2021 POTD Thread Archive

[Tim9]

I got tired of using a collet each time I used my mill for drilling small holes. Made a B&S 7 by 1/2-20 adapter. It was difficult because one screw up messed up the whole project. This was my second attempt.

I had 0.010" runout with the collet. After spending 2 or 3 hours on this project, I learned the runout is in the drill chuck. I might have gained 0.002" but it was a challenging project to try out and helped develop my skills.

I have a smaller drill chuck that has a lot less runout but I need to find the right chuck key for it. The one that came with it is a little sloppy. It can only hold 3/8 or smaller bits but I don't plan on using my mill for drilling big holes. Mostly just using it as pilot holes and then transfer to my drill presses.

I have better luck with tapered chucks than the threaded ones. I’ve honestly never had a threaded chuck that didn’t have a lot of runout. I usually go with a straight shank 1/2” or 5/8” which then matches the Jacobs Taper of the drill chucks. Then I use the collet chuck to match the 1/2 straight shank,
Not sure if that’s an option with your B & S taper.
FWIW... I haven’t even looked at a B & S taper tool in a year. But.... I did buy an antique Burke Model 0 bench mill. It takes B & S 7 tapers. I did find an adapter on EBay. B & S 7 to DA tapered collets. Kind of like an old school E R collet set up. Tools and Gizmos has a lot of old stuff like that. Lots of collets too. But I’m guessing he’s taken a hit since the Chinese now make collets so cheap. I only say that because his site is for sale. But, he sells stuff that the Chinese don’t really make that much. He has a lot of different collets. Anyway, I’ve purchased a few things from him. Always good service and never ever had any problems from anything I purchased from him.

0.5 inch Y Double Taper Collet Chuck, B&S #7 shank - Excellent Condition

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have better luck with tapered chucks than the threaded ones. I’ve honestly never had a threaded chuck that didn’t have a lot of runout. I usually go with a straight shank 1/2” or 5/8” which then matches the Jacobs Taper of the drill chucks. Then I use the collet chuck to match the 1/2 straight shank,
Not sure if that’s an option with your B & S taper.
FWIW... I haven’t even looked at a B & S taper tool in a year. But.... I did buy an antique Burke Model 0 bench mill. It takes B & S 7 tapers. I did find an adapter on EBay. B & S 7 to DA tapered collets. Kind of like an old school E R collet set up.

I have several Jacobs chucks laying around that came with some stuff I bought last month. I may try to make another adapter for them. They're old but probably better than the Craftsman and uses a MT I think. The small chuck is a nice one but it's also thread (3/8-24). It's a Rigid Supreme ball bearing.

 

[GunsOfNavarone]

So I really wanted the Tormach TTS tool setup they have, just too damn expensive! HHIP has a nice granite block, 2” x 6” x 8” for $41 on Amazon. Now I’ve never drilled granite, especially 2” thick granite, but worth a shot. I made a plate to keep the bit centered as you must started at 45 degree and slowly straighten up. Fusion 360 and my 3D printer took care of the jig. Love it and saved serious bank!

 

[silverhawk]

I finally got the 8" chuck backplate cut and the chuck mounted :

Question - with as heavy as that is, I don't dare leave it on the spindle for long periods of no use for fear of bending the spindle. Has anyone experienced a warped spindle from chuck weight?

 

[DavidR8]

I finally got the 8" chuck backplate cut and the chuck mounted :

Question - with as heavy as that is, I don't dare leave it on the spindle for long periods of no use for fear of bending the spindle. Has anyone experienced a warped spindle from chuck weight?

Don’t worry about it bending the spindle. T’ain’t going to happen because that spindle is very stout.

 

[GunsOfNavarone]

@silverhawk nice! I'd so love to make a steel (not cast iron) backplate, then I wouldn't be terrified to try my lathe a 4400rpm! That's a monster, what do you think the chuck & BP weigh together?

 

[silverhawk]

Thanks, DavidR8.

I am terrible at guessing weight. What i thought weighed 900 pounds turned out to weigh 40 pounds.

joe

 

[Mgdoug3]

I decided to make a 6JT taper to a B&S 7 for my mill. I'm much happier with the better chuck. Runout is 0.003, not perfect but good enough. I had to guess on the 6JT taper because my taper attachment doesn't have a scale that reads to the perfect measurement. I went with a Jacobs no 34 because I had it laying around and it looks like it has seldom been used. The dots on the end are from me so I could keep track of the jaws when I dissembled, cleaned and lubed it today.

 

[Brento]

Ive been needing to go into my Gerstner to get to my measuring tools lately. The box has been in a room that is like storage. So i decided to clean up the top of my craftsman tool box and pull my Gerstner out and put it next to my Kennedy. Organized my Kennedy box with some 3d printed trays to organize my endmills. Tomorrow i will try out my freshly made HSS tools i made for my Derbyshire. If all goes well i will make my first part for my compound.

 

[erikmannie]

I made these steel feet for the aluminum tool holder organizer that I bought on eBay.

The feet started out as 6” wide, 5/8” plate steel. My friend was over here today & we were both using my machines at the same time so some of the milling was done in a 4J on the big lathe.

This tool holder organizer will be moved to the headstock as needed. The idea of the feet is to add some weight and stability.