The Home Machinist!

I keep getting "No suitable tool/pair found for pocket 2" errors when trying to make a simple 1/2" diameter/1/2" deep slot even though I've included endmills down to 1/8" diameter and lenghts of up to 2". What gives? I just want to generate code and don't really care ab...

I don't have a 4-jaw chuck, nor do I think that it is safe to just use the shaft as shown without securing it in place (which requires shortening it). I was thinking of standing it up on end clamped in a V-block that is clamped in the mill vise (got those now) and using the mill to cut it down to si...

I installed the limit system today and it works excellently! http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Parts/TriPower_075.jpg Armed and active. I used an existing hole (enlarged slightly) for the switch or I would have put it a bit higher. http://www.largescaleonline...

I took the shaft to McFadden-Dale Hardware and tried a 10 mm (too smooth to bore the shaft), and an X-bit. The X-bit was tight but I was able put the shaft on the bit from the smooth end usually held in the tool and turn it by hand to loosen it up. Then I put the bit in the drill press and spun it a...

I think an X bit would be about perfect!

My ShopMaster 3 in 1 with CNC and Jenix DRO did not come with limit switches for either the power feeds or stepper motors. In the X-axis, you can use the screw feed as a limit switch for the power feed, but there is nothing to keep you from snapping a spline shaft using the Y-axis power feed (alread...

Thanks guys. I've resisted boring because with the broken shaft, I would/should have to disassemble more of the gear-set to remove the other gear that rides on that spline shaft because it is captive and bumps into its counterpart without the spline shaft in place. Not a pretty sound. But I may need...

Thanks.

What of the idea of taking the 13/32" (10.3 mm) bit I've already bought and turn it down a hair?

Do people turn oversized drill bits to get to a desired size or would this destroy the cutting edge?

Thanks. They have the 10 mm size. They are fairly close and I can try that for size. If it's too small (i.e., clears the existing hole), McMaster-Carr have a 10.2 mm size. I can't seem to find a 10.1 mm drill.

I took a spline shaft into the hardware store to get something to enlarge the hole a hair. 25/64" (0.3906" or 9.9 mm) passes right through and 13/32" (0.4063" or 10.3 mm) is too large. Of course none of the major hardware stores carry metric bits because ~10 mm is what I need. Gu...

I received the equivelent parts from Smithy today. I got three @ $4.85 each plus $8 for S/H. These will serve as an easily modified replacement! Note that of the three, one fits the inside of the gears and slides perfectly! The other two shafts also go on the gears, but are tight and would need a pa...

At least you are dealing with Smithy. They've been a pleasure to deal with and I have very positive things to say about their service!