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Kevin Groenke @ PersonMakeObject
Early variations of identical models were labeled as DB200 in the USA, and SL1000 in Europe so it isn't such a simple question. But, the early Unimats with cast iron beds are better because they have more mass and rigidity. Other than the milling column, I think all other accessories are interchangable.?
"bed trays were made first of cast iron, then a heavy zinc "ZAMAK" alloy and, finally, a much lighter grade of ZAMAK. To discover which model you have found, invert the machine and look at the underside of the bed: a single large "X-shaped" stiffening web denotes cast iron, while multiple X-shaped webs indicate a bed in ZAMAK. To distinguish between the lighter and heaver ZAMAK versions (unless you have both together and can pick them up), examine the area where the milling post comes through - on the lighter version there are six bracing ribs around the hole and on the heavier just one round boss, in the middle of a rib, towards the front; on a light base five of the six ribs have round bosses while the 6th, towards the tailstock, does not. The heavier base, having a much higher zinc content (hence the weight), meant that it could be subjected to "plastic cold flow" if left under constant stress. Owners have seen this phenomena exhibited in a Unimat left in the vertical mode for many years where the hole in the base was so deformed that the column was no longer truly vertical."
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: OldToolmaker via <old_toolmaker=[email protected]>Date: Wed, Apr 26, 2023, 7:20 AM Subject: [Unimat] DB200 vs SL1000 To: < [email protected]> Opinions please! Which is better and why? DB200 or SL1000? -- forum/ ?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS??LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS??QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION
|
In lathe mode I prefer the cast Iron DB200, the Mass helps dampen vibration.
in Mill mode I like the SL1000¡¯s larger vertical post adapter which provides wider support to the spindle head.
|
Opinions please! Which is better and why?
DB200 or SL1000?
--
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972
?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?
?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS
?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS
?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS?
?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET
?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION
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Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Hello, Carl
The advice you gave is spot on. I remember machining a test bar in trade school in the same manner. It is never fail advice!
Dick
--
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972
?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?
?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS
?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS
?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS?
?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET
?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Hello
JHM:
There
is yet another option that doesn't use a test bar. Mount an
indicator to the headstock spindle and rotate it about the
tailstock center. This will tell you if they are in alignment,
at this location. You could also extend the indicator so the
tailstock is more in its usual location.
When
you get your new test bar, be sure to check its accuracy. Both
ends should be the same diameter and spin without any run out.
Carl.
On 4/23/2023 3:04 PM, Elliot Nesterman
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
If you have a decent dial indicator a 10mm bar will be fine.
Remember,
the drilled centers don't have to be perfect as you will be
turning the
test bar between centers anyway.
On 4/23/23 2:00 PM, Julius Henry Marx wrote:
Hello:
Mr. Pete ...? ... has two videos on making test bars ...
Indeed ...
I am a /huge/ fan of Mr. Pete and I have seen both videos. 8^)
He explains everything very well.
That said, most if not all of Mr. Pete's videos are directed at
enthusiasts who have or work with a range of tools well outside
of what
the Unimat 3 is and can do.
He has only mentioned the Unimat 3 once, in the context of a
"Buying a
lathe" video and "/... only to show you that lathes come in many
different sizes/".
In the first video you linked to, he shows a bar much like the
one I
will purchase next week but don't have a granite surface plate
to check
it. (yet)
The U3 cannot pass a 20mm bar and even if I chose to get a 10mm
one
instead, attempting to make the centers on my 4-jaw would
probably not
produce an accurate enough result for the test bar to be useful
as such.
Thanks for your input.
Best,
JHM
--
Elliot Nesterman
elliot@...
"The finest jewel cannot disguise a flawed character."
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Hello
JHM:
We made
test bars in trade school. The bars started as 1" hot rolled
stock with black bark on it. We turned most of it down to 3/4"
diameter leaving an inch at both ends at 7/8". Then we turned
both 7/8" spots to the same precise size. All this done
between centers. So now you could use an indicator to check
the tailstock's alignment, no more test cuts.
