Hello all, new here, I have craftsman 109 that I have restored and I am well aware of the limitations of these machines. It is mechanically sound, I feel it is close/good tolerances for for this type of machine. My question is what type of material should I use to make some "practice" cuts to further dial this thing in along with my bit grinding skills. I have been using some cold rolled w/ hss bits but I think my end results could be better. I know these are not the best machines and I would upgrade once I find something, but in the meantime its all I got to learn the lathe a bit better, thanks!
Interesting, I wonder if pneumatic cylinders would use the same type of steel for the shaft. Some of these shafts can be over 1" diameter. I change these out regularly at my work and they are just getting tossed in the garbage.A good source of highly finished mild steel for turning practice is the brightly finished rod in automotive shock absorbers and nitrogen filled lift cylinders used for hood supports and rear deck lids on SUV's. All should be free for the asking at any auto repair shop.
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Interesting, I wonder if pneumatic cylinders would use the same type of steel for the shaft. Some of these shafts can be over 1" diameter. I change these out regularly at my work and they are just getting tossed in the garbage.
I will need to look closer at these shafts if nothing else a way to collect some material for future projects. I may be wrong but I had thought some of these types of shafts/pistons had a chrome plating.Take one home and see. I would bet $100 of my wife's money that the pneumatic cylinder shafts are micro finished mild steel.
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