dead_dog
Senior Diver
It's what we learn after we know it all that counts. John Wooden
Posts: 79
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Post by dead_dog on Oct 25, 2021 13:28:21 GMT -8
"JB, Are you having some difficulty getting an air-tight seal on those reg bodies? If you can describe the problem you are having I may be able to give better suggestions that may prevent your having to remove metal."
Just put in a LARGER o-ring. lol
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Post by nikeajax on Oct 25, 2021 13:43:35 GMT -8
SIGH... No, that wasn't my point in asking: thank you though To be clearer: at some point in time I am going to buy a drill press; I don't know when though. When I do get my press, I would like to drill and tap some new ports into some of my regulators that I want extra ports in so they are neater/less cluttery. I did not know the name of the bit used which is why I asked But, if you know where I can get a Nieuport (new port) I'm all ears! JB
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Post by james1979 on Oct 25, 2021 15:04:33 GMT -8
SIGH... No, that wasn't my point in asking: thank you though To be clearer: at some point in time I am going to buy a drill press; I don't know when though. When I do get my press, I would like to drill and tap some new ports into some of my regulators that I want extra ports in so they are neater/less cluttery. I did not know the name of the bit used which is why I asked But, if you know where I can get a Nieuport (new port) I'm all ears! JB Found one for you: www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/nieuport17%7BFullscale%7D.html
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Post by vance on Oct 29, 2021 16:26:44 GMT -8
I spent a few minutes at the workbench and mounted my Unimat to a chip tray (used to be a chocolate chip tray) and a board. I raised the machine up by adding a piece of plywood under it. This makes it easier to operate the leadscrew handle. I used rubber feet under the ply base. It is probably wise to add a backsplash as well. Then I can hang tool holders and such on that. It will all get painted to keep it oil resistant.
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Post by vance on Oct 31, 2021 16:13:02 GMT -8
Worked on the second Unimat today. I serviced the headstock/motor bracket, greased up the bearings, cleaned and greased the spring assembly, etc.
Also, I made a new locating pin for the head, and cleaned/greased up the chuck. The tailstock and the x/y table are cleaned up and lubed. It's a nice lathe.
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Post by vance on Nov 3, 2021 8:41:13 GMT -8
I'm selling the second one. It's the lathe only, no millpost or other milling accessories. PM or email me for details.
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Post by vance on Nov 3, 2021 14:22:52 GMT -8
I have this posted on eBay and Craigslist. While on CL I noticed another local post for a Unimat like mine (not nearly as nice) for more, but in the same ballpark price.
Funny thing is, he COPIED a part of my description from eBay.
Duh-oh! I guess I'll just be flattered that he thought it was good enough to steal. No, I'm not going to put the full kibosh on him.
Yet.
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Post by vance on Nov 3, 2021 14:35:27 GMT -8
These things are stupid expensive. They're like DH regs 15 years ago. Collectors are going nuts over them and are trying to sell OEM parts for insane prices. I suppose they're getting the money.
Parting out seems to be the way of the seller's world now. You see things like a couple OEM bolts and T-nuts for $40 + shipping. I know, it doesn't mean they're getting it.
Shame, though. It'd be better to keep the units in one piece.
No, I'm not getting in any farther, no matter how cute and functional they are. I have enough problems trying to get rid of the junk I have. Besides, my mini lathe does way more than these can, and they are about the same price. Then, collecting necessary tooling is hella expensive!
Don't need to do it again.
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Post by vance on Nov 4, 2021 14:24:25 GMT -8
Well, that sold fast. Should asked for more!
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Post by vance on Nov 11, 2021 16:06:29 GMT -8
I did a bit of work on the Unimat mount/chiptray today. It still needs a backsplash and built in tool holders. But, next is to mod an OXA quick change tool mount to fit. This makes life much easier than the one tool at a time holder. Something like this:
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Post by surflung on Nov 22, 2021 6:31:15 GMT -8
Check out this cute lathe from Harbor Freight...7" x 12" Mini Lathe, variable speed, 18 thread pitches, #2 Morse Taper (spindle and tailstock), etc.
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Post by vance on Nov 22, 2021 15:39:39 GMT -8
I have the 7x12 from Grizzly. It is basically the same lathe as HFs. They are probably made in the same factory. You can get the same one from many sources and with many labels. They aren't bad, after a lot of work. They come assembled and supposedly adjusted, but you have to take them apart down to the last bolt, clean everything, then lube and adjust. They are covered in cosmoline (or something), are full of machine chips, grinding paste, and other nastiness, and "adjusted" must be taken with a grain of salt or two. However, it is a good learning experience, and you are going to have to know how to adjust everything anyway. I bought mine from Grizzly, even though it was more money, because I'd heard that the big companies like Grizzly get the best ones. The seconds and rejects get sold on eBay, etc. Given HF's reputation, I'm not sure if they enjoy (or care about) this status. I figured it would be worth it to have a big name company like Grizzly behind my purchase. It worked out well. If I was going to do it again, I'd get the 7 x 14. They have a more useful bed length, and better features like the cam-lock tailstock. I ended up adding the cam-lock, an upgraded qc toolpost with lots of bit holders, a 4 jaw independent chuck, new headstock bearings, and metal change gears. You'll end up making all kinds of other little items for the machine that make things easier. It is fun.....
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Post by vance on Nov 22, 2021 15:43:08 GMT -8
BTW, if you are going to go down this path and start fooling around with machine tools, be aware that buying a lathe or a milling machine is the tip of the iceberg. The machines are relatively cheap.
Tooling is not.... And you are going to need WAY more than you'd think.
Ask Herman!
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Post by vance on Nov 22, 2021 17:11:06 GMT -8
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Post by vance on Dec 15, 2021 16:08:40 GMT -8
I did some work on the 7 x 12 lathe during the last couple of rainy days. You might have seen this tool holder mod that decreases the extension of a tool holder, so that a larger workpiece can be machined. I also did some disassembly, cleaning, readjusting, and machining on some of the lathe parts. I had to cut down the leadscrew gear end a bit. It's kind of odd to machine an original lathe part on itself... Not the first time for this lathe! Oh well, I won't bore you further with details, but things are working good. I've been working on the Unimat, as well. I'll post some photos later.
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