Gap seeking

matthewsx

matthewsx

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First, this is not a thread about PM machines, rather a call for help from a company that might be in a position to....

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So, this is my Bolton HA330. I would love to just quit this project now and order a new PM 1340GT but that's not gonna happen anytime soon.

I shipped both pieces of my broken gap to a member on here for repair. I won't go into the story but I'm pretty much at the point where I don't think I'll see it again.

So, since this is a 13x40 lathe built in China I was hoping @qualitymachinetools might just have access to parts I could adapt to make a new gap for my lathe. Just thinking maybe a machine that was damaged in transit or returned by a customer and is getting parted out.

So, it anyone there is willing to help a brother out I'd be very appreciative.

Also, if anyone else knows of a machine shop junkyard that has fairly late model Chinese tools I'm interested too.

Or, I'll just have to buy more tools and see if I can make one but I'm afraid I'll be way more money into that then just scrapping this one and starting over.


Thanks,

John
 
Wow, you've been on hold for awhile now with that.
 
Sorry to hear that this is still up in the air.

I suspect that, should you find a replacement from another machine, that it would not fit your machine properly. When manufactured, the gap is bolted in place, alignment pin holes are drilled and reamed, pins are installed and the entire assembly is ground as one. Each machine will be a little different.
 
Maybe I'll get my part back or maybe I won't. I know that something from another machine won't fit right but I think for my purpose it might be a better place to start than buying a shaper and a chunk of cast iron. My finances are getting better and I may be able to get another machine, but I hate to give up on a project part way through. However, if anyone has a use for a gap only machine I'll make you a great deal on this one....

John
 
Cooter Brown was here this morning, I hope he sees this and can respond. I know he drives himself pretty hard for work.
My brazed piece came out awesome, and is working fine.
 
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matthewsx said:
Maybe I'll get my part back or maybe I won't. I know that something from another machine won't fit right but I think for my purpose it might be a better place to start than buying a shaper and a chunk of cast iron. My finances are getting better and I may be able to get another machine, but I hate to give up on a project part way through. However, if anyone has a use for a gap only machine I'll make you a great deal on this one....

John
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Did you say Shaper?! I have a big one that could be put to work :) the cost of the CI + shipping might be prohibitive however.


EDIT: That said.... that Bolton looks like basketcase and was an import in the 1st place. I suspect finding a different lathe is a much better idea. PM DOES have financing available :D
 
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Probably the best approach would just be to make it yourself, I would use a block of 6061 with steel runners on top. Mill and scrape by hand.
Not impossible. Time consuming sure, but you could most likely get close to factory or better. And with removable runners, bolted from underneath, you could shim and adjust to perfection.
-Mark
 
I would make one. I wouldn't think twice about it.
At first glance, I would machine a block of steel to fit in the great void. Then, make two bars with the corresponding v-ways or flats on them. Make them beefy enough so they can be attached with countersunk machine screws and shim to perfection.
Just my 2 cents.
 
Man that sucks - sorry. I'd go with finding another gap (even from a junker lathe) and scraping it to fit. Or ditch the machine and buy new. Orrrr... add a spacer behind the chuck to move your part away from the gap.
 
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