Category Archives: Process

A Riveting Experience

Posted on December 18, 2013 by dave49

The click mechanism for my reels mounts to the reel backplate by three posts; two are spring pins and the third is a pivot for the pawl. For some time now, I have fastened these by custom made screws. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Click, Forming | Leave a comment

Counter-Electrodes for Coloring

Posted on October 27, 2013 by dave49

Anodized coatings can be dyed, but I prefer the process of electrolytic coloring; it is easier to get a uniform finish. My earlier post on coloring was on 24 Aug 2012. When growing the anodize layer, the design of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating | Leave a comment

Custom Tap Wrench

Posted on September 26, 2013 by dave49

Having a wrench guide virtually eliminates the breakage of taps. Sherline’s web site has “Machininsts Tips”, and number 7 shows a wrench for holding small taps. I have made a similar wrench. The brass sleeve is the guide, and is … Continue reading →

Posted in Threading | 2 Comments

Thrust Bearing Test

Posted on August 12, 2013 by dave49

If we were perfect fishermen, our reels would not need any provision for thrust loads on the spool (i.e., loads in the direction of the spindle axis). A fish on the line creates a torque on the spool, which we … Continue reading →

Posted in Testing, Thrust Bearing | 3 Comments

Spindle Crank

Posted on July 5, 2013 by dave49

I keep a shaft collar clamped on the rear spindle extension of my lathe. It provides a grip for a small “gear puller” that I use to unlock MT1 fixtures from the spindle. The only time that I remove the … Continue reading →

Posted in Screw, Threading | Leave a comment

Lathe Bit Grinding

Posted on July 1, 2013 by dave49

I find that high speed steel (HSS) lathe bits cut more smoothly than any carbide bits, brazed or insert. HSS bits cut best when freshly sharpened, a task that I have dreaded. My grinder is typical of the “home improvement … Continue reading →

Posted in Cutting, Fixtures, Turning | Leave a comment

One Piece Spool

Posted on June 1, 2013 by dave49

For some time, I have been plotting how to make a one piece spool. My spools so far have been assemblies. The difficulty is the limited power and size of my Sherline lathe and mill. Recently I am developing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Milling, Spool, Turning | Leave a comment

Milgrain Tool

Posted on May 26, 2013 by dave49

On the tool post is a milgrain tool. More specifically, it is a lathe milgrain tool, to distinguish it from even smaller milgrain tools used by jewelers. This tool has a one quarter inch diameter wheel and a one eighth … Continue reading →

Posted in Forming, Tools | 4 Comments

A Lesson in Burr Removal

Posted on May 24, 2013 by dave49

When metal is cut, a sharp edge is often left. Part of making a useable product is removing any sharp edges or (even worse) burrs. Even very small details of parts may have detrimental burrs. —— When I developed my … Continue reading →

Posted in Click, Milling, My Reels, Ratchet/Gear | 2 Comments

Boring Tool Holder

Posted on May 19, 2013 by dave49

This plain aluminum block is a quick-and-dirty holder for round shanked boring tools. I have been struggling with this holder for some time. The problem is that it fastens to the cross slide of the lathe with a single screw. … Continue reading →

Posted in Fixtures, Turning | Leave a comment