If you
are turning between centers you can cut one end, flip the bar
and turn the other end without moving the tool setting and you
should be good.
Carl.
On 4/23/2023 11:44 AM, Julius Henry
Marx wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hello:
... off to get a 180mm piece of precision
ground/hardened 20mm steel rod ...
I postponed the 2 hr. journey to the purveyor till I had someone
with a proper lathe+skill to make the centers on the rod. for me.
Fortunately, I found a chap willing to do the job for a reasonable
price and the bar will be ready sometime next week.
In the meanwhile and having the week-end to try alternatives, I
set up this:
It's a 140mm piece of ~19mm rebar dowel found in a skip and
cleaned up/roughed to size some time ago.
I had no aluminium stock at hand and as the rebar was probably
grade 40 at best, I thought it would be easy to work on.
I put another center on it, roughed it to size again, made two
fine cuts and then measured the diameter at each end.
With the readings taken (~ 110mm apart) and the difference
calculated, I replaced the shims for the next size I calc-guessed
would give me a better result.
The last of 8/10 attempts, using a pair of 0.23mm plastic shims
gave these results:
- headstock end: 15.375mm
- ?tailstock end: 15.450mm
- difference: 0.075mm
- alignment error: 0.037mm
With a proper test bar at hand, I will hopefully be able to
confirm these results.
Q: if confirmed, is this an acceptable result for a Unimat 3?
Can't leave out that all this took much longer than expected
because I started using my new set of Taig "high speed steel" bits
purchased from a dealer in the US.
After much grievance, it dawned on me that I had thrown away
US$50.
It was a huge disappointment but also a lesson, at least for me.
The job was finished in a jiffy using a DCMT21.51 holder/insert
purchased last year at Aliexpress.
I'd appreciate any comments on the results.
Thanks in advance,
JHM
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Hello:
... you will be turning the test bar between centers ...
I'm sorry if I did not explain myself correctly. I won't be turning a bar. I already did that to see how close I could get to a reasonably good alignment without a proper test bar. Now I will be purchasing an already ground and hardened 20mm steel bar and a machinist with a precision lathe will make the centers for me.
The result will be a quality test bar (G6 tolerance and 62HRC surface hardness) for my U3 which will allow me to rapidly align it everytime I need to unmount it for cleaning, maintenance, etc. without the hassle of having to turn a piece of stock.
Much like this one ...
... but in a length to fit the U3's 180mm between centers and at a fraction of what the one in the photo goes for.
No box needed as a ?1.75" PVC pipe with end caps and a neoprene lining on the inside will do just fine.?
Thanks for your input.
Best,
JHM
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
If you have a decent dial indicator a 10mm bar will be fine. Remember,
the drilled centers don't have to be perfect as you will be turning the
test bar between centers anyway.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 4/23/23 2:00 PM, Julius Henry Marx wrote: Hello:
Mr. Pete ...? ... has two videos on making test bars ...
Indeed ...
I am a /huge/ fan of Mr. Pete and I have seen both videos. 8^)
He explains everything very well.
That said, most if not all of Mr. Pete's videos are directed at
enthusiasts who have or work with a range of tools well outside of what
the Unimat 3 is and can do.
He has only mentioned the Unimat 3 once, in the context of a "Buying a
lathe" video and "/... only to show you that lathes come in many
different sizes/".
In the first video you linked to, he shows a bar much like the one I
will purchase next week but don't have a granite surface plate to check
it. (yet)
The U3 cannot pass a 20mm bar and even if I chose to get a 10mm one
instead, attempting to make the centers on my 4-jaw would probably not
produce an accurate enough result for the test bar to be useful as such.
Thanks for your input.
Best,
JHM
--
Elliot Nesterman
elliot@...
www.ajoure.net
"The finest jewel cannot disguise a flawed character."
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Hello:
Mr. Pete ...? ... has two videos on making test bars ...
