Thread: Lockdown Projects

I would like maintain sanity by using this time of mass restriction to make some useful and possibly time saving metalworking accessories.
I am posting pictures of a couple of simple to make items that proved useful for me and if anyone has similar useful gadgets they would like to share that would be great as I need some inspiration.
I am not highly skilled but what I lack in technique I make up for in enthusiasm. Basically if it's not busted I will fix it until it is.......sorry the isolation is taking its toll.

Thanks and stay safe.

Hi Tom, Nice work.
I take it that the first pic is of a tap guide, and the other pics are of a Machinist's Jack.
Something that could be useful is a die holder, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq2NtnbViF4, or combined Die and Tap holder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiekRpSiUJM
An inverted tap guide could be handy too, one with the V countersunk into it, to accept taps that have a point on the end.
Or if you want to be really adventurous a turret head for the tailstock, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHKWnjURUCk
Something else i thought of would be a tool rest for the Grinder to give you repeatable results in sharpening your lathe bits. Depending on what you want, and machine wise, there's a multitude of items that could/can be made to enhance the workshop. There are magazines, Model Engineers Workshop is one, that have useful items that can be made.
Kryn

I find these tapping guides interesting, I must have at least 100 taps around the shed, many were inherited, although I estimate about 5 would have the required center in the end

I think the Tap Guide is intended for the T handle tap holder.
Kryn

I made this little tap follower, the tip can be reversed for male or female but I kind of winged it and it doesn't have much travel. Maybe about 12mm.

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Been doing likewise..

Blokes equivalent to sorting the sock drawer..

Today I’m going to have a crack at making a press die to joggle a an edge onto a piece of sheet, or maybe clean up from the weekends shenanigans..

And here's a tap guide holder for those with less Z to burn than Ralph.

The tap guides are beautifully made by Fisher in the States. The 30 taper arbor started life as an ER25 collet chuck and was unsuccessly modified as a boring head mount so it sat in the back of a cupboard sporting an 18mm hole down its centre. Sleeved with a carefully bored brass bush it works nicely as a tapping accessory.

Waste not want not.

IMG_20200314_105626230.jpg IMG_20200314_134718387.jpg IMG_20200314_134801953.jpg IMG_20200314_135107954.jpg IMG_20200325_101326513.jpg IMG_20200325_101401955.jpg IMG_20200325_100528213.jpg

BT

Thanks Kyrn,
A die holder will be a useful addition ....been putting off making one for years.
I am also in need of plans for a simple carriage stop for the Hercus 260....done an archive search but unsuccessful.

Bob,
Are those American tap guides spring loaded and does the pin rotate

Thanks Tom

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Originally Posted by TomW

Bob,

Are those American tap guides spring loaded and does the pin rotate

Thanks Tom

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Yes and yes Tom.

G'day Tom,
This is the carriage stop I made for my 260. The indicator is very helpful with timing feed stops when blind boring or threading. It also makes consistant stops when external threading easier.

IMG_3715.jpg IMG_3713.jpg
IMG_3712.jpg IMG_3714.jpg

The cap screw acts as a hard stop and also protects the indicator. I made it on the fly so there are no drawings as such but I can take some measurements and post them if you're interested.
Cheers,
Greg.

Thanks Greg
I like the design of your carriage stop. I should be able to work out the dimensions (doesn't have to be an exact replica) and utilise some offcuts that I have.

Cheers Tom

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Originally Posted by kwijibo99

G'day Tom,
This is the carriage stop I made for my 260. The indicator is very helpful with timing feed stops when blind boring or threading. It also makes consistant stops when external threading easier.


The cap screw acts as a hard stop and also protects the indicator. I made it on the fly so there are no drawings as such but I can take some measurements and post them if you're interested.
Cheers,
Greg.

Beautiful work Greg! The lower plate's shoe form is a particularly nice touch. Well done.

Bob.

Bob,

I was trying to find something challenging for you to make but this oiler may be too simple for a man of your skillsTapatalk Cloud - Downlaoad File Oil%20Can%20Rev%203-14-2015%20black%20lines.pdf

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Originally Posted by TomW

Bob,

I was trying to find something challenging for you to make but this oiler may be too simple for a man of your skillsTapatalk Cloud - Downlaoad File Oil%20Can%20Rev%203-14-2015%20black%20lines.pdf

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You can't lead me to temptation Tom. I have ample on my plate and I am more than happy with my Rega and Reilang cans.

A nice job for you with the toolroom 260!

Scott Turner just posted a video for Making a carriage stop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxg8...xWgSO9I0qc0cCj