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Thread: Coventry die head 1/2"
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8th Apr 2021, 05:41 PM #1
Coventry die head 1/2"
I know this is a long shot, but I am after a 1/2" Coventry die head for my Hercus 9" fitted with the turret (capstan) attachment. Prefer a CH/CHS style...and while I'm dreaming, a 3/4 inch shank. Thanks in advance, Tony.
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19th Apr 2021, 07:24 PM #2Intermediate Member
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19th Apr 2021, 07:34 PM #3
Mmmm...I've been keeping a close eye on the various selling sites, but didn't see this. Do you have a link? There is a bloke in NSW who sells a host of stuff on ebay; I have contacted him and the die head he has advertised is in poor condition. If you've spotted one, I'd be very pleased to check it out. Cheers, Tony
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20th Apr 2021, 12:20 AM #4Most Valued Member
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Found this one, it has a 1" OD shank, shouldn't be much of a problem to machine it down, only$155.00
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Alfred-H...frcectupt=true
HTH
KrynTo grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
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20th Apr 2021, 01:02 AM #5
Thanks. I've had a few conversations with the seller about that one. I am a bit nervous about it's condition, and despite the description, there are a few bits missing. I may end up buying it and fixing it up...I was hoping for one in better nick, but they are are a rare bird. Understandably, people are keeping their good ones.
BTW, you don't happen know what thread the manufacturer used for the bolts/screws that hold the head together? I'm trying to restore a bigger one, and the threads appear to be a mix of BA and BSF. A mix seems odd, so I may have it wrong.
Cheers, Tony
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20th Apr 2021, 09:14 PM #6Diamond Member
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20th Apr 2021, 11:14 PM #7
Thank you - I fancy I am pretty good with threads, but the ones on the Coventry head had me stumped. I have convinced myself that the 4 socket cap screws holding the rear onto the body are 2BA. The four smaller screws holding the face plate on are very very close to 3BA, but maybe not quite. The threads are quite damaged, which is why I want to clean them up with a tap, and replace the worn screws. But...it has not been that easy. The large lever on the outside barrel looks to be 1/4 BSF. The internal screws holding the springs were easily replaced with 5/32 BSW. All a bit of a 'odd mix' alright.
The indent locking lever on the back of mine is completely stuffed (as in, mostly missing), so the head will not release once locked. I don't have anything to copy, but I am going to have a crack at making the plunger and lever. I've got my head around how it works, so I will try and reverse engineer it. Wish I had one to copy....
Thank you also for your observation about the one on ebay. I have made enquiries and asked for more detailed photos, but so far no response. I think you are quite right, it is not a CHS or CH style head. I will give it a miss.
Interesting exercise trying to refurbish one, and looking for a 1/2 inch CHS in reasonable condition. Really appreciate your input.
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21st Apr 2021, 11:32 AM #8Intermediate Member
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Tony...
I think the one I saw was probably the one you mentioned above (ctool was the vendor)?
Try "newmac equipment" in Bayswater (melb)... he has a lot of tooling etc, which he gains in factory machinery purchases. Always found him fair on $ as well... Richard is the bloke to talk to!
Have you many chasers for the (proposed die head)? If not you may be wise to check the $ and availability of same (and sit down first!); I'm still trying to build a complete set for mine... and chasers s/h are getting had to find in any use full sizes! I have some spares so may be able to help... also have the "grinding fixture".
New are available but $120+ a set, and it gets bloody expensive to have them sitting in the draw, waiting for a job to do?
Steve...
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21st Apr 2021, 01:59 PM #9
Differences
I have one somewhere but it's larger than 1/2" . Found this is helpful https://www.threadtools.com/uploads/...ds-general.pdf
The manual is online for download
Not sure of the difference of the CH and CHS versions
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21st Apr 2021, 04:10 PM #10
Thanks for that link. The differences between a CH and a CHS seem to be small in terms of their suitability for home use on something like the Hercus 9"; they do have mechanical differences it appears, in the springing, and the adjustment screws. Whichever you can find, it has to be a 1/2 inch model, or smaller, to swing around on the Hercus 9" turret. A bigger model, would work, but would not clear the turret carriage when you index it around. Hence my interest in the 1/2" model.
