- Joined
- Aug 19, 2023
- Messages
- 1,373
I could make a Ridgid threading machine scream with action. Cut, thread, deburr, assemble, flip, repeat, repeat, repeat. Hot oil smoking non stop…. I miss big construction plumbing.
Did that more than once threading Stainless compressed air pipe using anything from 3/4" to 2-1/2" pipe, that 2.5" is a heavy mo at full length, still fun though.
Best was cutting a set*. Take some lenggths of pipe, cut all pieces to size for the set, then thread, debur, flip, repeat, eject repeat until all pieces for the set were done. The Chuck lock-ring was fun, two sharp cracks to engage them, then a hard crack to lock them, sort of sounded like "tang-tang, TANG"
We also used to spin the elbows / valves/tees/unions et-al on using the power of the machine with the elbow / valve /tee / union held in the jaws of a pair of stilsons. H&S nightmare, but fast, convenient and saved a massive amount of time. Learning to spin the PTFE (Teflon tape) on was not only fun, but good practice. Still have not forgottenm that particular skill.
* A series of various lengths of pipe for a run.