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Oscillators can produce the needed power if properly designed. See the Hicks Oscillator thread. They have gotten a bad image due to all of the toy engines in that configuration. Bill

Ah yes, the old tyme springy parting tool holder. The device of nightmares. I learned much of what I know about machining "back in the day", using such devices mounted in lantern tool holders on clapped out WWII equipment. No, thank you. Bill

"I take the part out of the lathe and transfer it to the bandsaw!" Been there, hate to do that! Bill

Mystery metal steel. It machines nicely but is not leaded. Bill

Well I'm up and running with no chatter, but another evil has jumped out. The tool wants to dig in. I'm very slowly feeding by hand, while the tool is cutting cleanly it will suddenly dig in, taking a heavy cut. The tool is still on center. I'm thinking that adjusting the tool to be under...

Managed to find some time for the shop and I'm back. Tightened up everything, especially around the headstock. Initially, I saw almost .002" of spindle movement at the front edge of the chuck. After tightening the inner bearing (tapered roller) it is now almost .001". Spindle rotation is...

I am the OP and am still here, reading and learning. I still have the problem as I have changed nothing. Life is keeping me out of the shop, I'm hoping that changes soon. What really mystifies me is that immediately after making the new holder, parting became a dream with zero problems and...

What causes it? I've made a very rigid parting tool holder that mounts directly on the compound and makes a very rigid setup. Usually works like a dream, but sometimes get chatter. It really seems to be a random event as it comes and goes with the same setup. Sometimes touching up the tool...

Their web site is still up. That's usually a good sign. Bill

Interesting to see opinions on larger bed mills but no mention of the Charter Oak machine. Know zip about it, so I'm not promoting it, just wondering why. Like not in any way comparable? Bill

Sure, tighten just enough that it does not spin. Duh! Try this approach. Each time, tighten the drawbar to the max that will allow reasonable force to remove the tool. I suggest experimenting, using a click torque wrench and establish just what that number might be. Start low and work up...

I found that my eyes are sensitive to light color. Love 5000 K, 6000 K is a bit harsh. Also the solution to having an LED blasting your eyes is to install a bank of them. Soon the room is filled with beautiful 5000K light and the single source blasting effect is gone. As long as I have 80...

Motorman 1946 said "Never had the money or the time, family came first which is fine, but in many ways now I wish I had found the time, just a little, and started very modestly, because in reality it was 25 years wasted." Reminds me of the old cowboy who said "I spent 90% of my money on booze...

Thank you for being honest with your experiences. Some of our most important lessons are learned from failures. You taught every reader a very important lesson that will stay with them. Bill

I am a firm believer in buying tools that fit your eyes, especially with micrometers in regard to how lines register. Some mics are very hard for me to read, others very easy. Some almost impossible. It is so bad that sometimes I have to measure a part with dial calipers in order to get a...

I have had a 110 for over 20 years and has seen considerable use. An inexpensive but adequate lathe. Has not been troublesome and is not worn out. I would be lost without it. Its biggest shortcoming is the threaded spindle. As far as I am concerned, it has no hidden faults. I did manage to...

Brian, look at the Lenox "Diemaster" blades. Good quality and available in 1/4" width and tooth count from about 32 to 4. I tried them about 5 years ago and now that is now all I use. The drawback being that straight cuts are only as good as the operator. Bill

While getting leaded solder has not been a problem, I have found some big name brands found at "big box store" solder to be fit only for making fishing weights. It will melt and bead up, regardless of the prep and flux used. Just will not flow or "suck" into a joint. Some nonleaded solder...

How about putting the blue stuff on the screw, let it setup then assemble. Bill

I lock the headstock, mount a die into its diestock, remove the dead center and use the tailstock ram (or drill chuck with the jaws retracted into the body) to force the die onto the part while turning the diestock by hand. The die is held square by the ram and self aligns, producing a good...