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High guys! I see there are 9x20 belt issues being discussed again. I'm of firm belief that the belts on this lathe are undersized and grossly so. The problem as I see it that the power rating of these belts collapses as speed decreases. No I'd be the first to say the the manuals and...

I might add that it is very possible to have more machine that is needed or can easily be operated via manual means for small parts. So you want to right size based what you intend to be doing. This makes me wonder if you have considered slightly more capable machines like the Taig that keep...

Unfortunately no experience so no help. My concern would be the size of the clocks you intend to make. For the most part I would say the machine is too small for the types of clocks that would be considered display clocks. One consideration would the installation and use of a dividing...

Time to start buying those really tall Vidmar cabinets. Honestly I understand the problem as I'm tripping over tool boxes myself. I have several that contain plumbing tools from when my father passed away, that only get used from time to time. I'm still trying to figure out what to do...

This is normally handled in machine rebuilds by scraping the column and base into alignment. Another possibility is epoxy grouting. You can shim of course but that can lead to distortions in the base/column interface. Epoxy grouting is actually used in commercial machinery builds but it is...

Your goal should be to run dissimilar metals against each other. As far as cast iron liners I’d say go for it and realize that at times you need a more aggressive cleanup afterwards. Grin and bare it in other words. As for cast iron liners if there was something better we would have seen...

I understand your need for high amperage contractors but please avoid any of the Chinese offerings. The few Chinese controls I’ve worked with have been crap. Your capacitor inrush current will be huge, it may pay to create a precharge / soft start solution with some really large resistors...

Hi I’m not sure if you are aware but there is a CNC G-Code interpreter for Arduino called GRBL. Yes strange name but well regarded with many projects based off of it. Effectively for a few bucks you can build Arduino based 3 axis CNC mills and etc or use it for special function uses...

Honestly I'd design for a known retaining ring configuration and buy the rings. Circlips and such are a lot like nuts, you odn't make a nut unless you have a really good reason to do so. Get an on line catalog from one of the big snap ring outfits and figure out what standard clips is best...

I'm still not convinced that your really need two 40 HP phase converters to run this lathe. Mostly due to lathes this size having some sort of clutch/break assembly so the motor starts at almost zero load. There might also be a soft start capability within the controller. In any event...

This is true if you know what you want/need. If you are exploring an idea or trying to repair something having a random pile of stock doesn’t hurt. Usually though people build up that pile over time. The other thing here is that buying stock in these short length is expensive in an of...

You are very lucky. Most of the scrap yards around here wouldn’t even let you in.

VFD’s are very cost effective for converting ex industrial equipment that already has a 3ph motor. In some cases taking only minutes to get a machine running of single phase. In the home shop I can’t imagine that there is a stand out advantage to one type or the other. The biggest...

Now that is funny! I understand Chucks problem though. I do have a cure for one old age problem. When you misplace something and can’t find it after months of looking just go down to the hardware store and buy a new one. You will find that missy by tool within 15 minutes of getting...

I’ve said it before but wow, this is fantastic work. By the way how many of those size gages have you spent so far?[emoji12]

A couple of things here. 1. Most motor manufactures these days publish max speed recommendations for current or recent motor models. So for newer motors you don’t have to guess about permissible speed ranges. 2. Further don’t assume every motor in a family has the same speed range...

The question of going DC. Verses AC 3 phase isn’t always easy to decide. If buying new DF motors are more expensive for a given horse power. However the controllers can be cheaper. In the home shop it is often the cheapest solution that wins. I notice that people often focus on used...

What you want is known as a VFD or Variable Frequency Drive. Purchase the proper one and it will convert single phase to 3 phase. Unfortunately I don’t know enough about UK electrical system to go into details. It would be a good idea to get a decent electrician involved at your end...

Ok risks acknowledged. What I want to know is if the comment about Aluminum bronze is accurate. That is if isn’t ideal for model engineering. I ask because bronze would look nice on s flywheel I r even an engine body.

Just got row everybody’s curve, you can get HSS inserts these days. Carbide good or bad isn’t your only choice. HSS inserts for turning are an interesting development but I still think there is huge value in grinding HSS yourself.