Category Archives: Tools

Swarf Pan

Posted on April 25, 2015 by dave49

I have been collecting waste chips from the lathe in shallow pans made of folded poster board, placed in front and back of the lathe base.  To make a more effective collection, I recently bought an aluminum “full sheet” baking … Continue reading →

Posted in Fixtures, Turning | 2 Comments

Handling Large Bar Stock

Posted on December 11, 2014 by dave49

My current reel design has a brass or bronze frame. The “5 weight reel” is a little less than 3 inches over the pillar lugs, and the “3 weight” is a little less than 2.5 inches. I made the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Work Holding | 2 Comments

Starrett 196

Posted on November 3, 2014 by dave49

This is a “Dial Test Indicator Back Plunger Set”. A friend gave it to me for minor services rendered. It appears to be complete, as all the recesses are occupied. The indicator has a plunger rod sticking out the back, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alignment, Measuring | Leave a comment

Precision Washer

Posted on May 8, 2014 by dave49

For my next reel design, I need a washer 5/16 inch OD, 1/8 inch ID, and .010 inch thick. I have had a similar part in past designs, and tried to make it by parting off the thin washer from … Continue reading →

Posted in Work Holding | 2 Comments

Rotary Indexer

Posted on April 15, 2014 by dave49

I recently bought Sherline P/N 8700, “CNC Rotary Indexer”. It consists of three units. The first is the standard 4 inch rotary table, but with a stepper motor attached. Here you see it set up to cut teeth on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Alignment, Milling, Ratchet/Gear | 2 Comments

Multi-Anvil Micrometer

Posted on March 27, 2014 by dave49

I recently became aware of this type of micrometer, and had to get one. It came with two anvils, one flat and the other a round pin. This is a Mitutoyo 117-107. The equivalent Starrett is model 220. I bought … Continue reading →

Posted in Measuring | 3 Comments

Chuck Jaw Regrind

Posted on November 19, 2013 by dave49

The 4 jaw chuck is a workhorse for reelmaking. Sherline’s 4 jaw is just big enough to hold the 2.5 to 3 inch diameter material needed to make reel frames. Since these parts have to be machined from both sides, … Continue reading →

Posted in Work Holding | Leave a comment

Mill Enclosure

Posted on September 30, 2013 by dave49

When I first got my Sherline mill, I put it in a large tote to help contain the chips that are thrown in all directions. I screwed the mill base to a piece of laminate covered shelving, which was not … Continue reading →

Posted in Fixtures | 2 Comments

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

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