Indeed ... I am a huge fan of Mr. Pete and I have seen both videos. 8^) He explains everything very well. That said, most if not all of Mr. Pete's videos are directed at enthusiasts who have or work with a range of tools well outside of what the Unimat 3 is and can do. He has only mentioned the Unimat 3 once, in the context of a "Buying a lathe" video and " ... only to show you that lathes come in many different sizes". In the first video you linked to, he shows a bar much like the one I will purchase next week but don't have a granite surface plate to check it. (yet) The U3 cannot pass a 20mm bar and even if I chose to get a 10mm one instead, attempting to make the centers on my 4-jaw would probably not produce an accurate enough result for the test bar to be useful as such. Thanks for your input. Best, JHM
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Mr. Pete/Tubalcain (youtube channel mrpete222), "your youtube shop
teacher," has two videos on making test bars for aligning centers.
MACHINE SHOP TIPS #95 Making a Test Bar pt 1
MACHINE SHOP TIPS #96 Making a Test Bar pt 2
--
Elliot Nesterman
elliot@...
www.ajoure.net
"The finest jewel cannot disguise a flawed character."
|
Re: Unimat 3 alignment problem?
Hello:
... off to get a 180mm piece of precision ground/hardened 20mm steel rod ...
I postponed the 2 hr. journey to the purveyor till I had someone with a proper lathe+skill to make the centers on the rod. for me. Fortunately, I found a chap willing to do the job for a reasonable price and the bar will be ready sometime next week. In the meanwhile and having the week-end to try alternatives, I set up this:  It's a 140mm piece of ~19mm rebar dowel found in a skip and cleaned up/roughed to size some time ago. I had no aluminium stock at hand and as the rebar was probably grade 40 at best, I thought it would be easy to work on. I put another center on it, roughed it to size again, made two fine cuts and then measured the diameter at each end. With the readings taken (~ 110mm apart) and the difference calculated, I replaced the shims for the next size I calc-guessed would give me a better result.  The last of 8/10 attempts, using a pair of 0.23mm plastic shims gave these results:
- headstock end: 15.375mm
- ?tailstock end: 15.450mm
- difference: 0.075mm
- alignment error: 0.037mm
With a proper test bar at hand, I will hopefully be able to confirm these results. Q: if confirmed, is this an acceptable result for a Unimat 3? Can't leave out that all this took much longer than expected because I started using my new set of Taig "high speed steel" bits purchased from a dealer in the US. After much grievance, it dawned on me that I had thrown away US$50. It was a huge disappointment but also a lesson, at least for me. The job was finished in a jiffy using a DCMT21.51 holder/insert purchased last year at Aliexpress. I'd appreciate any comments on the results. Thanks in advance, JHM
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Hi John, regarding the 8" mini shear/ brake.
I get the wire part, I already have a micro mark rolling mill for wire.
I don't know how the accessory(s) works for sure, but I want one!? It looks like it is a $489 item new at Amazon.
I will ask if we own one; I'm pretty sure we have a brake, but don't know if it is a shearer, too.
I ordered my copper last night at 2:00 am and Amazon has already delivered it; so let the cutting experiment begin.
I did not know I was going to make a color palette, so I have I know I have some additional supplies to purchase; so I won't be
doing any test firings for a while.... this is a summer task after the silver class in June.
The light duty paper cutter is smaller, so I hope that if Plan A doesn't work, that Plan B will work.? Plan C, metal cutting shearer?
is not going to be as accurate as Plan A or Plan B.
I wish our makerspace had this kind of metal working equipment.
Tamra
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Pretty cool! And local to me. Though it's even smaller than the 12" job, and I'm pretty sure that one is too small for what I need. Besides, I just bought a steady and follower rests for my Atlas TH42... Need to stop spending $$ RFN!
Bill in OKC
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by: Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.? SEMPER GUMBY!
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 04:27:35 PM CDT, John Entwistle via groups.io <jentwistle3@...> wrote:
There is an 8¡± sheer on ebay used for $100.?
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 22, 2023, at 5:13 PM, Jkle379184 via groups.io <jkle379184@...> wrote:
?
