Mellor lathe.

[God mode restorations]

That looks loads better. What did you change to get there mate. Decent looking finish.

I just keep adjusting bits. Getting the gib strips to run nice with no play. Vibrations did cause a little problem but sorted that. It's running nice now.

 

[Hood]

I would say you need to up the spindle speed a bit.
Not sure if it is just the pic but the insert doesn't look as crisp in detail as a good branded one does, so if that is the case then a good insert would also help.

 

[God mode restorations]

I would say you need to up the spindle speed a bit.
Not sure if it is just the pic but the insert doesn't look as crisp in detail as a good branded one does, so if that is the case then a good insert would also help.

I have ordered some new insert hood. Korley inserts.

 

[God mode restorations]

All threaded and done. Now the bit I dread...
Parting it off

 

[zx9]

That is looking much better. Good luck with the parting off, I think I have parting sussed now using a 3mm insert, just get it on centre, perpendicular to the axis, lock off everything and go for it remember don't be shy.

 

[Richard.]

All threaded and done. Now the bit I dread...
Parting it off View attachment 141090

Lathe cut threads or cheated with a die

 

[God mode restorations]

Lathe cut threads or cheated with a die

Cheated with die lol. Will get involved in that side of things soon

 

[God mode restorations]

Done.
It doesn't need a looking pin but I wanted to make one. It fits . Must remember to leave a bit extra to compensate for the centre drill depth.

 

[Pete.]

A split die is a perfectly good way to finish a thread turned on the lathe - you can get just about any fit you want and strting it on the lathe means you'll never cut it wonky with the die.

BTW my old Denford lathe had cross slide and compound screws that were die-cut. I bet they did the exact same thing, turned the thread on the lathe and finished with a die. You could clearly see the marks where the die stopped.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I think that when you’re having to alter change wheels every time doing the entire thread with a tap or die can be easier.

With the machine there to keep it all aligned and to (carefully) provide the muscle when it comes to turning the bigger ones it’s quick and easy for one off jobs. You can have a thread finished with a tap or die before you’ve figured which change wheels to use, found the appropriate ones, fitted them with suitable backlash then you’ve still got the thread to cut.

Obviously only works out easier when you have the required tap/die!

 

[Hood]

Previously if I had a die I would either partially thread then finish with the die or just fully die the thread. If I didn't have a die then I had to cut the whole lot obviously.
It was a speed/time thing and also the thrill of being able to thread on a lathe is long gone for me
Now however with the CNC it is just as quick, if not quicker to thread on the lathe so that is what I do. Even a lot of the jobs I do on the manual lathe I will chuck in the CNC for the thread, prop shafts for the boats being the exception, if they are not done completely on the CNC it is because they are too long so I do on the manual as I feel more in control.

 

[gaz1]

I think that when you’re having to alter change wheels every time doing the entire thread with a tap or die can be easier.

With the machine there to keep it all aligned and to (carefully) provide the muscle when it comes to turning the bigger ones it’s quick and easy for one off jobs. You can have a thread finished with a tap or die before you’ve figured which change wheels to use, found the appropriate ones, fitted them with suitable backlash then you’ve still got the thread to cut.

Obviously only works out easier when you have the required tap/die!

or cheat and build a gearbox for it instead no more change gears after that

 

[God mode restorations]

or cheat and build a gearbox for it instead no more change gears after that

As much as change gears are a faf. They do add character

 

[slim_boy_fat]

As much as change gears are a faf. They do add character

To you, or the lathe?

 

[Bill Edwards]

or cheat and build a gearbox for it instead no more change gears after that

Not a five minute job though!

But something I would probably investigate if doing enough work - or cheat and get another machine.

 

[addjunkie]

or cheat and get another machine.

Getting another machine of a better spec to make jobs, quicker, or easier is not cheating. It is common sense assuming the bank balance can cope

 

[slim_boy_fat]

It is common sense assuming the bank balance can cope

And providing SWMBO gives her stamp of approval.....

 

[God mode restorations]

I have enough machines....for now anyway. Not to say I couldn't house another

 

[Richard.]

Guys I was only jesting when I said die cut threads are cheating. The smiley was the clue.
I know the practicalities of using a die when it’s in the box ready to go over setting up change wheels and tool advance angles. It can take me 20mins to swap over to cut a thread and 20 mins to swap back so in some common cases it makes a lot of sense just to cut it with a split die.

 

[God mode restorations]

Morning guys.
Guys I am a little confused on my thread cutting chart and it's position of gears. I take it C and D are these two