Lathes & Mills for Domestic Repairs

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 3 March 2020 at 22:07 by Danny M2Z.

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3 March 2020 at 18:36 #455219
SillyOldDuffer
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@sillyoldduffer
A few weeks ago I ground down a tap base because a neglected drip had bored a slot through the brass only to find that the replacement tap-top didn't fit properly! One of the brass extenders in the kit was too short, the other too long. Fortunately I own a lathe and the problem was easily fixed without a Plumber.

Today's adventure – whilst sorting old-books I found two of the plastic supports in a cheap chipboard bookcase had failed. This repair was a more serious challenge, requiring a lathe and a milling machine, plastic original top right:

Strangely satisfying spending an hour making precision metal replacements for cheap plastic supports and have them fit first time. I don't care to think about the cost because my lathe and mill rarely do useful work like this. It seems I keep a few thousand pounds worth of tools and materials in a workshop for shameful amusement only.

I expect everyone else is busy mending things. What domestic repairs have you done?

Dave
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3 March 2020 at 18:36 #35774
SillyOldDuffer
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@sillyoldduffer
3 March 2020 at 18:41 #455220
Nick Clarke 3
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@nickclarke3
Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 03/03/2020 18:36:53:

It seems I keep a few thousand pounds worth of tools and materials in a workshop for shameful amusement only.

While I don't spend nearly as much time in the workshop as I should like (work SO interferes), now I know it can be used for shameful amusement I shall be in there every free moment!!
3 March 2020 at 18:46 #455221
not done it yet
Participant
@notdoneityet
First thing that came to mind was replacement burner covers for the gas cooker.

For cheap bookcases I usually have a pile of suitable old plastic inserts in a box. 3D printing comes to mind for that sort of thing, if new is required?
3 March 2020 at 18:52 #455222
Vic
Participant
@vic
I made a new bushing for the back of a tumble drier cylinder once, luckily I had some Oilon rod in stock. It worked fine for another couple of years until we passed it on following a house move. I also made a spare part for a carpet cleaner.
3 March 2020 at 19:01 #455226
martin perman 1
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@martinperman1
Recently my wife managed to weld her poacher lid to the grill heating element, the poacher is stored in the grill and she turned the grill on forgetting it was in there. Anyway I couldnt remove the handle because it had melted around the element so a new element was required but I did manage to make a new handle from nylon I had in stock. I've repaired my children toys over the years as well.

Martin P

Edited By martin perman on 03/03/2020 19:01:46

Edited By martin perman on 03/03/2020 19:02:35
3 March 2020 at 19:25 #455232
Mike Poole
Participant
@mikepoole82104
Making stuff is great fun and very satisfying but Screwfix have a selection of shelf supports if workshop time is not on your side.

Mike
3 March 2020 at 20:17 #455240
Peter G. Shaw
Participant
@peterg-shaw75338
Two supports to hang a shower head away from the wall by 300mm.

Replacement drawr pull plates and associated items. Originals broken due to age.

New feet for bath. Originals too short.

Part for wheels on vacuum cleaner.

Pillars to support a grill in the caravan. Originals rusted away.

Replacement support for the toilet cistern handle. Original had corroded away and broken.

Probably other stuff as well, but can't think of them.

As others have intimated, having a few thousnd pounds worth of equipent lying around like this is not economical, but I justify the expense as being "Self-Education by Experimentation". In any case, why shouldn't I indulge myself. After all, if I dont, the tax man is likely to take 40% of it in a few short years time, so by spending it now, I can enjoy the fruits of my labours and at the same time cheat the taxman.

Regards,

Peter G. Shaw
3 March 2020 at 21:22 #455250
not done it yet
Participant
@notdoneityet
If one was not busy on the machines one might need extra cash to fill in the time doing other things. It is all a matter of choice. Those machines are not eating anything while not in use and still have residual value (if disposed of sensibly). All things are relative….
3 March 2020 at 22:07 #455254
Danny M2Z
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@dannym2z
Not exactly lathe and mill work but I did sharpen and hone all my friends kitchen knives and also ran the fine diamond lap over the edges of the vegetable peeler and the food processor blades.

End result was one very happy lady friend.

* Danny M *
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