concern I’ve had with drilling through-holes in (especially) thin brass etc, and which certainly reflects upon what has been said by the good gentlemen above.