How about something like this, a 12" metal shear, roller and brake all in one. It would do a what you want and more. This is a Eastwood brand. They are sold under many different names and with a big price spread. Just do a web search for " 12 inch 3 in 1 Metal Fabrication Brake Shear and Slip Roll"
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-12-inch-3-in-1-brake-shear-and-slip-roll.html
Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill in OKC too via groups.io <wmrmeyers@...>
To:
[email protected] <
[email protected]>
Sent: Sat, Apr 22, 2023 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: [Unimat] Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Tamra, a shear will be easier, and there won't be lots of fine metal dust to worry about. Though you can get some pretty sharp edges shearing metal.?
You can get a pretty decent hand-held band saw from Harbor Freight. I've got the older version from before they introduced their new Bauer line. Cost about $100, and the newer Bauer version does a wider and deeper cut for $99 right now. There are a number of folks who have built stands to use them as bench tools for horizontal or vertical use.?https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=bandsaw+stand+portable? some links for you.?
I have several hand shears, and a roller sheet that will cut up to 1/8" plate.
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by:
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.?
SEMPER GUMBY!
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.Physics doesn't care about your schedule.The only reason I know anything is because I've done it wrong enough times to START to know better.
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:47:48 AM CDT, Tamra B <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
Kevin, I think this is a much safer solution... I have one that I use all the time at work.? I will order the copper and see if I can cut it with it;? I do have a few saw blades from my micro mark table saw.... oh, and looking this up, they do indicate you can cut brass up to 1/16".??
.
Lots of options here....
Sometimes, I wish for a real metal cutting bandsaw for steel, but so far, one has not landed in the shop.? I am not permitted to use dear husbands woodworking tools on metals... that will get me kicked out of the shop; but I can do this on my micromark table saw if the paper cutter doesn't work.
Tamra
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
That should probably work nicely for Tamra, though Ebay has one for $300 with free shipping, and they want over $400 for the same one you linked. I looked at them, but they're too small for what I need... Though I only need to make 1 drawer for my SB Heavy 10L lathe stand... Though I suspect I'll find more uses for it, whatever I finally wind up with. For the metal she wants to cut, I believe a heavy-duty paper cutter would be adequate. I've done that, myself.?
Bill in OKC
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by: Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.? SEMPER GUMBY!
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 04:13:22 PM CDT, Jkle379184 via groups.io <jkle379184@...> wrote:
How about something like this, a 12" metal shear, roller and brake all in one. It would do a what you want and more. This is a Eastwood brand. They are sold under many different names and with a big price spread. Just do a web search for " 12 inch 3 in 1 Metal Fabrication Brake Shear and Slip Roll"
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-12-inch-3-in-1-brake-shear-and-slip-roll.html
Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill in OKC too via groups.io <wmrmeyers@...>
To: [email protected] < [email protected]>
Sent: Sat, Apr 22, 2023 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: [Unimat] Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Tamra, a shear will be easier, and there won't be lots of fine metal dust to worry about. Though you can get some pretty sharp edges shearing metal.?
You can get a pretty decent hand-held band saw from Harbor Freight. I've got the older version from before they introduced their new Bauer line. Cost about $100, and the newer Bauer version does a wider and deeper cut for $99 right now. There are a number of folks who have built stands to use them as bench tools for horizontal or vertical use.?https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=bandsaw+stand+portable? some links for you.?
I have several hand shears, and a roller sheet that will cut up to 1/8" plate.
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by:
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.?
SEMPER GUMBY!
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.Physics doesn't care about your schedule.The only reason I know anything is because I've done it wrong enough times to START to know better.
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:47:48 AM CDT, Tamra B <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
Kevin, I think this is a much safer solution... I have one that I use all the time at work.? I will order the copper and see if I can cut it with it;? I do have a few saw blades from my micro mark table saw.... oh, and looking this up, they do indicate you can cut brass up to 1/16".??
.
Lots of options here....
