METALWORK FORUMYeah, yeah, I know these are supposed to be Woodwork Forums, but many woodworkers also do a lot of metal work. Here is a forum for those who dare to work in metal. Use it wisely.
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This next little project was a real test of my newly learned skills, and involves turning, milling, drilling, tapping, threading and knurling. All these operations were done on my Unimat 3 mini lathe/mill. Being a novice, if I can do it, so can you.
I chose brass for the body, mainly because of what material I had on hand, and when polished, would look the part.
The body and adjusting block were drilled out 10 dia in one piece, then parted off with a slitting saw. See earlier Slitting saw project No.1 5/9/07.
I use this item to scribe lines a certain distance in from the edge of the work, or down the centre line. The scribed lines are used to locate hole centres, etc.
The thumb screws and adjustment wheel were knurled with my knurling tool, see earlier Knurling tool project No.3 22/9/07. The diamond pattern was achieved by swinging the knurling around on the saddle.
I use my digital vernier to set the distance, then transfer this to the marking gauge.
Fine adjustment is achieved by using the adjustment wheel.
Attached are some photos and a couple of drawings.
I find this little gadget very handy, it's almost too good to use. Might even be a usefull item for wood workers.
There are more projects to come, if anyone is interested.
I have virtually given up using my 3 jaw chuck, and now use the 4 jaw and clock dial.
The carbide tipped tool works really well, with a better quality tip. Tip chipping was caused by hitting intermittent work, ie, turning square material into round.
It seams I might be wasting my time documenting my mini/mill projects, are these projects too complicated, or am I simply on the wrong track?
Future projects, posted here, will depend on your response. I am not looking for a gold medal, or a pat on the back, I just figured that others, especially novices like myself, would get some benefit out of making some usefull items.
At least for me I love seeing what you come up with. I don't have a lathe yet but am filinf you pictures away for when I do. Thanks again for the effort and the plans.
I am currently working on a laser centre finder, so far I have destroyed one laser pointer in determining how it can be utilised, only cost $5, another is on the way, of a different type.
Hi neksmerj
I for one enjoy reading what projects everyone comes up with.
At times I will see how someone went about making a project and it will inspire me with a new method of completing a project of my own.
I love tools and above all love making my own.
I wholeheartedly support anyone that gets in and has a go at doing the same.
cheers
I admire a man that loves tools, especially when they are hand crafted.
Thank you, and the many others for inspirational words, I just love making my own stuff.
I am limited to what I can do by the size of my mini lathe/drill, a real frustration at times, hence the small nature of my projects. I'd even trade in my ex missus in for a decent Sieg lathe and separate mill.
This next little project was a real test of my newly learned skills, and involves turning, milling, drilling, tapping, threading and knurling. All these operations were done on my Unimat 3 mini lathe/mill. Being a novice, if I can do it, so can you.
There are more projects to come, if anyone is interested.
Ken
I think it's a FANTASTIC little gizmo. I'd like one of those Now I've got something else on the bottom of my todo list.
I am certain that almost everybody that peruses this section of the bbs would like you to continue - I do
Mini lathe/mill project No.4 Marking gauge 
Now I've got something else on the bottom of my todo list.
