Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Quote from: St Paul Steam on September 04, 2024, 07:50:20 pm

Quote from: Stoker on September 04, 2024, 08:50:50 am

Okay, good to know, but all my files cut on the push stroke. Don't know that I've ever seen one that didn't.

It seems as if your making my point,tang on top, being pulled downward into the work.

My apologies then Bruce, but from your video it actually appears that you have a common rattail file mounted with the tapered end pointing up (see video at 1:14 - 1:18) and the tang mounted under the table in the drive collet (see video at 2:08), though in motion and blurred.

Please excuse my incorrect observations and assumptions!

Certainly not an issue, I think our terminology got misunderstood, the tang (handle end) is on top, being pulled downward into the work, there is no taper on this file, it's the only file I had on hand that would (kinda) work in the moment. Per blondihacks videos, I'll make an assortment of files over time & since this die filer has the spring loaded over arm & I can clamp hack saw blades, abrasive stones & lapping sticks.

Hi folks
here is a video of my (new to me) PM-1228VF-LB Lathe, it's been in the background of a few of my videos, but never the focus. I received this about 6 weeks ago from a machinery dealer that got it via the family of the fellow who bought it new along with quite a load of accessories. I was quite blessed to get the lathe with all the extra goodies that can add to the cost very quickly. this is the last "Major" piece of the desired machinery puzzle that I was hoping to acquire before I retired. I want a 5-C collet chuck for it but, Precision Matthews is out of stock for this item currently.

https://youtu.be/V8weM5xa1Yc

A little better explanation of the operation of the gear selector lever.

https://youtu.be/TltdoGpQpUM

how I built the reversing lever

https://youtu.be/4x9nxVYHztg

the quick change blet levers

https://youtu.be/rVFAmGcYl_s

That PM-1228 looks like a wonderful and capable machine ..... especially nice with a couple of well thought out convenience modifications!

Are you keeping your South Bend too?
I still have both 9" South Bend lathes, I have always thought that I would move on my plain old SB 9"(my 1st lathe) but I'm really fond of that lathe & it probably wouldn't bring much money anyway...no hurry. Needing the space would be the main reason to move it out. I'm replacing steam engine storage with machine allocation. I'm finding that modifying machinery is not much different than modify steam engines.(& I'm loving it 😊) I've been on the hunt for so long for certain items that I know I will miss that aspect of it, I'm still wanting a few more items (hydraulic lift table, d1-4 mount 5-C collet chuck) but no hurry on those, it was fun. I now need to start shifting my focus on learning how to use the machinery I now have.

That chuck cradle, or sled, is really slick. I just use an old scrap piece of two by four on my Atlas 618, but then my chuck probably only weighs about 1/3rd of yours, so is much easier to handle and lift. I know on the Okuma I used to operate, changing out the chuck was a two-man job, partially due to weight but even more so due to the awkwardness of it. Having a system and a dedicated tool like that sled is just plain SLICK, and plenty smart too!

Thanks Daniel & Charlie. My South Bend lathes aren't seeing much use lately,  (& that kinda surprises me)

I live near tormach in Waunakee WI, and know a few people with their machines, and even know a guy who works there. Excellent support and the software seems to be really exceptional. That said I didnt have that kind of cash and I am just setting up my shop, so I picked up a 500$ enco knee mill and added a TouchDRO system. Had been running it on a 120v single phase to 220v 3 phase vfd, but have since set up a Rotary Phase converter because my new old lathe cannot use a vfd. Lathe is a leblonde 15x54 bought on surplus for a song, and admittedly is way too much machine for my 1700sqrft house basement haha.

Not much that you can't do with those wonderful machines in your shop!