Thread: Ways cover

I haven't bothered up until now as most of what I've turned has been aluminium.
In getting my QCTP mounted, I generated some rather tough swarf from 4140 rod so I decided install some sort of protection - it'll help with cleaning up as well.
.
In looking around, the easiest way seems to be like this.
I'm hoping to pick up some vinyl/rubber tomorrow to give this a try.

I remembered seeing something on cnczone.com about using denim. Here's the post, "http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58425"

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

I haven't bothered up until now as most of what I've turned has been aluminium.
In getting my QCTP mounted, I generated some rather tough swarf from 4140 rod so I decided install some sort of protection - it'll help with cleaning up as well.
.
In looking around, the easiest way seems to be like this.
I'm hoping to pick up some vinyl/rubber tomorrow to give this a try.

I remembered seeing something on cnczone.com about using denim. Here's the post, "http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58425"

Geoff, I was given a roll of the vinyl skirting that is/was used in hospitals etc. About 5-6" high. I can cut you a foot or so and send it for the cost of the postage. Works quite well.

Have also cut a bit and put it between the ways at the headstock end to stop swarf going under the headstock.

What ever you attempt to use just make sure it doesnt melt.

Geoff, where were you going to pick up the vinyl/rubber from?

Tiger,
I was going to try Bunnings as I know they sell rolls of rubber etc. If nothing there, there is a carpet/lino place just next door that might have something suitable.
I don't think the material is critical apart from, as pipeclay said, it doesn't melt.

Is it worth the hassle, and the potential added clutter?
Wipers on the sliding parts should keep swarf from getting trapped, although rubber ones I've had weren't 100% at doing that (maybe felt wipers are better?).
Most of bed damage I've seen was the result of either trauma from dropped parts etc, or wear caused by using the lathe "dry" (not enough oil on ways). These days I like to keep my lathe nice and wet at all times, instead of cleaning up and wiping all the oil off that I could.
I think there's a good case for a cover for the leadscrew though. It's hard to keep to the discipline of using a length of string and running the lathe to clean the thread, every time before screwcutting, but of course we know we should!

Jordan

It is not worth the trouble in general terms, BUT if you are finishing an item by spinning it in the chuck and using a file or any abrasive like wet and dry paper always cover the ways to prevent the abrasive getting into the slides etc.