What Did you do Today 2022

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

Today I finally powered up the 3 phase conversion on my Clarke CL300 lathe. The lathe was originally supported on two lengths of 80mm square tube, which brought it up to comfortable working height for me and also enabled me to fit a coolant tank underneath the chip tray. As the new motor was considerably larger than the original one, it had to be mounted behind the lathe. A new longer length of 8omm square tube was fitted to carry the motor and the old motor housing was fitted with a new shaft to carry two pulleys and thus act as a countershaft.

The inverter was mounted on the wall behind the lathe, with a combined NVR switch and emergency stop fitted in the modified control box fitted to the lathe. The switch is fitted in the mains supply going to the inverter. Normally the motor is controlled by the inverters pendant buttons.

The box was also fitted with the RPM display and a switched supply for the coolant pump.

The CL300 specifies spindle speeds of 100 to 2500 RPM. On test, my new arrangement gave me a maximum of 480rpm in low gear and 1060 high gear, with the inverter running at 58Hz. I had read the specification for the new motor, so this was not unexpected. I will try a larger pulley on the motor (40 teeth instead of the present 20). This should not be a problem for the half HP motor as the one it is replacing was only rated at 250 watts.

Edited By Anthony Knights on 07/09/2022 13:33:27

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Some actual visible progress today. I had a trial assembly of the motion section of the die filer that I;m constructing. The one I said that I wasn't going to make when I suggested a shaper-like drive, in response to a thread asking for ideas for the production of vertical motion for a die filer. Iain Down's thread

The upshot looks remarkably similar to the CAD drawing I produced. Unfortunate choice of colour for the Perspex top and base plates (black) means it's difficult to make out some detail.

A few spacers to make now that I can physically measure the gaps and then to press on with the ram slide arrangement.

John

[Ex contributorParticipant @mgnbuk]

On test, my new arrangement gave me a maximum of 480rpm in low gear and 1060 high gear, with the inverter running at 58Hz. I had read the specification for the new motor, so this was not unexpected. I will try a larger pulley on the motor

Your inverter will operate at an output frequency of up to 400 Hz – why not just increase the maximum output frequency ?

The Mitsubishi manual states that device is IP20 i.e. it should be mounted in an enclosure for protection.

Nigel B

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

Hi mgnbuk. The motor and inverter came as a package, which according to the literature which came with it, just needed connecting up as it was all pre-programmed. I will have to check the manual (on a CD) which came with the product, regarding programming. Thanks for the advice.

As for enclosure, I have been searching different component suppliers, trying to find one which is deep enough, but not too big width or height wise. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Anthony

[Henry BrownParticipant @henrybrown95529]

Anthony, I used an enclosure I found on ebay, cost about £25 if I remember, had to cut a few holes in it but I have the peace of mind that the inverter is safe from flying debris and moisture. I used a louvre plate top and bottom from Tool Station to aid ventilation as well as standing the whole thing away from the wall by about 25mm.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Anthony Knights on 08/09/2022 09:26:11:

…

As for enclosure, I have been searching different component suppliers, trying to find one which is deep enough, but not too big width or height wise. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Anthony

Although I prefer to buy this sort of thing so I can get on with machining, in this case I'd probably make one. Commercial boxes are pricey and Sod's Law often makes it impossible to find one just the right size!

Perhaps an expert will comment, but I don't think the outer enclosure has to be anything special. It's purpose is to keep people safely away from the electric terminals and to protect the electronics from accidental bumps and dirt, especially swarf and splashes. A simple wooden or sheet metal box would do unless it must be in a vulnerable location. Assuming the box is reasonably out-of-the-way the main problem is keeping the inside cool, which is usually done by providing a moderately roomy enclosure with vents or grills and perhaps a computer-type fan.

Aluminium sheet is easily bent to shape with angle bars, or flat plates can be riveted, screwed, or bolted onto aluminium angle. I think Aluminium sheet is by far the best material for this job. Steel sheet is cheaper but has to be rust protected and is a few notches harder to work with. Wood and home-made plastic aren't ideal for various reasons, for example, there's a need to allow more ventilation because they're good heat insulators.

If a metal box is used make sure the sides and lid are electrically bonded so that the whole thing can be earthed. Also fit cable holes with grommets and provide some form of strain relief inside. Nylon Zip Ties are often 'good enough'.

