Search found 1422 matches

by mechanicalmagic
Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:28 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: First REAL Job (well, task)!
Replies: 28
Views: 5248

Bill, While an 8" rotary table is a great tool, one thing to consider, they are HEAVY. And rather awkward. I have one, use it a bit, but I have to get the neighbor over help lift it onto the mill table. When using a rotary table, the biggest challenge is work holding. The slots are never where ...
by mechanicalmagic
Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:06 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Setup Advice Sought
Replies: 17
Views: 4345

Bill, Nothing wrong with the setup, IMHO. An angle block would be extra insurance. However, it looks like you are starting with a rough machined part. If the bored hole needs to be true to the all the outside surafces, then I suggest you true them up first. Especially the end in contact with the tab...
by mechanicalmagic
Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Boring Questions
Replies: 18
Views: 5526

I just did some boring on some 6061 by taking a hole from 1" to 1.75?. The cut is really smooth but I got spirals instead of chips. I was taking .010 per pass at about 80 rpm using the quill feed on the slowest setting. Does this sound right? Sounds great for a finish cut. But depending on the...
by mechanicalmagic
Mon Nov 19, 2007 10:33 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Hardening Question
Replies: 20
Views: 5731

As a quick reference for steel and it's characteristics, I use McMaster Carr. Search "Alloy Steel". And they probably stock whatever you want.

Yes, they are a bit pricey, but even with shipping, it's cheaper than driving 40 miles.
by mechanicalmagic
Sat Nov 17, 2007 8:49 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Should I just BUY a 3ph convertor? Opinions please?
Replies: 22
Views: 5774

My Thoughts

I have a Phase-a-matic, been used for about 7 years, on a BP clone no problems. I don't know if you can reverse without stopping the motor, I don't do that. A static pahse converter is basically just a large cap, that's connected to the odd leg. To make a rotary converter, you need a 3 phase motor. ...
by mechanicalmagic
Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: New Member: mechanicalmagic
Replies: 2
Views: 1755

New Member: mechanicalmagic

Hi, I'm new to the group, was approved a few days ago. I'm retired, built all sorts of mechanical/optical/electronic stuff for 30+ years with the University of Calif. I have an abused Taiwan BP knockoff, a Griz 4003 lathe, home brew CNC PCB driller, and enough other stuff to fill a DIY built 500 sq ...