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The Shop
(update 9/14/05, 11/04/2010) >>>>>>>> See my NEW shop in Projects <<<<<<<< |
There are several thing I still need to get or do: |
• Convert the power system to a VFD. • DRO Quill, the micro dial works but many times I lose track of where I am. • I'm looking at the Phase II 6" H/V Rotary Table. So many projects are much easier to do. • DRO. Added ... see picture above and below! • Reduce the vibration in the motor belts. Surface finish could be much better. |
New shop addition...Enco 9x20 Lathe!! (2/03) After much thought and planning I decided that a small size lathe was in order. There were so many projects that require turning that I was missing out on. Due to limited space the 9x20 was chosen. It fits nicely on the left side of the garage between the wall and a big Suburban; just enough room to work. The lathe is sitting on a 7 1/2 inch slab of cement, this is to help reduce vibration and bring it up to a comfortable height. The slab has reinforced steel rods and is bolted to the floor. The stand was set in wet cement and bolted in place. Finally the lathe sets on aluminum plates that were milled at different angles to level the lathe in the x and y plane. Seems to work fine. |
Enco 9x20 Lathe with modification |
Like so many new machines there are modifications that are required to make them perform better. After reading many posts on the Yahoo 9x20 Lathe group, I ordered a Phase II wedge type tool holder. This was installed before I even powered up the unit. Installation was easy only requiring to re-drill and tap the hole in the plinth. Works great!! I have have made two other modifications recently (01/04). (Sorry no pictures). The 4 bolt clamp and the top slide bearing. For details both can be viewed on Steve Bedair's site. The 4 bolt clamp made a BIG difference. Surface finish was greatly improve and the vibration significantly reduced. Before it was installed I would avoid doing parting, the tool would grab the material making the clutch slip. No matter how slow I went or how much lubrication was used, it didn't matter. Now ... not a problem! I am hoping for an improvement in threading also. We'll soon see. To get a smooth surface I would sand and sand until my fingers were black then polish. Now sanding has gone way down and in some cases I don't sand at all. Great mod ... try it. The top slide bearing is another good modification. I can now tighten the gib and still have a smooth slide operation. Instead of the lead screw rubbing against it's mount (metal to metal), it's against the inner race of the bearing. The roller bearing works because the forces on the inner races are small. This mod requires a little more work to get everything aligned correctly, but it is worth it. |
4 Modification to the Top Slide |
The Lathe Crossfeed, Mount and Bearing Modification (12/16/04, update 10/6/05) is another worthwhile change. Additional support items for the lathe and mill/drill were needed. To the left of the lathe there is a 18"x24" surface plate with a protective wood covering. When trying to make measurements or do layouts I always had problems with getting accurate and repeatable measurements. Normally I don't buy too many things on ebay, but since I was able to actually see it before bidding, I had to try. Got it and the stand for about $100; grade B in super condition. No shipping! With the surface plate, along with a Fowler Height Gage and .0005" indicator, measurements and layout work is easy and accurate. |
Well, that's my shop for now. As
new toys (ahem ... TOOLS) are added, I will review them and let you know
how they work. The Shop |
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