live centre construction

[BrokenBiker]

i am in a similar position as i have no compound slide on either lathes, i am going to see if i can grind a form too and use that, hopefully there wont be too much chatter.

i have actually just bought a live centre but will still make one just to see if i can with this lathe as its not a precision lathe, there are no increment markings on the carriage wheel or cross slide wheel so i will spend alot of time setting up a dti to measure how deep i cutting until i can get a dro system sprted

 

[MattF]

Nice work. Thats one problem i have as i have to make another project to build the first one i had in mind. Oh well that is why we have machines...Bob

I seem to recall you ended up with an impressive taper attachment for your troubles though. It's yours, if I remember correctly, which was my inspiration and hence bookmarked general guide for when I finally get around to making one.

i have actually just bought a live centre but will still make one just to see if i can with this lathe as its not a precision lathe, there are no increment markings on the carriage wheel or cross slide wheel so i will spend alot of time setting up a dti to measure how deep i cutting until i can get a dro system sprted

Do it by eye. You don't need anything fancy to get the job done. Measure as you go and test fit the pieces for final finishing cuts. The fact that there are no micrometer dials should be a good indication that people readily managed without them. They're a nicety, but not a necessity. You should be able to build an intuitive feel and eye for general guidance and working.

Once you spend some time with the machine and get a feel for it, and learn how to work around any possible limitations or quirks, it's amazing just how much you can do with even the most basic or somewhat worn of machines.

The lathe I currently use as my jobbing machine, for example. There are occasions when I can physically see the deflection when I'm trying to work on something, but it's always managed to get the job done just through subtle coercion.

 

[BrokenBiker]

i generally do anyway but for finish cuts on a size critical peice like a bearing housing i like to know exactly how much i am taking off.

i have seen some magnetic dro things that are similar to a vernier calliper that seem good for the money if they work well.

 

[MattF]

...but for finish cuts on a size critical peice like a bearing housing i like to know exactly how much i am taking off.

Pussy.

 

[Shox Dr]

Pussy.

The technical term is Cats Cock hair

 

[BrokenBiker]

trust me, the amount of things i have ruined after thinking ah that will do it and then find out in undersize and have to start again, id rather be cautious lol

 

[Pete.]

This is where a dial gauge is your best friend. Use a ruler and firm-hold calipers to get close, measure, set a dial and you'll hit your number better then if you had a dial on the handle.

 

[BrokenBiker]

yeah that is how i was taught when i worked in the tool room.

 

[BrokenBiker]

thinking about it, using this lathe with no dials on it should make me a better machinist. Ive always used either top of the range hardinge's with very accurate dro's, my fairly new Chester with accurate dials or cnc equipment, so this lathe should teach me how to machine without relying one the machine being better than me

 

[brightspark]

thinking about it, using this lathe with no dials on it should make me a better machinist. Ive always used either top of the range hardinge's with very accurate dro's, my fairly new Chester with accurate dials or cnc equipment, so this lathe should teach me how to machine without relying one the machine being better than me

all is no graduated dials means u have to take a test cut at the end of the metal thats turned. take measurment and if its ok proceed. if u have cut 2 deep slacken off and cut again if its ok carry on then face off the excess material to size when finished

 

[MattF]

thinking about it, using this lathe with no dials on it should make me a better machinist.

That's how I think of it. It's nice to have all of the bells and whistles, but if you can manage well without them, you're far more capable than if you need them.

I've always been a believer in learning to do the things the hardest way, then adding niceties once you've acquired or honed the knack. It may seem counter-productive to some, in todays age, but it means you'll never be stuck.

Brightspark's method will serve you well.

 

[doubleboost]

This is my collection of centres
They are all made from scrap drills
There is a short video on making the small chuck

 

[aametalmaster]

I seem to recall you ended up with an impressive taper attachment for your troubles though. It's yours, if I remember correctly, which was my inspiration and hence bookmarked general guide for when I finally get around to making one.

Thank You. Here is another take of my live center but its reversed. Sometimes i get jobs in that i can't hold with a normal tailstock center so i made this one up. Its just a ball bearing pressed into a sleeve mated to a MT sleeve for my tailstock. Works great on pointed parts also...Bob

 

[BrokenBiker]

that's a good idea