Long Bar Holding Option

[ChazzC]

An interesting option. Is there an optimal live center to stock ratio range to consider? Do the tips in this set match a standard #1 - #5 center drill set range?

My “extended nose” live center, which is about the size of the middle tip on the of the original photo, works with my #5 that has a 3/16” pilot.

The purpose of the range of tips is to fit a range of holes outside those made with a center drill, like the bore of your canon.

 

[MaverickNH]

"Machined"=rough work with a file. I think the casting opening is about 1.5" ID ?

When I cleaned up my LMS 1" Steady Rest (still in the packing grease) it almost fit the 1.25" rod, so a few licks with the rattail file and it fits easily now. That's $100 saved on a 1-2" ball bearing unit. I might get one some day but there's other stuff in the queue.

Thanks!

 

[ChazzC]

When I cleaned up my LMS 1" Steady Rest (still in the packing grease) it almost fit the 1.25" rod, so a few licks with the rattail file and it fits easily now.

Good on you (as my friends in the UK might say)

That's $100 saved on a 1-2" ball bearing unit. I might get one some day but there's other stuff in the queue.

Oh you poor man: you won’t truly be one of us until you accumulate more tools that “I’ll be able to use that one day” than you have actually used more than 2 or 3 times.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

@GeneT45



The WD40? it keeps things cooler and further lessens potential for grabbing.

@MaverickNH

Have you determined your order of operations yet?

Will you be turning the bore first? if so, you will need a fixed steady rest and once bored, you could, indeed, consider @Charles scozzari option of a plug in the bore to centre on with a live tailstock centre.

Let the brass get hot.

The big problem with turning brass is that it makes flakes and dust rather than chips and will get under the ways and cause excessive wear.

I would think WD would make this worse.

 

[ChazzC]

Let the brass get hot.

The big problem with turning brass is that it makes flakes and dust rather than chips and will get under the ways and cause excessive wear.

I would think WD would make this worse.

I always machine brass dry, but have used Relton Rapid Tap for tapping & parting: it stops that annoying squeaking.