Lathe work

[orchardair]

Thanks all for your input.

I decided to try and tackle the lathe work myself, on a WW-II era Atlas lathe.
I started with the simpler (?) parts, the spring retainers for the gear legs, and was surprised by the success I had (and the minimal amount of blood I had to shed).
Here is what I did:

Step 1: Mark the stock for size (plus some extra) and drill the hole while the part is still easy to clamp. then enlarge the hole to 1/4":

Drill before cutting.

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Step 2:
Cut the part off:

cut it

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Step 3:
Enjoy lathing. I don't really know if this is the best way to do it, but it worked for me. I finished both ends to correct size, as I had a little bit of extra length when I cut the tube.

lathe it

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Step 4: Check for fit. Repeat 3 more times.

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[orchardair]

I also modified the aluminum fittings for the tank on the lathe, removing material from the outer end of the lip to make it flat:

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Next, 30 little threaded tube-ends..

[HC85]

Nice work doc! My cousin has an Atlas lathe, he loves that bugger!

[orchardair]

I am starting to get the hang of the lathe, still probably doing many things wrong, but I am now turning the threaded tube endings.
I figured I'd share the joy....

Step 1: Chop a piece off your 4130 rod.

I used an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel.

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Step 2: Square the end.

The 1936 Atlas lathe

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Step 3.a: Drill the hole for the tap (size I I think).

first hole

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Step 3.b: Drill the large hole (To reduce mass for the rosette weld).

5/8" drill, I believe.

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Step 4: Reduce the radius of the outer dimension.

reduce radius

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(continued on next post)

[orchardair]

(continued)
Step 5: Test for fit

Scrap tube for testing

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Step 6: Cut off the other end

cut off.

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Repeat as many times as needed.
Not done yet: Tapping the hole.

[orchardair]

Well, these took more time than I expected, but I have a full set now!

full set

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I hope I counted correctly!

I figured since I have to hand-tap them, I'll do it after they are welded to the tubes.
Any tips on tapping will be appreciated!

[JBMoore]

Do it in the lathe and chase the threads after you weld them.

Jeff Moore

[Bitshifter]

I would tap them before welding and then chase them. Using the lathe would be the best since you will be assured that they are straight.

[orchardair]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try.

[Bitshifter]

When I use the lathe I turn the turret by hand, I don't have the guts or coordination to do it powered.