Topic: Fun in the shop

[754]

Do you have enuf swing to make a triple tree?
 I know a tip that can turn out , set of 3 hole location to within 1/2 thou or better.. without  boring both trees at once..

[FunJimmy]

Nice work Scottly. Shows that there's more than one way to skin a cat.
Aluminum is fantastic to fab parts from as it's almost as easy to work as wood.
I've used bandsaws, tablesaws, drill press fitted with a compound slide table and milling attachment and a lathe to make dozens of parts.
It anodizes beautifully too.

Have fun.

FJ

[FunJimmy]

Do you have enuf swing to make a triple tree?
 I know a tip that can turn out , set of 3 hole location to within 1/2 thou or better.. without  boring both trees at once..

Come on Frank. Don't hold back.

BTW, congrats on the new job. 

[754]

 Jimmy, where you been?, Drop by when you are in town..
 I know, I am an evil influence sometimes..


 Thanks for the congrats..


 To make triple tress accurately, on a faceplate, or a single tree to accurately match existing;

 Search toolmakers buttons, and see what you find, may make more sense than my explanation..
basically, it involves moveable buttons screwed down lightly to holes tapped in work piece on your layout lines. These are then cross-checked with a micrometer, the bumped around to  desired spec, checked with a micrometer. When you are within a thou, or easily better than, lock down the crew holding the button.. recheck. If nothing moved put work on faceplate, the clock in each hole..

[scottly]

OK, I checked out toolmakers buttons; I don't think my lathe is big enough, with a 12" swing. I can understand how they could be used to duplicate a triple, sort of? Keep the tips coming!

[754]

 Make a  slotted angle plate, and mount on cross slide, where toolpost sits (post need to be removed). Then mount the work on  the angle plate, clock it in & clamp. Then use a boring head in the chuck to finish-bore the holes in triple tree.. after drilling..

[scottly]

Ah!!! Use the lathe like a horizontal mill!! I keep thinking of spinning the work, and using a stationary tool with a lathe. Thanks!!

[Alan F.]

Thanks 754, that's an inspiring idea for so many projects.  Since I've got small machinery creative work-arounds are pretty much all that keeps things happening.

[754]

 Hey, there are plenty of ways to carve up a chunk of billet...

 If you need help, just ask..

[scottly]

Frank, tell him how you made the exhaust clamps. Actually, post the pic again and let him guess, like you did before!

[scottly]

We got a new watch "dog" down at the shop... I think we're safe from the bad guys