- Joined
- Feb 2, 2020
- Messages
- 149
I bought a Bridgeport M mill and Leblond 17x54 lathe last week. I've had a Clausing 4914 lathe for just over a year now. I know how to use a lathe but a mill is still new to me.
My plastic pulley/handle was cracked and I figured it wouldn't be long until it was completely broken. I had a 5" round bar of aluminum and decided to use it. The original handle was a little under 6. I had some larger steel bars but wanted to go with aluminum since I don't have to paint it and won't rust.
I started the project on the Leblond lathe and it took a while to turn it down enough. I don't have a big enough parting tool for the lathe so I put it in the band saw and left a little extra so I could play on the mill.
I trammed the mill yesterday and by looking at the patterns, I have it trammed just right. I used the mill to drill a hole for the roll pin. My big drill press doesn't hold small drill bits and the piece would be clumsy to hold in my little drill press.
It was a fun project to do but it took longer than expected. I had a lot of material to remove and my bandsaw isn't fast. Overall I'm happy with the results. It's definitely better than having a cracked handle.
My plastic pulley/handle was cracked and I figured it wouldn't be long until it was completely broken. I had a 5" round bar of aluminum and decided to use it. The original handle was a little under 6. I had some larger steel bars but wanted to go with aluminum since I don't have to paint it and won't rust.
I started the project on the Leblond lathe and it took a while to turn it down enough. I don't have a big enough parting tool for the lathe so I put it in the band saw and left a little extra so I could play on the mill.
I trammed the mill yesterday and by looking at the patterns, I have it trammed just right. I used the mill to drill a hole for the roll pin. My big drill press doesn't hold small drill bits and the piece would be clumsy to hold in my little drill press.
It was a fun project to do but it took longer than expected. I had a lot of material to remove and my bandsaw isn't fast. Overall I'm happy with the results. It's definitely better than having a cracked handle.
