The ultimate novice question...

[fluxcored]

If you need a specific dimension held, like in the step turning project, use a dial indicator mounted to measure the travel. I have a MightyMag with a 2" travel dial indicator on it for that. For feeding into a shoulder, disengage the feed a bit short of the shoulder, and hand feed until you get to the "0" you have set.

I am also new to machining and am at the stage where I'm fairly comfortable with the lathe but would like to improve my accuracy.

I gave got a dial indicator but really do'nt know how to use it properly to aid in turning more accurately. Can someone point me in the direction of a good Howto or Video.

Sorry Ron - not meaning to hijack your thread. Just think we're in the same boat.

 

[fluxcored]

Thx, Bill.

 

[ScrapMetal]

If you need a specific dimension held, like in the step turning project, use a dial indicator mounted to measure the travel. I have a MightyMag with a 2" travel dial indicator on it for that. For feeding into a shoulder, disengage the feed a bit short of the shoulder, and hand feed until you get to the "0" you have set.

I am also new to machining and am at the stage where I'm fairly comfortable with the lathe but would like to improve my accuracy.

I gave got a dial indicator but really do'nt know how to use it properly to aid in turning more accurately. Can someone point me in the direction of a good Howto or Video.

Sorry Ron - not meaning to hijack your thread. Just think we're in the same boat.

No problem, I can learn from the "hijack" as well so, works for me. ;D

Bill, finally some directions I can understand "push the button", now I just need to figure out which button... : Cripes, that just reminded me I need to pick up a stand for a dial indicator, need more stuff. "Hon, I hear the credit card calling..."

-Ron

 

[Tony Wells]

You'll find one of these useful:

http://www.amazon.com/Flexbar-Mighty-Mag/dp/B001C177HU

And one of these:

http://www.rjtool.com/inspection-me...s/universal-dial-indicator-magnetic-back.html

 

[ScrapMetal]

Thanks Tony, just what I was looking for.

I did have a chance to "play" with my toy a bit today. Just "pressed the button" and got a feel for using the clutch on the power feed. Also found out that my drive motor needs to be better aligned, I think anyway. The belt didn't try and slip off but while it worked on one "step" it was too loose on the other two without adjusting the belt tension. I figure to just change the angle a degree or two and see if that evens it out. If not, I'll just adjust the belt when changing speeds.

-Ron

 

[martik777]

Dial indicator stand is a good 1st project. Here's an good one:

http://www.deansphotographica.com/machining/projects/indicatorstand/indicatorstand.html


I use the powerful magnets from old hard drives for the base

One habit that has saved me a few times:

Always rotate the chuck 1/2 turn by hand BEFORE you turn on the power.

 

[ScrapMetal]

That stand does look pretty sharp.

I'm not the only one that takes apart old hard drives, etc. for salvage? My wife thinks I'm somewhat nuts (Okay, she may be right but so what? ). I use a couple of HD magnets to keep the wind from blowing the cover off of our barbeque grill. Surprising just how strong those magnets are.

-Ron

 

[martik777]

They make good stud finders too! I have yet to find a use for the aluminum casings, maybe melt them down and cast them? The platters are perfectly flat, good for small mirrors or mini surface plates.

Pretty hefty magnets in this old timer:

 

[esands6]

The first thing to do is simple. Take the chuck key out of the chuck, and turn the lathe on just to get an idea of what it sounds like. Also make sure you are not in the chuck.