Pragmatic Lee Christmas trees

[VicHobbyGuy]

When I looked online for 'Christmas-y' projects, I found a Youtube video by Lee Peedin a.k.a. MrPragmaticLee, which described making some Christmas trees on the lathe.

Even though aluminum and brass aren't difficult materials to machine, it seemed like a good way to test my 'new' rear toolpost and parting tool setup on my Logan 210.


Please note the ultra-high-precision 'masking tape DRO' used to get the same (approximate) size for the tree trunk sections.



Merry Christmas, everybody!

 

[markba633csi]

Looks like parts from an automatic transmission Ha

 

[Nutfarmer]

I like how you knurled the tapered surface of the tree.

 

[VicHobbyGuy]

I like how you knurled the tapered surface of the tree.

Thanks. The knurling adds a nice sparkle to the appearance.
I had to clamp down the 'jaws' of the knurler until the wheels were almost touching each other.
I'd never thought about knurling on a taper until I watched the PragmaticLee video.
Since I don't have a taper attachment for the lathe, the length of the taper (and size of the 'tree') was limited by the compound travel.

 

[Winegrower]

Since I don't have a taper attachment for the lathe, the length of the taper (and size of the 'tree') was limited by the compound travel.

Those trees are clever and cute. I think I'll make a few today. Remember that, especially with the taper cut interrupted like that, you can make bigger trees than your compound travel by moving to and cutting each section separately.

 

[VicHobbyGuy]

Remember that, especially with the taper cut interrupted like that, you can make bigger trees than your compound travel by moving to and cutting each section separately.

Good point, thanks.

 

[bctexas]

Thanks for the tip Vic! I'm gonna make a few more of those too!

Merry Christmas!!

 

[CJ5Dave]

I wonder if there is a way to avoid cutting the taper on the back side of the workpiece and running the lathe in reverse. My lathe has a threaded spindle and that brand was noted for spinning the chuck off in reverse. When used in school shops the instructors would disable the reverse for that reason.

 

[VicHobbyGuy]

I wonder if there is a way to avoid cutting the taper on the back side of the workpiece and running the lathe in reverse.

Absolutely - I made mine on my Logan 210, all in forward rotation. I don't know why Lee did his that (unusual) way; it's not difficult to cut (and knurl) on the front of the workpiece with the compound at only 15 degrees.

 

[Winegrower]

I don't know why Lee did his that (unusual) way; it's not difficult to cut (and knurl) on the front of the workpiece with the compound at only 15 degrees.

I cut tapers on the back side turning in reverse because it's much easier to turn the compound handle, as its not necessary to reach across the bed. It gets worse as the taper angle increases.