Category Archives: Tools

Fixtures for the Fixed Spindle Reel

Posted on October 10, 2012 by dave49

These are the fixtures and modified tools that I use to make the Fixed Pillar Reel. Like yesterday’s post , this one supports an upcoming plan set. There is nothing new here, I have just brought it all together in … Continue reading →

Posted in Alignment, Fixtures, Tools, Work Holding | Leave a comment

Acid Concentration

Posted on September 19, 2012 by dave49

My reelmaking is quite dependent on the anodizing process. Running this process consistently means controlling three conditions: 1. Current density (12 A/in^2) 2. Temperature (68 deg F) 3. Acid concentration Recently it occurred to me that my acid mixing is … Continue reading →

Posted in Anodizing/Plating, Measuring | 1 Comment

Hardness Test

Posted on September 5, 2012 by dave49

On 15 Dec 2012, I posted about some aluminum rod stock that was supposed to be 7075, but might be something else because it did not anodize properly. I theorized that it might be 2024 (a known poor anodizer) because … Continue reading →

Posted in Measuring, Testing | Leave a comment

Spindle Wrench Set

Posted on August 31, 2012 by dave49

The fixed spindle of my new reel design is a piece of stainless shaft material that holds a bronze thrust washer against the reel back plate. It is secured by a custom screw with a large head. I did not … Continue reading →

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RPN Calculator

Posted on August 12, 2012 by dave49

I believe that I have owned a total of 4 HP calculators, but the one that I like the best is the HP15C. Earlier calculators had LED displays which used a lot of energy, requiring a large rechargeable battery pack. … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | 3 Comments

How to (Not) Extract a Broken Tap

Posted on August 3, 2012 by dave49

When tapping, whether on the lathe or on the mill, I always use a guide pin in the hole on the back of the tap handle. This does two things. First, it ensures that the tap is started straight. Second, … Continue reading →

Posted in Repair | Leave a comment

Front End Ring

Posted on July 12, 2012 by dave49

Since my new reel design has a fixed spindle, it requires a front end ring instead of a full front end plate. Here is the sequence of steps to produce a thin end ring for a raised pillar reel. Starting … Continue reading →

Posted in Milling, Ring, Turning, Work Holding | Leave a comment

Tooling for New Reel

Posted on July 10, 2012 by dave49

My next reel design requires a number of new spacers, sleeves, and bushings to help hold parts on the lathe or on the mill’s rotary table. I think that these are all that I will need, but I won’t know … Continue reading →

Posted in Work Holding | Leave a comment

ER16 Collet Set

Posted on July 6, 2012 by dave49

You can center round stock in a 4 jaw chuck, but it takes some time to get the jaws adjusted to center. This is the attraction of collets; if you have the right size collet, the work is centered with … Continue reading →

Posted in Turning, Work Holding | Leave a comment

Stad Compass

Posted on July 2, 2012 by dave49

I am making a new reel design and have to produce some drawings to work from. I am not a meticulous draftsman; my drawing board is an 8.5 x 11 piece of cardboard and I draw on paper that has … Continue reading →

Posted in Drawing | 1 Comment