Another Newbie

[Callum WattParticipant @callumwatt]

[Callum WattParticipant @callumwatt]

Hi all,

A new forum member here –

Interest are mostly just making "things"! Not driven so much by models or anything specific.

I am an young engineer in the energy sector in the west of scotland who has taken the brief stint of machining in my apprenticeship many moons ago home.

I have on long term loan from a friend, a Drummond Round Bed Lathe which is being renovated (which needs a 4 jaw independent chuck & 3/4 BSW / UNC backplate for if anyone has one they're willing to part with).

And a Warco Mini Mill Drill. Both of which are requiring learning the ropes of manufacturing again!

Cheers

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi welcome to the forum. There are many like minded people on here just ask and someone will able to answer problems. What energy sector are you involved in, wind farm? I have a Drummond M type lathe but diferent thread on my spindle.

David

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

Hello Callum and welcome. As David has said, if you have any questions, there will be someone on here with the answer.

Brian

[Callum WattParticipant @callumwatt]

Hi David and Brian,

Thanks for the warm welcome! Nuclear Energy is my crime.

it looks to be 3/4” BSW / 3/4” UNC.

It can supplied with a 6’ 3 jaw self Centreing chuck which while it fits over the round bed, looks a bit on the large side? I’d have though 4” would probably be about right?

This lathe had been sitting in a shed since my friends grandpa passing with the intention of being overhauled but his career took him elsewhere. So I’ve been kindly loaned it until he decides to move back, which won’t likely be very soon. I’ll stick some photos in once I’ve sussed that out. Any setup / operating tips for a Round Bed would be appreciated! Seems pretty nuanced!

Cheers again last,

callum

[Keith LongParticipant @keithlong89920]

Hi Callum, on a Drummond round bed you can forget any threads being UNC / UNF they'll all be BSW / BSF / BA unless someone has altered things in the past.

[Callum WattParticipant @callumwatt]

Hi Keith,

so I can confirm it’s a 3/4” 10tpi BSW spindle thread.

one of the next things I’ll want to do once it’s running is acquire or manufacture a backplate to fit that thread and a 4 jaw chuck.

ive seen blank cast backplates on eBay, and a Burnrd 4” 4 jaw chuck. Is making one something reasonable to manage as a novice? I do have a 3 jaw already mounted to a backplate, and a faceplate available.

Again, thanks all

Callum

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

I don't think that you should have too much trouble making a backplate, the important dimension will be the register for the chuck and this will be a matter of making it fit well.

For the thread, you could have a go at internal screwcutting to rough out the thread but I would advise a tap for finishing.

I too have been involved with nuclear power by most of my work was for nuclear submarines at Faslane and Thurso.

Brian

[Callum WattParticipant @callumwatt]

That’s good thank you!

Yeah I do have the right sized tap (working in old power plants has its perks), so it would be a case of drilling and boring to size.

i won’t be able to go terrible big on the drill as I think the tailstock chuck only takes 13mm.
Plenty practice boring then!

Subs?! You’ll have been in the thick of it then!

Callum

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