Thread: Newbie needs reading material

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Hi guys ,

Can any one reckon mend a good book or DVD YouTube ,to take me though the basics of using a metal lathe

If that makes sense

Hercus Text book of turning is old but good.

http://www.bbssystem.com/manuals/Lathe-Tutorial.pdf

Cheers

Rob

mrpete2222 on youtube. Machine shop tips, start at number one and work on through, tubal cain's videos are very good. And +1 on the hercus textbook of turning, i use it frequently as a teacher and occasionally for references for myself.

Hi

These three books are great reading with many tips and "how to" chapters .

Machine shop essentials by FRANK MARLOW

Machine shop know how by FRANK MARLOW

Machine shop Trade Secrets by James A Harvey

Mike

Hi,
Harold Hall has a book called Lathework a complete course, its got good stuff in it.

MrPete222 has been mentioned, there is also doubleboost, his stuff may be a bit more advanced but he gives you lots of tricks and hints as he goes.

Cheers,
Ew

Video: do a google search for "Rudy Kouhoupt Fundamentals of lathe operation"

This is the beast in question

Roller bearing model.

They are copies of the South Bend 9". I have one of the standard Model A's (plain bearing model) also and really like the little lathe. Lots of info out there for the South Bend and also here on this forum in the Hercus section. Get some appropriate lubricants and get to it. There is lots of info on lubing the lathe and it is important to look after them.

They are very simple to break down and clean.

Have fun.

On the question of lubricant
Which one and were would I get it
Auto shop/total tools/bearing shop

Without going to any great expense trying to source the "correct/recommended" lube, you can use a 46 grade Hydraulic oil for the bearings and other associated lube points on the lathe.

For the gear train at the left side of the headstock behind the guard, if its in place either Chain lube in an aerosol or Chainsaw bar oil can be used,as these 2 products are sticky and will adhere to the gears better than just oil, DO NOT USE GREASE.

The chainsaw bar oil can also be used on the bed , cross slide and compound slide surfaces if prefered over the 46 grade.

Thanks pipe clay
That what I had read but just wanted another opinion

Simplicity,

There is a small slotted grub screw in the spindle cone pulley on your Hercus. It provides access for lubrication of the pulley as it rotates on the spindle when back gear is engaged. Without lubrication, nasty things happen.

The retention plate ( probably has a correct name ) located under the far side of the saddle needs oiling too. Easily achieved by wiping very oily fingers along the machined bearing surface of the bed.

Peter Hercus' Text Book highlights all the oiling points on the lathe. Worth a look. Your lathe is a later model which I think will have a ball bearing countershaft. I replaced my bearings with sealed versions. A bit less oil to flick about.

Bob.

Originally Posted by scottyd

mrpete2222 on youtube. Machine shop tips, start at number one and work on through, tubal cain's videos are very good. And +1 on the hercus textbook of turning, i use it frequently as a teacher and occasionally for references for myself.

he'll be there for ages looking at all that good stuff

Originally Posted by morrisman

Hi

These three books are great reading with many tips and "how to" chapters .

Machine shop essentials by FRANK MARLOW

Machine shop know how by FRANK MARLOW

Machine shop Trade Secrets by James A Harvey

Mike

Would you buy these before buying a heap of the little workshop practice series books - they seem pretty good - trying to figure out best way to get maximum benefit from sprending a few dollars on books

Bill

Originally Posted by steamingbill

Would you buy these before buying a heap of the little workshop practice series books - they seem pretty good - trying to figure out best way to get maximum benefit from sprending a few dollars on books

Bill

Hi Bill

I have the workshop series books on a DVD ........ I think the whole series is available on the DVD - if you peruse the net you might find a vendor .

I also have the back issues of MEW on DVD , I found this DVD on EBAY for a few bucks .. a good thing to have .

The 3 books I mentioned are not cheap, but what is these days . One book will not cover everything you need to learn .

You can also find the old TAFE machining books , the 3 in the series are orange - blue and green coloured, from the 1970's . I found a set at the op shop for 5 bucks . Mike