Search found 40 matches

by shorttrackhack
Thu Aug 15, 2019 5:22 pm
Forum: Milling Machines
Topic: Buying Bridgeport
Replies: 22
Views: 16484

Re: Buying Bridgeport

Everybody seems to think a rigger or forklift is needed to move a milling machine. I have done a couple (one last weekend) with an engine hoist, half ton pickup and a small single axle trailer. The turret comes off with four fasteners, and the knee lifts right off with the table and saddle, simply b...
by shorttrackhack
Sat Jun 15, 2019 9:04 pm
Forum: Lathes
Topic: Newbie - Buying first metal lathe
Replies: 89
Views: 57696

Re: Newbie - Buying first metal lathe

I would recommend getting a saw and a welder first. Then again, I am a fabricator that just uses machines to fabricate better stuff than I could without them.
by shorttrackhack
Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:30 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Mounting an INVERTER
Replies: 12
Views: 8966

Re: Mounting an INVERTER

Just as a side note: In the 10 years that I spent manufacturing machines that ran exclusively on VFDs and three phase motors, I learned the most from the people who refused to read the manual and follow the instructions.
by shorttrackhack
Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:26 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Mounting an INVERTER
Replies: 12
Views: 8966

Re: Mounting an INVERTER

Do what you will, don't take my advice. The motors around my shop that run on sine wave or generated power don't have much of a magnetic field around them, but the ones that run on vfd's will noticeably stick a screwdriver to the motor case. As far as leaving it out in the open in what the CEC calls...
by shorttrackhack
Sun Apr 28, 2019 12:23 pm
Forum: The Resource Library
Topic: Thinking of using PVC pipe for air?
Replies: 39
Views: 107717

Re: Thinking of using PVC pipe for air?

The bursting danger is a real thing all seem to agree on. A shop I worked at had the air system plumbed in PVC, and of course, it failed. The most alarming part wasn't the shrapnel, as the air compressor was in a shack behind the building, and the failure occurred after hours. Shutting down the comp...
by shorttrackhack
Sun Apr 28, 2019 10:36 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Mounting an INVERTER
Replies: 12
Views: 8966

Re: Mounting an INVERTER

I thought mount the drive directly on the motor sounded like a good idea. I tested it out on a 24 ft. fan, which blew the diodes right off the circuit board. The magnetic field of an AC induction motor is not an ideal environment for a VFD. Sure, there are those who would argue about installing it i...
by shorttrackhack
Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:35 pm
Forum: The Junk Drawer
Topic: SS is toxic in California
Replies: 25
Views: 22005

Re: SS is toxic in California

The springs are probably safe, the six ziplock bags, 7 air filled packing cushions, 1 cubic ft. cardboard box,12 feet of packing tape, the shipping label and packing slip are what the warning label is trying to tell you not to eat...
by shorttrackhack
Mon Apr 08, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: Welding
Topic: repairing cast iron handle
Replies: 8
Views: 20672

Re: repairing cast iron handle

I repair castings often, and don't hesitate to make the replacement piece from steel. Silicon bronze works, but it is much like brazing. Nickelweld 59 and 99 both work well, but cost is considerable. TIG welding is the method I prefer, and my rod of choice in used piston rings. The rings contain eno...
by shorttrackhack
Mon Apr 08, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: How to "Clean Up" Satin Finish Aluminum???
Replies: 20
Views: 10491

Re: How to "Clean Up" Satin Finish Aluminum???

I use Scotchbrite finishes on bare aluminum routinely on race car parts. One thing that helps keep the finish nice, is to run through through grades (I don't usually bother with gray), and then buff the parts up through the usual buffing wheels and compounds, and the put the pattern back in with a b...
by shorttrackhack
Thu Apr 04, 2019 10:20 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: How to "Clean Up" Satin Finish Aluminum???
Replies: 20
Views: 10491

Re: How to "Clean Up" Satin Finish Aluminum???

Seal the surface with car wax, it will keep it shiny for a while and keep the aluminum off your hands.
by shorttrackhack
Thu Apr 04, 2019 10:15 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: How to "Clean Up" Satin Finish Aluminum???
Replies: 20
Views: 10491

Re: How to "Clean Up" Satin Finish Aluminum???

I use a 3 1/2" wide Dyna Cushion wheel mounted on and electric motor, or sander/polisher. Scotchbrite bands are available in brown, red, blue, and gray, as well as cloth/resin backed abrasives. For long and large panels, I use an air file (like for bodywork) with Scotchbrite pads spray glued to...
by shorttrackhack
Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:30 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Hydrogen Embrittlement
Replies: 14
Views: 8656

Re: Hydrogen Embrittlement

I usually cook parts out on the gas grill, it keeps me from having to sleep on the couch...