Homemade Lathe Part 8

Homemade Lathe Part 8

Motor/Countershaft Drive & Misc Compound Plugs

It's been friggin' cold, like minus 25 Celsius even though the coldest I heard on the radio was -17.

I figured that I'd poke away at some molds for the compound slide. To the left are one of a few sets of fasteners that will hold fixtures to the Compound.

Below on the left is the main carriage bar from a deceased C.Itoh Dot-Matrix printer. After measuring with 3 (three) different sets of calipers, it is indeed 23/32nds" in diameter. I'm not sure why I'm curious about what I would consider such an odd-ball size, perhaps I should have used the metric scale...

Above on the right is an entry level toolpost that will be the first fixture for the compound. The centers of the T-Slots will allow the post to be mounted in 5 positions, in 45 degree increments around the 3 accessible faces of the compound.

The bar is was center drilled and tapped to a 1/4" #20 thread, and drilled through to 3/8th" with the bottom filed flat. The cutting bit pictured is from a cheesy wood chisel, the shank is approx 1/4" square. The bit can be oriented over 15 to 20 degrees within the 3/8ths opening.

The cutting bit will be a learning experience in case hardening. I have some granular carbon and will use the firebox of the wood furnace as my long-term heat source. Though the heat can't be easily regulated, it will have to do...

Look at that vibrant clear colour... Yes I've just procured a replacement Video Camera!

Since it's so damn cold, melting is out of the question. Though what I'd consider boring grunt work, the next logical step is to fabricate some form of motor/counter shaft mount.

The original mount was off the dud headstock, there were a few inherent problems in the previous design, especially the long throw of the motor, which amplified any shaking.

Here I'm making the best motor out of 2, and just playing with various orientations trying to find that ultimate combination of simplicity and functionality.

This is it, a 4" X 2" X 1/4" plate for the original countershaft mount, welded to a 3/16ths" 2" X 6" piece of angle iron that was threaded and slotted to allow 2 separate motor to countershaft adjustments over 5" of belt size.

The mount will pivot on the a Cast Iron mount that has 3/4" posts bolted to the bottom of the motor frame.

The image on the left shows the assembled unit, very rigid and compact, the worst part was drilling out the 3/4" holes in the angle iron that will bolt to the lathe table-top. As the drill press is under-powered and the 3/4" bit must be made of play-dough as it was sharpened at least 4 times.

A quick coat of paint to try and make things look a little neater, you can imagine my embarrassment, as I had my head turned to talk to my daughter who was trying to get that magic moment. Unfortunately this was going to be the only picture regardless of the paint running down the side of the motor, as the Simpson's supercedes helping the Old Man.

Here's the assembly bolted to the table-top.

The turn-buckle still has to be re-installed, and a 38" belt procured for the motor to countershaft.

Otherwise, it's time to let the fire die down, sweep the floor, put away the tools, and shut-off the lights until next weekend...

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