beckley23

test deleted message

Rescraping means one thing leading to another, though. I started out in T&D for a hearing-aid firm, 0-3/8" B&S micrometer, surface plate flat to 50 millionths, but only 6" x 8" was all the bigger needed when working under 20X binocular or 40X monocular B&L microscopes. Moved directly to rebuilding mining and railway gear where 48" measuring tools for a 100-ton crane turntable or 'tires' for forged-centre wheels - even ocomotive axles and 100 HP DC motor end-bells HAD to be company-furnished. None of us could afford 'em personally when 'union scale' was as little as $2.13/hour and peaked at under $5. West Virginia was the 'China' of that day and age...

Thanks for the advice on levels.

Haven't used one in too long to mention, but recall that even the lesser 'machinists' (not 'master') model was a RPITA to get to hold still, so .0002 is probably foolish for me.

Budget says either an older, potentially dodgy Starrett, ELSE new import.

For import, anecdotal posts claim the Polish Vis in 12" would be better than what appears to be Phase II (or lesser) 8" from Asia.

Ball is in my court now - thanks for sharing!

I also take your point on flat base vs grooved - but flat seems to be uncommon, at least at my price-point, so I may just have to live with that.

Harry,

A sanity check, please.

'at some point' I shall need to use a master precision level to determine how much work 17120 will need - then again to undertake said work. But have precious little use for such a metrology device otherwise.

In my search for an affordable level, I have come across several master precision SQUARES.

Some of these are touting .0002 precision vice .0005 for a good level-only. Hard to swallow from the look of 'em, but ...

..Further, while perhaps a bit awkward for leveling a lathe bed, they are considerably more useful for checking verticals and shaft and driveline face-mounting alignments.

Given a budget that says one or the other, but not both, Might I ask your experienced views on the merits of such a device relative to a level-only?

Thanks,

Bill

Harry, The reverse rod handle that's on the top right side of the apron.... I'm going to make one from scratch. The next day or so would you mind measuring the lenght of your handle from center of the rod to the end of the knob? Also is is a straight handle or does it have an offset in it. The photos you took of yours a while back were a profile. I can't tell if it has an offset or not. Thanks for all the help and advice. Aj [email protected]

Don't know the size of the taper pins. Years ago I bought an assortment of pins, and have supplemented them on one other occassion.
Harry

Harry would you know by chance what size the taper pins are on the back of the apron that hold the bushings for the worm gear all mine are missing. Thanks

Hi Harry,

I'm going to be pulling apart the apron on my C-16, probably this weekend, and I'm wondering if there is anything I really need to be careful of. I'm pretty careful and don't force things but we will be using a fork lift and heavy duty straps and things can happen. It appears from when you did it, it's pretty straight forward...remove the back bolts and remove the hex key bolts from the top and or the side of the apron, and gently lift? I will be looking over what you posted over the time you did your big lathe...I even went as far as to print it out and put it in a looseleaf book. I'm looking forward to seeing this machine back up and running well! Thanks for any input you have already done and will do in the future! All is greatly appreciated.

As with pipe organ restoration, it looks daunting to the average person, but we've done quite a few and it's childs play, kinda what doing these machines is for you!


Thanks a bunch,

Gary Phillips
Attleboro, MA

Is this Harry Bloom? A friend of mine, Bob Grant, suggested I give you a shout. My name is Kenny Logsdon and I live in Louisville and I have an opportunity to purchase a very old Leblond vertical mill that some think my be a converted tool grinder. There is a current discussion in the Antiques section. Please take a look at the posts (link below) and, if you don't mind, give me your thoughts. The deal would include a South Bend 9x36 lathe (no quick change) and all related tooling to both all for $800. I am trying to determine if that is steep or a steal. Thanks, Kenny http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/showthread.php/help-me-leblond-no-188447.html

I can see no reason why the geared TA shouldn't work on other brands. I do strongly advise a ball bearing type TA, especially on the steep taper set up. You can expect an increase in HP requirements.
Harry

Harry,

I was wondering if your variator taper attachment would work on other lathes?

Did you ever get the tweaks worked out on it?

Allen...without a TA