Sometimes, I wish for a real metal cutting bandsaw for steel, but so far, one has not landed in the shop.? I am not permitted to use dear husbands woodworking tools on metals... that will get me kicked out of the shop; but I can do this on my micromark table saw if the paper cutter doesn't work.
Tamra
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I - WARNING
DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK IN BILL¡¯S MESSAGE AS IT CONTAINS MALWARE.? It tried to tell me that my machine was infected with five viruses and my McAfee antivirus was expired (which it is not).? Obviously, do not click on any of the links or messages that come up on the screen.? Just exit, and run your antivirus just to be sure. ? Jerry F. California? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bill in OKC too via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2023 10:39 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unimat] Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I? Tamra, a shear will be easier, and there won't be lots of fine metal dust to worry about. Though you can get some pretty sharp edges shearing metal.? You can get a pretty decent hand-held band saw from Harbor Freight. I've got the older version from before they introduced their new Bauer line. Cost about $100, and the newer Bauer version does a wider and deeper cut for $99 right now. There are a number of folks who have built stands to use them as bench tools for horizontal or vertical use.?https://myoutube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=bandsaw+stand+portable? some links for you.? I have several hand shears, and a roller sheet that will cut up to 1/8" plate. William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.) Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.? Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.
Physics doesn't care about your schedule.
The only reason I know anything is because I've done it wrong enough times to START to know better. Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first. ? On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:47:48 AM CDT, Tamra B <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote: Kevin, I think this is a much safer solution... I have one that I use all the time at work.? I will order the copper and see if I can cut it with it;? I do have a few saw blades from my micro mark table saw.... oh, and looking this up, they do indicate you can cut brass up to 1/16".??
.
Lots of options here....
Sometimes, I wish for a real metal cutting bandsaw for steel, but so far, one has not landed in the shop.? I am not permitted to use dear husbands woodworking tools on metals... that will get me kicked out of the shop; but I can do this on my micromark table saw if the paper cutter doesn't work.
Tamra
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
There is an 8¡± sheer on ebay used for $100.?
|
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Apr 22, 2023, at 5:13 PM, Jkle379184 via groups.io <jkle379184@...> wrote:
?
How about something like this, a 12" metal shear, roller and brake all in one. It would do a what you want and more. This is a Eastwood brand. They are sold under many different names and with a big price spread. Just do a web search for " 12 inch 3 in 1 Metal Fabrication Brake Shear and Slip Roll"
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-12-inch-3-in-1-brake-shear-and-slip-roll.html
Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill in OKC too via groups.io <wmrmeyers@...>
To:
[email protected] <
[email protected]>
Sent: Sat, Apr 22, 2023 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: [Unimat] Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Tamra, a shear will be easier, and there won't be lots of fine metal dust to worry about. Though you can get some pretty sharp edges shearing metal.?
You can get a pretty decent hand-held band saw from Harbor Freight. I've got the older version from before they introduced their new Bauer line. Cost about $100, and the newer Bauer version does a wider and deeper cut for $99 right now. There are a number of folks who have built stands to use them as bench tools for horizontal or vertical use.?https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=bandsaw+stand+portable? some links for you.?
I have several hand shears, and a roller sheet that will cut up to 1/8" plate.
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by:
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.?
SEMPER GUMBY!
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.Physics doesn't care about your schedule.The only reason I know anything is because I've done it wrong enough times to START to know better.
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:47:48 AM CDT, Tamra B <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
Kevin, I think this is a much safer solution... I have one that I use all the time at work.? I will order the copper and see if I can cut it with it;? I do have a few saw blades from my micro mark table saw.... oh, and looking this up, they do indicate you can cut brass up to 1/16".??
.
Lots of options here....
Sometimes, I wish for a real metal cutting bandsaw for steel, but so far, one has not landed in the shop.? I am not permitted to use dear husbands woodworking tools on metals... that will get me kicked out of the shop; but I can do this on my micromark table saw if the paper cutter doesn't work.
