Hi from lockdown in London

[Robert Bowen-CattryParticipant @robertbowen-cattry70600]

Hi guys,

I decided to join up to the forum as I am about to embark on my first lathe process and I'm hoping to learn lots here as I am a complete newbie to machining metal (other than with an angle grinder).

Cheers,

Bob

[Robert Bowen-CattryParticipant @robertbowen-cattry70600]

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Hello Bob, You will be able to find out a lot by reading the older posts on the forum which should keep you out of the workshop for a while. Just remember not to follow only the first post you read as the next six posts will all offer different viewpoints. Some posts also recommend books to read
If there is still something not covered you can start a new thread on the forum. Please make sure to use a sensible title so that other people with a similar question will be able to find it. There is nothing worse than titles like " newbie with problem". Also be sure to give all the information about you problem as while the experts on here are pretty amazing none has yet mastered clairvoyance.

Finally can you give an idea where in London you are. Maybe we can suggest a club for you to get in touch with.

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

Hello Bob and welcome to the forum. What sort of thing are you hoping to use your new skills on?

Brian

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Welcome!

+1 for what Bazle has said.

If you have a question or a problem, do be specific and provide as much detail as possible.

Above all, don't rush into things.

There is a VAST pool of skill and experience on here, in all sorts of fields. Ask and someone will be likely to be able to help you.

Older threads may well provide the answer to your question.

It would be a good thing to invest in some books for some basic knowledge. they will be useful references for years to come.

And, do find a Club and join it.

If you have a problem that needs face to face help, or demonstration, there should be somebody there to help.

You should have years of pleasure and satisfaction ahead of you. Enjoy the banter!

Howard

[Robert Bowen-CattryParticipant @robertbowen-cattry70600]

Morning guys, thanks for the welcome.

Bazle, I'm in NW London, near Harrow.

Brian, thats a good question. I have a list of things things I'd like to make as my skills improve including bore guides to help clean my rifles as well as parts for scale models (I build military jets and armoured fighting vehicles).

To be honest there is no specific reason for the lathe purchase, it's something I've fancied trying for a few years, and as it looks like we won't be able to go on our summer holiday this year due to teh pandemic I now have a surplus of cash to spend on something.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

With a lathe, there will ,be all sorts of things that you can do.

Things that break / wear can be replaced, strengthened / modified.

And of course, you can make all sorts of marvelous models and gadgets.

Once you have had a lathe,you will feel naked if it is out of commission for any reason!

If you ask "What lathe should I buy"? you will receive a vast wide variety of answers, not just size but vintage (old vs new ). Before buying a used machine, do take someone experienced with you to look at it and check it.

You do not want to spend money on a machine that is worn out, or has vital parts missing! Nor, as a newbie, you do want to launch into reconditioning a machine. That could be an expensive short cut to disillusionment.

Fantastic work can be, and is, done on a machine that is 100 years old, but you do not want to become the owner of an expensive big door stop!

Try to decide what you want to do with the lathe, so that you get one that suits your needs. A 21" monster is no good for watch making, any more than a watchmakers lathe for producing a 6" scale Traction Engine.

If in doubt, buy a little larger than you first think. You horizons will expand as you gain experience. You can do small work on a big lathe but probably not the other way round!.

As you progress, you will build up a collection of tools, possibly a bench grinder will be an early addition.

As you gain experience, you can make some tools, (such as a Tap Wrench ) which will add to your store of skills.

Suggested books:

L H Sparey "The Amateur's Lathe"

Ian Bradley "The Amateur's Workshop"

Tubal Cain "The Model Engineers Handbook"

They will make good reading while we are locked down, and for many years afterwards.

My suggestion would be to start by using High Speed Tools in the lathe. and learning how to grind them.

Then, my favourite is a Tangential Turning Tool. The toolbit is easy to sharpen, since only one face needs to be ground. You can buy or make. At least two designs have been published in M E W over the recent years.

On another hobby horse of mine, is to make a Centre Height Gauge. Unless the cutting edge is on centre height, it will not cut properly, and will leave a pip in the middle when you face across the end of a bar.

Almost essential with a Tangential tool. Saves SO much messing about!

Make haste SLOWLY, but don't be afraid to seek advice and help.

Find a Model Engineering Club to join for when things return to something approaching normal.

If it is any help, the North London Society of Model Engineers meets in Finchley, and they have a site at London Colney for their track.

Sorry to have gone on at such length!

H T H

Howard

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Your local club is Harrow & Wembley who have their clubhouse and track in Roxbourne Park opposite Venue 5. The advantage of joining a club is you can get direct advice on a lathe, maybe see some in action, and probably get various tools in club sales. You do not have to be an established modeller before you join and they will be pleased to show you the ropes.
I got my loco from Bill H of that club though sadly he passed on a couple of years ago.

[Robert Bowen-CattryParticipant @robertbowen-cattry70600]

Thanks for the advice gents.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Welcome to the forum, Robert,

Neil

[Roger WoollettParticipant @rogerwoollett53105]

Another society you might like to consider is the SMEE (Society of Model and Experimental Engineers). Their headquarters are near Loughborough Junction which is an easy ride from Harrow. Like all societies activities are on hold for the moment but when things are back to normal come to one of our general meetings – you are welcome to come as a guest. In the mean time the website give more information.

SMEE

Many SMEE members are also members of a local society.

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