aametalmaster

I have an MLA tee slot cross slide on my SB 10K lathe and have wanted a rear mount cut off tool. The problem is when i was doing the math with the tool left on the clearance between the blade and lathe cutter would be less than 1 1/2" and i wanted more as i didn't want to unbolt it from the cross slide when it wasn't used. So i did a small block that is left on the cross slide with 4 bolts and a 5/8" stud bolt with another block that holds the cutter that goes on quick. I had a 3" found Hardinge cutter i found in a dumpster that i wanted to use. A slot and a regular cut off blade would work just as good. It was alot of work but worth it i guess since it removes easily...Bob

Maybe some of you already knew this tip. I bought some small SHCS and they were about 1/8" too long. So i made up a small sleeve and slipped the bolt thru the hole and put a nut on. After it was tightened i chucked it up and cut it with my lathe tool, then touched with a file. It left a perfect thread that screwed in my project nicely and my fingers didn't get burned using a grinder...Bob

Pick up some 7018 AC great rod for about anything...Bob

Here is another i did yesterday for the wife. She broke the handle on her el cheapo lint roller and wanted me to make one that wouldn't break. Enter the aluminum bar stock. It turned out so good i may go into production on them for gifts anyway. Now i can say dear thats why i have 4 metal lathes to keep you happy ..Bob

Here are a few more pics. I had to build a stand which took 5 weeks because of time problems, then i had to rewire the machine since the 60 year old wire fell apart along with the vee belts. It runs great and i would bet it was hardly used since new.

How about an electric one? It can do 1,000 scrolls a day...Bob

We use it at work for high temp pipe insulation. It looks like a big thick roll of cotton...Bob

I just hauled mine in the front seat of my car. Prob no more dangerous than hauling a can of gas for my mower in the trunk...Bob

Yes i have reverse and the scrolls come out all the same because there are lines scribed in the die where i just stop the part at the line...Bob

I would rather have a foot switch that turns it when stepped on but the drum switch works fine. So yes i have to flip the switch to start/stop it...Bob

I have had a real bad flash only twice in 30+ years. Use a used tea bag on your eyes to ease the pain and have a hot cup of tea in the meantime...Bob

Hey thats nice...Bob

Then you are halfway there. What kind of spool gun?...Bob

Little Beaver Historical Society - Practical Machinist - The Manufacturing Forum This is close to me and i spend some time there each Sept...Bob

Yes pure Argon is needed...Bob

There is no problem using it as long as you do it safely with the proper respirator. A lot of my small bolts that i powdercoat after welding get dunked in muratic acid to remove the coating becaus i need plain bolts and can't buy them...Bob

When you want to make it real pretty I work in a refinery and all of our Stainless process piping is TIG an well as some carbon steel pipe. Some pipe is 1/2" thick and still Tigged. Stick weld is on its way out at least where i work. Some refinerys have outlawed all stick except for 7018...Bob

I would buy anything you can get local from your local welding company. Esp the bottles because if you buy them some places won't exchange them and you will wait for a refill plus its up to you to get them rechecked every 10 years or so. As far as a torch i have used them all. Harris is cheaper than Victor but you will never wear it out. I use Oxweld only because i got a pile of it free. You can get cylinders at Home depot now at least around here but the price is higher than the LWS. Some NAPA stores sell bottles also and you can swap them there...Bob

Its right here in black and white. Safety and Health Topics: Hexavalent Chromium Use a good hepa respirator not one of those cheapie paper masks and forget the old wifes tale of drinking milk before welding. I wish i had this info 30 years ago when i started instead of drinking a glass of milk because i prob wouldn't have a puffer in my pocket now...Bob

Check ebay...Look under "south bend lathe" there is always some around Phily...Bob

MINI LATHES, Lathemaster.com offers 9x30 mini lathe, 8x14 mini lathe, mini mills, chucks & accessories check out their 8x14 I bought 3 lathes off ebay cheap with a 22 hour drive to pick them up...Bob

I don't think the finials are cast steel at least the ones i bought from them, they are cast iron and i welded them with my mig also, not proper but it worked...Bob

I just finished laying my 4th oak floor today. My uncles sawmill makes the boards from scrap lumber finger jointed together. Looks good. Now i have a 28 foot floor with what was done 4 years ago in the 2nd pic...Bob

Where i work in the refinery its a 6G 6" pipe 1/8" 7018 no downhill all uphill, 1/8" gap, no noticeable undercut on the inside and no grapes, x ray when done. Saw about 25 guys drop like flies when they took it...Bob