Dave

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I finished making the second 2 return cranks for my loco. The loco only needs 2. The eagle eyed will notice that the ones on the left are longer. Why? 13/16" is not 0.6875". Stupid imperial units. Wouldn't have happened in metric.

Edited By duncan webster on 08/09/2022 18:40:35

Edited By duncan webster on 08/09/2022 18:41:16

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

No – in metric, the mistakes are by factors of 10!

[Bob Unitt 1Participant @bobunitt1]

Plan for the day – finish the main bearing stands for my 'Tina'. Actual activity of the day – bottle 42 pints of home-brew lager (it was ready earlier than I expected). The best-laid plans of mice and men…

[colin hawesParticipant @colinhawes85982]

Made a 50 tooth aluminium change wheel for my Drummond lathe. Colin

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

More like what I've been doing for the last eight days, almost finished Hemingway bending rolls, almost finished as the gears were missing from the kit and are on five week back order, a shame as I bought the kit to save time as I wanted to use them now! Never mind it all went together well and even ungeared it works well.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, after taking delivery of a Warco 4-1/2" universal bandsaw at their current 30% discount price early yesterday afternoon and getting it into my garage, unpacking and checking all the parts were there and undamaged, reading through the user manual, I set about building the stand and fixing it to the saw. Today I completed the task of setting it up and giving it a try. Firstly, I had it in the vertical position with the table fixed in position, marked two lines from the end of a scrap piece of aluminium channel to a hole and cut a slot the width of the hole, which worked a treat.

I then put it in the horizontal mode and cut a short length off the same end, which also work a treat.

OK it's not in the same league as industrial bandsaws that I've used in my working years, but I believe it will serve well for my work in my garage.

Regards Nick.

[Clock polisherParticipant @clockpolisher]

Just needed something to steady me over the last few days.

Finally got round to starting on an old clock movement I got from Ebay for a few pounds. It arrived in a box in pieces. I think the rope had broken and the owner had started the job then stopped when the clock fell apart, as birdcage movements are prone to do.

All cleaned and re-assembled. New rope acquired. Just need to remind myself how to splice it now.

Always better when the hands are busy.

regards,

David

Edited By Clock polisher on 11/09/2022 13:57:14

Edited By Clock polisher on 11/09/2022 13:58:32

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

After re-lowering the church tower flag to half mast at 1pm after the proclamation of the new king I had a good look around to the horizon which is some ten miles to the north but could not see a single other flag. I might borrow my neighbour's birding binoculars and have another scan tomorrow.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

I trust it is the Cross of St. George (assuming you're in England). One of our local CofE churches flies the Union Flag, which according to this is all wrong, and to add insult to injury, they leave it up at night, without a spotlight, which is very bad form.

[john fletcher 1Participant @johnfletcher1]

I've have a saw like yours Nick, mine says it's an Alpine and was supplied by Graham Engineeering long since disappeared, had it for about 25/30 years, really useful tool. There was an article either on ME or MEW on making a larger table, which when you a have suitable blade you can with the aid of an assistant rip down wood. I made an attachment using a piece of 12mm X 90 X 170 (approximately) steel with a series of drilled and tapped hole, the holes have the same thread as my mill clamping kit. I can clamp small pieces of steel and cut very thin pieces. Another useful attachment is a similar piece of steel with two angle cut pieces again with hole as before, welded to the plate, so that I can cut short round bits. I found when cutting round bar it tries to revolve, but not with the jig. I also made a blade repair jig so that when a blade breaks I can silver solder it together again. Non of the above are my original ideas, picked upon the way. .John

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Our local infants school has the union Flag at half mast but upside down

[Swarf, Mostly!Participant @swarfmostly]

Posted by roy entwistle on 11/09/2022 20:37:21:

Our local infants school has the union Flag at half mast but upside down

Might that be because their flag (and the halliard ) have the wrong hardware? I seem to remember there should be a toggle and an eye but I can't remember which is top and which is bottom.

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by roy entwistle on 11/09/2022 20:37:21:

Our local infants school has the union Flag at half mast but upside down

.

Is that intended as a Distress Signal, or “lese Majeste” I wonder

MichaelG.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

The toggle is at the top. It could come loose if one is used at the bottom as it is not always under tension in the wind.