Tamra
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
How about something like this, a 12" metal shear, roller and brake all in one. It would do a what you want and more. This is a Eastwood brand. They are sold under many different names and with a big price spread. Just do a web search for " 12 inch 3 in 1 Metal Fabrication Brake Shear and Slip Roll"
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-12-inch-3-in-1-brake-shear-and-slip-roll.html
Jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill in OKC too via groups.io <wmrmeyers@...>
To: [email protected] < [email protected]>
Sent: Sat, Apr 22, 2023 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: [Unimat] Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Tamra, a shear will be easier, and there won't be lots of fine metal dust to worry about. Though you can get some pretty sharp edges shearing metal.?
You can get a pretty decent hand-held band saw from Harbor Freight. I've got the older version from before they introduced their new Bauer line. Cost about $100, and the newer Bauer version does a wider and deeper cut for $99 right now. There are a number of folks who have built stands to use them as bench tools for horizontal or vertical use.?https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=bandsaw+stand+portable? some links for you.?
I have several hand shears, and a roller sheet that will cut up to 1/8" plate.
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by:
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.?
SEMPER GUMBY!
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.Physics doesn't care about your schedule.The only reason I know anything is because I've done it wrong enough times to START to know better.
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:47:48 AM CDT, Tamra B <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
Kevin, I think this is a much safer solution... I have one that I use all the time at work.? I will order the copper and see if I can cut it with it;? I do have a few saw blades from my micro mark table saw.... oh, and looking this up, they do indicate you can cut brass up to 1/16".??
.
Lots of options here....
Sometimes, I wish for a real metal cutting bandsaw for steel, but so far, one has not landed in the shop.? I am not permitted to use dear husbands woodworking tools on metals... that will get me kicked out of the shop; but I can do this on my micromark table saw if the paper cutter doesn't work.
Tamra
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Tamra, a shear will be easier, and there won't be lots of fine metal dust to worry about. Though you can get some pretty sharp edges shearing metal.?
You can get a pretty decent hand-held band saw from Harbor Freight. I've got the older version from before they introduced their new Bauer line. Cost about $100, and the newer Bauer version does a wider and deeper cut for $99 right now. There are a number of folks who have built stands to use them as bench tools for horizontal or vertical use.?https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=bandsaw+stand+portable? some links for you.?
I have several hand shears, and a roller sheet that will cut up to 1/8" plate.
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by: Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.? SEMPER GUMBY!
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 12:47:48 AM CDT, Tamra B <tamrabrogdon@...> wrote:
Kevin, I think this is a much safer solution... I have one that I use all the time at work.? I will order the copper and see if I can cut it with it;? I do have a few saw blades from my micro mark table saw.... oh, and looking this up, they do indicate you can cut brass up to 1/16".??
.
Lots of options here....
Sometimes, I wish for a real metal cutting bandsaw for steel, but so far, one has not landed in the shop.? I am not permitted to use dear husbands woodworking tools on metals... that will get me kicked out of the shop; but I can do this on my micromark table saw if the paper cutter doesn't work.
Tamra
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
You need to get into investment casting of precious metals! Lost Wax casting would let you make your model in easily carved wax, then you sprue it, and invest the model. Then you take the invested model and burn out the wax, and pour in your metal of choice to fill the mold and sprue... Let it cool a bit, then wash the mold off the metal casting and finish it.?
Local friend of mine makes model train parts in stainless steel using this method, but he sends the models out to be invested, burned out, and cast. For one-off castings, you can use the original model, or you can make silicone molds to make multiple copies of the model. Here's one source of info:?? And I have both of the books from Sharr Choate:?? and more general books on lost wax casting:??&??I have both of those in digital and paper copies, too.?
Then you can be just as easily distracted as I am! ;)?
Back to shears for a moment, too!?
I have a shear similar to this one, though my local tool shop was selling them for about $30 a while back.?
For doing miniature work like you do, this one might be more appropriate:?
Bill in OKC
William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Aphorisms to live by: Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.? SEMPER GUMBY!
