If you would like to learn how to use the metal lathe and its ok with those in charge of the machine shop I would be willing to give a class. I’m willing to do this partly because I love working on the lathe but also I would like it to be taken care of. I came into the space tonight and ended up spending 30mins putting the chuck jaws back into alignment. If you are turning something irregular please put it back the way you found it. Or if you do something to it and don’t know how to fix it please let someone know on this board so it can be addressed.
Also, if you are going to teach get with Walter he has a slide presentation. Whenever possible we should try to standardize training. Each instructor will of course add their own experience and insights into the class.
I would be interested in either a class or some individual training. I was going to go on Friday 7/29 at 5pm and see if I could figure it out by myself.
More then likely, someone just tried to open them larger then they could go and then didn’t know the process of putting them back together. If it took you 30mins, then just imagine. I don’t know if there is a way to put a solid stop on them or at least paint/engrave a marker.
Actually, I suspect this was a member who has asked (and argued with) me several times about ‘reversing’ the jaws on this chuck. Many 3-jaw chucks have reversible jaws, but they always have indicator marks on the jaws and the chucks to ensure you get the right jaw back in the right location (they are typically different for the two orientations).
I expect they ‘experimented’ and didn’t get it reassembled properly.
The videos mention a specific cutting tool for plastics, as I will be doing mostly acrylics and ebonite do we have a specific cutting tool for plastics and the like? Is it clearly marked which one it is?
No, we use insert based tools because they are easier for the infrequent user. We only have tools for steel and non-ferrous (brass/aluminum). Our best match for plastic will be the non-ferrous tool
I just wanted to let the group know, after watching the videos and taking my time, I used the lathe on Friday and Saturday and had a great time and good results. Thanks for your help.
Also I wanted to let someone know that the wider cut off tool had an issue, I was cutting aluminum and the actual cutting tip came unglued. I was able to put it back together but did not know the proper way of gluing it back on, so someone that knows how to do that should take a look.
I will be happy to meet someone there after work if you want to teach me how to do it.