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Thread: Hercus lathe, steady challenges
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21st January 2023, 09:50 PM #1Most Valued Member
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Hercus lathe, steady challenges
I decided to turn down some 1m long rods, and borrowed a pair of steadies to try and do it faster.
They were from a Boxford. They fitted well, except for the lock plate underneath.
It was too tight, and would not drop down when I loosened the clamping socket screw.
I had to lever the plate down from either side, or hammer the screw down.
Tried filing off any burrs:IMG_3841.jpg
but it didn't help much. It just seems the open gap between the rails is slightly different,
perhaps between other Southbend lathe clones also?
Anyway, first I tried using the fixed steady, with a right hand cutter:
IMG_3842.jpg
which meant I could get right up to the chuck, but not very close to the steady.
Changing to a right hand cutter, mounted on the right hand side of the QCTP,
got me closer to the steady, but not all the way,
as the "fingers" on the steady are on the right hand side of the casting.
To get a decent length of cut along the rod, I set the steady a fair way along the bed.
Which meant flex in the middle of the rod was causing nasty vibration.
So, I bolted the travelling steady on, to see if that would help.
Long story short, it didn't. Even though it is closer to the cutter,
there is still plenty of vibration.
Maybe because this steady is only 2 fingers,
maybe because I'm using carbide inserts and cutting depth is a challenge,
maybe because the rod I'm machining is slightly bent, and springy.
For the next rod, I went back to just the fixed steady (with a roller bearing in it)
and to try and maximise cut length between the chuck and the steady,
I went old school:
IMG_3862.jpg
HSS in a lantern holder!
Because it is in the middle of the cross slide,
instead of hanging over the side like my QCTP holder does,
it gives more travel before (nearly) hitting either end.
It also seems to cut better (less vibration?), and not get too hot:
IMG_3863.jpg
Overall, this has been a challenge. Partly because the rod is bent,
partly because this is the first time I have tried to use steadies,
and partly because I have to cut little bits at a time and blend them together
So, any steady use comments/advice?
Attached Images
- IMG_3841.jpg (206.6 KB)
- IMG_3842.jpg (210.3 KB)
- IMG_3862.jpg (175.9 KB)
- IMG_3863.jpg (173.6 KB)
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