I have just purchased a Boxford Lathe

[slim_boy_fat]

A most useful reference next to the lathe.

@123hotchef I found a file somewhere online which gave all the data about what drill was to be used for which tap, not only for metric but BSF, UNC etc too. I printed the relevant pages off to A4 paper and laminated them - hangs on my notice board next to the lathe.

I'll see if I kept or deleted the file [be unlike me] and if it's still on the pc I could forward it by email?

EDIT: I did keep it - PM me your email address and I'll send it over - it's in PDF format and contains all sorts of info about drills and taps too.

 

[123hotchef]

Thanks mate.

 

[123hotchef]

The printing in this Zeus book is really poor quality. I would buy a swisstec one that will be decent

My mate told me to get zeus

 

[mechman]

My mate told me to get zeus

Zeus

 

[123hotchef]

Zeus

He said.its like a bible for a machinest

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

https://trtoolingandmachinery.co.uk...EE7YzFMcWfFrQZE8YxQDGLdEFtaFazTddoH-khPKVgb3Q
And another option
Pricey but there's a lot in there compared to the Zeus. 28 pages in the Zeus
200+ in this

 

[123hotchef]

https://trtoolingandmachinery.co.uk...EE7YzFMcWfFrQZE8YxQDGLdEFtaFazTddoH-khPKVgb3Q
And another option
Pricey but there's a lot in there compared to the Zeus. 28 pages in the Zeus
200+ in this

Cool.sold out but I'll.have a look elsewhere

 

[addjunkie]

easier for me as I dont know how to use or measure the boring bar cuts

Set up boring bar in a tool holder at center height same as any other tool. Pre drill hole, center drill, then say 5 mm, then 10mm then 14 etc, use oil when drilling to lubricate the drill.

Boring is the same as any other turning,except to get bigger hole cross slide comes towards you. To measure, either use inside callipers or a vernier. Dont have the tool sticking out too far, keep it to a minimum.

 

[Hopefuldave]

Set up boring bar in a tool holder at center height same as any other tool. Pre drill hole, center drill, then say 5 mm, then 10mm then 14 etc, use oil when drilling to lubricate the drill.

Boring is the same as any other turning,except to get bigger hole cross slide comes towards you. To measure, either use inside callipers or a vernier. Dont have the tool sticking out too far, keep it to a minimum.

Or for about 20 Local Currency Units up (depending on whether you get the Chinese ones that may need a bit of fettling or a "reputable make" that doesn't), two sets of gauges, T-shaped "telescopic bore gauges" do from 1/2" (12 mm) up to 6", for smaller there are the ball type that go from 1/8" (3 mm) to 1/2" - they're set inside the bore than you measure them with a micrometer, easier/more accurate than calipers or a vernier. You can probably find YouTube videos of using them, not hard and an useful skill to have.

Abom79's video:

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[123hotchef]

Or for about 20 Local Currency Units up (depending on whether you get the Chinese ones that may need a bit of fettling or a "reputable make" that doesn't), two sets of gauges, T-shaped "telescopic bore gauges" do from 1/2" (12 mm) up to 6", for smaller there are the ball type that go from 1/8" (3 mm) to 1/2" - they're set inside the bore than you measure them with a micrometer, easier/more accurate than calipers or a vernier. You can probably find YouTube videos of using them, not hard and an useful skill to have.

Abom79's video:

Dave H. (the other one)

I have never seen those maybe a worthwhile investment

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Or for about 20 Local Currency Units up (depending on whether you get the Chinese ones that may need a bit of fettling or a "reputable make" that doesn't), two sets of gauges, T-shaped "telescopic bore gauges" do from 1/2" (12 mm) up to 6", for smaller there are the ball type that go from 1/8" (3 mm) to 1/2" - they're set inside the bore than you measure them with a micrometer, easier/more accurate than calipers or a vernier. You can probably find YouTube videos of using them, not hard and an useful skill to have.

Dave H. (the other one)

Yup useful.
Have a set kicking around somewhere though I'm guilty of using the digital calipers more than I should

 

[mechman]

https://trtoolingandmachinery.co.uk...EE7YzFMcWfFrQZE8YxQDGLdEFtaFazTddoH-khPKVgb3Q
And another option
Pricey but there's a lot in there compared to the Zeus. 28 pages in the Zeus
200+ in this

The zeus book is handy cos it fits in top pocket, don't know about the black book though.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

The zeus book is handy cos it fits in top pocket, don't know about the black book though.

Similar dims but thicker probably 15mm so still fits in a pocket

 

[addjunkie]

I have never seen those maybe a worthwhile investment

Yes, and I have two sets, one from some oriental firm in the far east, work but a bit notchy, do for most things, and a starret set from the 70s are a pleasure to use, but only use them if making something critical, also good for checking how parralel the bore is.

 

[123hotchef]

I need to check the tail stock is straight before I drill I guess

 

[Seadog]

The quick and dirty way, which only checks it at the chuck, but is a good starting point, is as follows:

Fit a centre to the spindle and to the tailstock quill.
Bring the tailstock up to the headstock and lightly pin a 6" steel ruler between the points. You can very quickly see if there's any misalignment.
If you view from above, the ruler should be perpendicular to the axis of the bed. If it's not you need to tweak the adjusting screws one way or t'other. More serious is if there is any vertical misalignment viewed from the side. This is not so readily sorted. It means that either the tailstock is high or low.

 

[addjunkie]

The way to check, is to face of a bit of stock, itll be obvious where the center is, run the tail stock up the bed, with a center in, and see where it is relative to the faced off bar. If its in the middle swap center out for a chuck and center drill.

If its not...come back and for next steps. Left to right, there is adjustment just takes patience to sort, if its up or down, takes a bit more

The rule trick above also works for tool center height.

 

[julianthegypsy]

Amazon a few years back.
They used to be standard issued when starting an engineering apprenticeship back in the day.
Used to be £0.75p!

Mine was 50p!

 

[123hotchef]

One bored out ready to tap. I may use the boring bar and bore it over sized in the center then I only have to tap 30mm either end

 

[slim_boy_fat]

One bored out ready to tap. I may use the boring bar and bore it over sized in the center then I only have to tap 30mm either end

Good fun, isn't it?