The normal 'everyday' flag is indeed the cross of St George (whom we all know wasn't even English) but at times of national significance is replaced by the Union Flag or a special one. So since the Jubilee we have flown the jubilee modified version but replaced it with the normal Union Flag (at half mast) after receiving the news of the Queen's death. Raised it to full mast for the proclamation of the new king for 24 hours then halfway down again but will revert to the cross at 8am on the day after the funeral. The Union Flag will be up again for the coronation. Eco considerations now preclude all night illumination and HSE factors (and age of churchwardens) save us from running it up and down too often.
It gets complicated as the CofE can make recommendations but the PCC is actually in charge locally and vicars are only in control of the religious side of things.

[Sam Longley 1Participant @samlongley1]

Posted by Bazyle on 12/09/2022 00:47:31:

The toggle is at the top. It could come loose if one is used at the bottom as it is not always under tension in the wind.

The normal 'everyday' flag is indeed the cross of St George (whom we all know wasn't even English) but at times of national significance is replaced by the Union Flag or a special one. So since the Jubilee we have flown the jubilee modified version but replaced it with the normal Union Flag (at half mast) after receiving the news of the Queen's death. Raised it to full mast for the proclamation of the new king for 24 hours then halfway down again but will revert to the cross at 8am on the day after the funeral. The Union Flag will be up again for the coronation. Eco considerations now preclude all night illumination and HSE factors (and age of churchwardens) save us from running it up and down too often.
It gets complicated as the CofE can make recommendations but the PCC is actually in charge locally and vicars are only in control of the religious side of things.

But did you do it correctly? I always understood that it should be "1/3 way down". Even though described as "half mast" Not that I intend to google it.

Edited By Sam Longley 1 on 12/09/2022 08:02:53

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Posted by Bazyle on 12/09/2022 00:47:31:

The toggle is at the top. It could come loose if one is used at the bottom as it is not always under tension in the wind.

The normal 'everyday' flag is indeed the cross of St George (whom we all know wasn't even English) but at times of national significance is replaced by the Union Flag or a special one. So since the Jubilee we have flown the jubilee modified version but replaced it with the normal Union Flag (at half mast) after receiving the news of the Queen's death. Raised it to full mast for the proclamation of the new king for 24 hours then halfway down again but will revert to the cross at 8am on the day after the funeral. The Union Flag will be up again for the coronation. Eco considerations now preclude all night illumination and HSE factors (and age of churchwardens) save us from running it up and down too often.
It gets complicated as the CofE can make recommendations but the PCC is actually in charge locally and vicars are only in control of the religious side of things.

Sounds like a good project to me, a remote control or even automatic flag raising engine

[Mark RandParticipant @markrand96270]

Yesterday and today I've been trying to fettle a Record Vice I got. It was absolutely covered in grease and grot in the bits which aren't normally visible and merely filthy on the visible bits.

The jaws need replacing because they've suffered the usual sawing, filing and grinding abuse that one sees in an industrial environment (and because I feel that a fitter's vice needs smooth jaws, not serrated ones).

The 5/16" BSW screws on the fixed jaw were almost loose and came out with a few taps with a 12ox hammer and punch to get them past the tight spots. The Screws on the moving jaw have managed to bent one bit on my hammer/impact driver and shatter a larger one…

There is no sign of movement with the screws and there doesn't seem to be any major damage and no signs of welding. On the guess that they've come loose before (they tend to, being quite a coarse thread, with compressive and side forces often applied), I think that someone may have put them back in with Loctite 603 or similar.

After cleaning the castings with degreaser and giving them a going over with a pressure washer in the garden, the moving body is in the kitchen oven clawing its way up to 220°C.

The domestic manager and the dog are currently visiting Mother in Law's.

[john carruthersParticipant @johncarruthers46255]

Today my grandson and I spent a pleasant hour in the shed.
"Is a drill like a lathe grandad?"
Well, yes and no.
" how is it different then?"
"Well, a lathe turns the work against a fixed tool….sometimes…except when it doesn't…watch…"
"hmmm"
Then he went out to play in the mud and watch the hens…
(but you could see the wheels turning)

Beginnings are important times.

[Michael MooreParticipant @michaelmoore38916]

Learnt what a centrifugal governor does. It's one of those terms that takes more than one attempt to both understand and pronounce for the first time.

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