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:50:23 AM CDT, Carl <carl.blum@...> wrote:
Hello
Tamra:
It
looks like a stack up of die block, spacer ( slot for material
) and punch guide block. The three are held together with
dowel pins and screws. They would assemble all three and then
wire cut the shape you wish. Then from a separate block they
would cut the punch, just a bit smaller than the die opening.
In the die shop we had similar die sets for making shims, fast
way to cut holes. The nice thing about wire EDM is you can
harden all the parts before cutting the shapes.
Carl.
On 4/22/2023 11:26 AM, Tamra B wrote:
I think I am cutting 50 rectangles of copper.? ? Something close
to this measurement; will see what is the max qty obtainable when
the copper is delivered.
I ordered supplies for a kit and some samples, so I think I have
44 different colors at the present time.? Sleeping on this,? I
still believe the cricut would be ideal, and the adhesive mats are
perfect for work holding, and I could draw the divisions? lines
too.
1- 11/16" x 1"
You know you used to get those sample actual plastic credit
cards in the mail, I saved mine for glue jobs, as you can easily
scrape the glue off.? I've cut shapes out of credit cards with the
cricut maker 3, and had no problems, and in my opinion the copper
measuring .8 mm is thinner then the credit cards that I
tested....so that is my first test; if that doesn't work, then I
will be at the paper cutter tomorrow, then perhaps scissors, but I
do really wish for these 50 items to be identical without the
expense of the die.
How do they slot that piece of steel for the die?? Carl, Do you
think they used a wire EDM to make the slot?? just curious, doubt
that I will ever make my own die, but it is fun to contemplate.
I wonder if Hobby Lobby or the local hardware store have 20 gauge
copper; I'm only familiar with the brass supply locally.? This is
my first steps into using cooper, and I'm in a miniature Silver
turning? vase class in June, so hopefully, I will have a good
experience with two new to me metal working projects.? 1/2"
diameter of silver rod 12" in length was more then $400 at Rio
Grande.? I did not order!??
Tamra
|
Re: Mill Question - should I? or shouldn't I
Hello
Tamra:
It
looks like a stack up of die block, spacer ( slot for material
) and punch guide block. The three are held together with
dowel pins and screws. They would assemble all three and then
wire cut the shape you wish. Then from a separate block they
would cut the punch, just a bit smaller than the die opening.
In the die shop we had similar die sets for making shims, fast
way to cut holes. The nice thing about wire EDM is you can
harden all the parts before cutting the shapes.
Carl.
On 4/22/2023 11:26 AM, Tamra B wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I think I am cutting 50 rectangles of copper.? ? Something close
to this measurement; will see what is the max qty obtainable when
the copper is delivered.
I ordered supplies for a kit and some samples, so I think I have
44 different colors at the present time.? Sleeping on this,? I
still believe the cricut would be ideal, and the adhesive mats are
perfect for work holding, and I could draw the divisions? lines
too.
1- 11/16" x 1"
You know you used to get those sample actual plastic credit
cards in the mail, I saved mine for glue jobs, as you can easily
scrape the glue off.? I've cut shapes out of credit cards with the
cricut maker 3, and had no problems, and in my opinion the copper
measuring .8 mm is thinner then the credit cards that I
tested....so that is my first test; if that doesn't work, then I
will be at the paper cutter tomorrow, then perhaps scissors, but I
do really wish for these 50 items to be identical without the
expense of the die.
How do they slot that piece of steel for the die?? Carl, Do you
think they used a wire EDM to make the slot?? just curious, doubt
that I will ever make my own die, but it is fun to contemplate.
I wonder if Hobby Lobby or the local hardware store have 20 gauge
copper; I'm only familiar with the brass supply locally.? This is
my first steps into using cooper, and I'm in a miniature Silver
turning? vase class in June, so hopefully, I will have a good
experience with two new to me metal working projects.? 1/2"
diameter of silver rod 12" in length was more then $400 at Rio
Grande.? I did not order!??
Tamra
|
rcjge
OldToolmaker
Carl
Bill in OKC too
John Entwistle