Member postings for Thor 🇳🇴

Hi Scott,

Congratulations with your "new" lathe. I don't know if you have already found them, but there are a few Youtube videos here and here, and you may be able to buy a manual from lathes.co.uk.

Seems your model has been discussed here.

Thor

Edited By Thor on 15/09/2021 07:44:15

I have used LG2 for the cylinders of several steam engines I have made, machines nicely.

Hi Geoff

There is an explanation of how metric thread dial indicator works here, it is for the Mini-Lathe with 1.5mm pitch leadscrew. Here is a Thread Dial Indicator calculator, it allows you to select different (metric) lathes.

Thor

There is a milling, turning and welding shop not far from where I live and the owner allows me to empty my bags of steel swarf and offcuts in his skip.

Thor

Hi Robin,

This is similar to the "flame tests" we did at school, more info here.

Thor

Hi Steve,

There is a Reamers Guide here, that I find useful.

Thor

Hi Derek,

Isn't hospital treatment expensive? It certainly is where I live. So if a cyclist is less likely to need medical treatment, might have fewer sick days etc., so wouldn't the UK save money that could be used on other parts of the society? I'm with Jason.

Thor

Hi Brian,

I use both carbide tipped tools and HSS tools. Using carbide tipped tools on a small lathe has not given me any problems, you can get carbide inserts that are ground and polished. They are intended for non-ferrous metals but in my experience they work well also on mild steel. Carbide tipped tools work even if you are taking light cuts at lower speeds than industry uses. If machining castings (or other materials with hard spots) I use carbide for the first cuts and HSS for finishing

Thor

Hi Doug,

In the "Post a reply" box there is an icon (red arrow in the screenshot below) that you click.

You can then type (or paste) in the link and the clickable text you want to be show in your post.

Thor

Edited By Thor on 08/08/2021 05:25:08

The pH meters I used years ago had a glassbulb electrode that was stored in potassiumchloride solution after use (and cleaning).

Thor

Hi Brian,

I have a 290 type lathe that is nearly 10 years old, so far I have had no problems. It is similar to this one, but no DRO, they have both smaller and larger lathes (all though they may be out of stock). A 280/290 lathe can be moved by a couple of strong men. Another option is to try and find a second hand European made lathe in good condition, will probably be heavier so not so easily moved.

Thor

Edited By Thor on 06/08/2021 05:41:56

Hi William,

I do the Steam Chest as you describe, if you have a piece of suitable steel it isn't difficult to make your own transfer punch.

Thor

Hi William,

When I need to drill holes on a PCD on a cylinder and its cover I start with the Cylinder Cover. I too use calipers to measure the PCD when marking out. I start with the cover and spot and then drill through, I then use the cover as a jig for drilling/tapping holes in the cylinder. After drilling/tapping the first hole in the cylinder I use a temporary screw to clamp the cover to the cylinder before drilling/tapping the next hole. The covers have slipped onto the studs in the cylinder without problems.

Thor

Hi Peter,

B tapers on chucks are what I find where I live, more info on various tapers here.

Thor

Edited By Thor on 25/07/2021 12:06:17

Hi Terry,

I have a milling machine that is similar to yours but slightly smaller capacity. I too got the advice to start (and stop) the machine at the lowest rev. setting and then gradually increase the speed. The machine has worked without problems for nearly a decade.

Thor

I mostly use .4mm radius because it is what is easiest to find where I live. I use 0.8mm when not turning to a shoulder.

Thor

Hi Stuart,

I have tried machining titanium (an Ti alloy used to make bolts), and I too have found it best to do much the same as with stainless steel (like 316). If you have a flood coolant system, use it. As Emgee says, titanium may catch fire and burn. A metal container with dry sand underneath the lathe might be an advantage if the swarf catch fire. Good luck.

Thor

Hi Martin,

I haven't tried it, but this is supposed to work on Aluminium.

Thor

Hi Joe,

More ino on heat resistance of stainless steel here.

Thor

Hi Leslie,

Welcome to the forum, looking forward to see your engines.

Thor