Help finding a man with a lathe

**jimbo16** · 18th Nov 2022, 08:33 PM

Hi all,
I am in need of having the OD of a couple of porter cable style router guide bushings adjusted by someone with skills and access to a lathe. I would love to have the equipment and learn to do it myself, but I can't justify the time and expense at the moment (maybe in retirement). I have attached a couple of photos. They are made from anodised aluminium. One has a ID of 8mm and and OD of 18mm and I would like the OD of this one reduced down to 14.3mm. The other has an ID of 10mm and an OD 18mm and I need the OD of this one reduced to 16.3mm. I also have a threaded lock ring which might be needed to hold them in the chuck without damaging the threads? I live in the Bayside region of Melbourne, Hampton near Moorabbin. Anyone know of anywhere locally I could take these to get them turned down to the sizes I need? Or anyone local who wants to help? Happy to pay in cash, or beer for the time and trouble. Many thanks in advance.
cheers Jimbo16
IMG_0833.JPEG IMG_0834.JPEG IMG_0835.JPEG IMG_0836.JPEG

**Michael G** · 19th Nov 2022, 09:56 AM

Jimbo, we get a few people that breeze in, make 1 post asking for help and are never heard of again, so it may help others to know that you are also a member of WWF. Related forum members of long standing are given a little more leaway.

As for the job itself, something like that should not take long but the devil is in the detail, so things like

Do those reduced diameters have to fit anything, and is it a loose or a tight fit?
Do they need to be concentric with another feature (and how concentric)
How fine a finish is needed on the diameters.

Modifying or making firearms parts is typically illegal without appropriate licences and there can be severe penalties even for machinists who just 'take a bit off' here on someone's say so. There are stories of police sting operations to flush out machinists who may be tempted to make modifications (with honest intent or not) as well as dishonest people who's story diverges from reality, so a picture of where these parts go may also help others assess what is required and assure them that your job is on the level.

Michael

**KBs PensNmore** · 19th Nov 2022, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by jimbo16

Hi all,
I am in need of having the OD of a couple of porter cable style router guide bushings adjusted by someone with skills and access to a lathe.

For those that don't know what a Porter Cable is, it's a wood router brand. What Jim is after, is modifications to some bushes for one, and I can verify that is what the bushes are from, as I have a few similar to the pics.

Hope this clears up any misunderstandings,
Kryn

**Grahame Collins** · 19th Nov 2022, 07:09 PM

The notion of posters requesting work to be done on their no 1 post has bobbed up before.
There was discussion sometime back and the following points were aired for consideration. Some points apply here and some don't.

Metal costs money. As a minimum, ask for the cost of (and offer to pay for) material up front and an estimate of labour too, particularly if you are on a limited budget. Don't assume your job will take 5 minutes and cost 50c in materials.
Once someone has volunteered to help, it is up to the requestor to make contact and supply all the information about the job. Few things will damage your standing more than not supplying all the necessary information or changing the requirements once work has started.
Qualifications, skill levels and equipment capabilities of members vary enormously. All care is taken but don't start with an expectation of flawless results. Member take on work for interest, to help out or make pocket money. Usually work is done for much less than commercial charges, so keep that in mind.
Say up front if there is a deadline. Most members have day jobs, so work is done when time permits.
Modifications to a requestor's parts are possible, but if the items to be modified are rare or expensive, say so up front. Some members don't want to work on 'good stuff' in case it is damaged.
It would be nice if you became a contributing member of the forum, but if you just want something made, please say so, so it is clear. Remember that if you have been around for a bit (or are established on Woodwork forums), finding someone to help out may be easier.
Making or repairing some items (such as firearms) may be illegal. Requests for that type of work may be removed and the requestor could be banned.
If the work is to make or repair something so it can be sold, please say so. If on-going quantities will be required for commercial purposes, mention that too. Some members are happy to do one offs but don't want to make quantity, and vice versa.
Once something made has been supplied to you, it is polite to acknowledge the assistance you received on the forum, and if it is to get something functional again, post some pictures of the finished item for members to see what you have been working on.

I hope this helps

Grahame

**jimbo16** · 21st Nov 2022, 09:19 AM

Hi Michael,