I am also fortunate enough to have about a dozen chasers for the 1/2" model, which I bought second hand in a bundle. Some weird and wonderful threads, and some chasers are in need of a good sharpening, but not a bad start. Yes, they are frightfully expensive to buy new, but there are a few on-line sellers who have some for 'reasonable' money, including one in the UK. If you are seriously going to use the die head for some volume work, then I guess you hunt down the chaser you need and pay the price.
Steve, the ebay seller you mentioned is the one. I didn't want to be critical on this forum, as perhaps my few bad experiences with them were just random, but I am a bit wary now about some of the items. I have asked for more detail on the one he has advertised, but no response. It looks incomplete to me; from the 2 photos it could be one of a number of models. I'm not willing to take a punt; I already have one in need of a lot of love!.
I've tried Newmac and Moyles. None in 1/2 inch. They have both offered to keep an eye out for me.
Steve, you have a chaser sharpener - now that would be a rare bird I imagine. I've seen photos. They look like something you could make. Might be a good little project, what do you reckon?
Thanks everyone for your interest and help. Cheers, Tony
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21st Apr 2021, 05:55 PM #11Intermediate Member
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Tony...
Agree with the "vendor" you mentioned, have had good and bad experiences with them as well... usually NOT as described in the add. The asking $ is a bit Hight to be taking a chance on getting just what was ordered?
Have both dedicated 1/2 sharpening rig and universal one that does up to 1" head. also have (forget the maker) a universal grinding fixture that does everything with all angle adjustment from 1/4" head up to 2". The basic grind fixture is the type that is run a standard surface grinder (mag table)... the universal one needs to operate on a T/C grinder.
Can take some picks if you want to build one... nothing to dramatic... just holds all the chasers in a line, so you grind them as a set (top dress) then "stands" them up to grind the "lead in angle"! Made a similar unit a while back for grinding the "ridgid" type pipe chasers... which I have ground a few off for a customer. Similar concept... just longer.
As suggested in another post... manual is available as a down load (have it on file somewhere if you need it), and has ALL the models and chaser specs together with the fixtures for grinding.
Steve...
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21st Apr 2021, 06:12 PM #12
Steve, looks like we have had similar experiences with the vendor.
I have a soft copy of the manual. Heaps of info in that. I also have a Alfred Herbert book on setting up turret lathes. Both are not really for the home workshop, but interesting and helpful reading none the less.
I would be interested in a photo of the grinding jig. I have a small surface grinder, with mag chuck, so that's a good start! When I said I had seen a photo of one, it was out of the soft copy of the manual, so not really enough to make a copy....still, nothing like a challenge. I seem to reverse engineer a number of things in the workshop - sometimes for myself, and more often for the 'customer' who brings in a box of broken parts from an old car, engine, or whatever it is they are restoring. They usually don't have all the bits, are not sure of the original dimensions, and don't think to bring in the mating pieces, but the one thing they are sure of is: "this'll only take you 5 minutes"....
Cheers, Tony
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22nd Apr 2021, 12:01 AM #13I break stuff...
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I don't even entertain the prospect of buying from that particular seller. Tried once, against my better judgement, item didn't show up. Upon enquiring as to its whereabouts refunded my money with no explanation. No idea whether he lost it, sold it to someone else, or never had it.
Most of his items seem to be vaguely described overpriced rusty junk to me anyway, so no great loss, although does appear to be getting some 'better' stuff these days. He can keep it.
You appear to have very generous customers to give you that long... Mine are all sure that "it wont even take you 5 minutes." Want to swap?
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22nd Apr 2021, 12:25 AM #14
Ha, ha. Seriously though, don't you find they really do say something along the lines of it'll only take you 5 minutes. It's partly because they have no idea of the work involved, and partly it's code for 'I'm hoping this won't cost much'. Machining time might be 5min, design and set up might take half a day. Most people have no idea.
The vendor, yes I agree, but it's often him or overseas - which comes with its own risks and costs. It's getting harder to source good quality tools at reasonable prices. The US has some lovely stuff, but the postage kills you.
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19th May 2021, 10:07 PM #15Member
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Can’t help with the die head gents, but have a number of complete chaser sets I’d be willing to part with if there is any interest. All Sutton brand. Happy to provide further details if anyone is interested.
Cheers
Matt
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