To Steve, I have a lot of experience in machine tools of all sorts and I would like to offer you a suggestion about machining pieces that fit on a machine but that are actually beyond the capacity of the machine. The trick is to be able to slow down the RPM of the rotating object sufficiently so the cutting tool doesn't "burn" up. The work piece has to be held solidly. Then take very light cuts, like .002 or .003" when turning or milling and use a light feed like the cut in the case of a very light lathe. Drilling a hole with a lathe is a bit different. You should start out with the proper speed as the dis/un-balance of the piece will allow. In the case of a 1/2" bore you should start out with a center drill to mark the center, then use a 3/16" drill, then a drill 1/32" larger, and keep increasing the bit's diameter until you get the diameter you want leaving maybe .010" or .015" for the finishing 2 cuts that should be made with a small boring bar. If the bore is a cylinder for a piston you should leave the last .001" or .002" to be sized with a reamer. Cutting oil should be used with steels and aluminums. Brass and bronze are better machined dry. Usually cast iron can be machined dry but cutting oil is required when tapping. I hope this helps you tackle a job you thought you couldn't do.
Arthur---Mexico ----- Original Message ----- From: "Shyvers, Steve" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Multiple recipients of sslivesteam" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 8:24 AM Subject: RE: Lathes for Live Steamers > Tony, > > I'm delighted to hear that you are in the market for a lathe. I was worried > about how I was going to get the drivers turned for my "American Project", > since my Taig lathe is on the small side for turning driver castings. It's > great to know that a trained, experienced friend, with lathe, will be > around. > > For my "American Project" I think I'll sketch up, oh, maybe a 8-12-4 so that > when you get finished turning the wheels for me I'll have enough to build > the 4-4-0, the 4-6-0, and the 2-2-4 that so far have eluded my machining > capabilities. > > Thanks in advance. > > Steve > > >
