Please help machining

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Help

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi everyone model engineering is not my hobby but I do love some of the stuff you guys create, I’m really struggling to find someone to machine a part, its for a 1920s printing machine I have one but need 10 more everyone I’ve contacted seems to think it’s impossible to make but they managed it 100 years ago so surely it must be I think they are just not interested, could I post up some photos and see if you guys think it’s doable thanks in advance

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

Hi Jo.

Certainly post some pics in an album and attach to this post so we can see the part to be copied.

Is it turned or milled? Or maybe cast if it's a complex shape.

Most things can be done but its usually a question of cost. A company would have to charge to make one off or short run pieces so it's easier to say it cant be done. A bit like a builder not wanting to bother with a simple repair, it's not worth their while.

But a home machinist may tackle it if it's not a complex casting job.

Best regards Mick

[Paul LousickParticipant @paullousick59116]

Hi Jo,

A drawing or photo with a few dimensions would help. You also need to tell us where you live. There are members all over the world. I am in Australia.

Paul.

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Jo If you click on the Forums tab on the black band on the top of the page and then click the website FAQ there is information on how to put pictures on here etc I hope it helps.

David

[vintage engineerParticipant @vintageengineer]

Anything can be made. It's only dictated by time and money.

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi guys thanks for the help I’ll sort some photos and see what you think, maybe I’ve been going to the wrong places like you say small run not worth the effort cheers

[Maurice Cox 1Participant @mauricecox1]

Where in the world are you Jo?

Maurice

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi I’m in uk Norfolk, thanks I’ve uploaded some images to an album but they are not appearing yet, not sure if they have to be approved first thanks

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Hello Jo,

Something has gone wrong – make sure you are uploading JPG files.

Neil

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi yes I’m trying to do it from my phone they are jpg I’m bloody useless at this stuff haha

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi here it is it’s hard to see but it’s about 4mm diameter it’s basically cylindrical for the first 1/3 then it has 3 grooves running down each side so it then turns almost triangular and finished with a point, made of metal hope that makes sense thanks guys 

 

Edited By Jo Ford on 01/04/2019 18:56:42

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

Looks straightforward. If someone said impossible it must have been followed by a modifying comment such as "for no cost" or "at a price you will pay" . Were these professional machine shops?

Martin C

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi yes all proper companies they seem to think cutting the grooves is the hard bit but I just think they had no interest probably more interested in large runs for big companies cheers

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

You can cut the grooves with a suitable radius ball nose cutter and the work piece supported along its length. Turning the part through 120 degrees can be done in numerous ways. You probably need a hardenable steel but that is also not a problem.

Martin C

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

Hi Martin thanks you make it sound so easy haha, so would they just use a rod of hardened steel and cut into pieces then shape the grooves thanks guys

[Jo FordParticipant @joford58919]

If anyone knows of anyone/company that could do it I’d love to hear many thanks

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Looks like a job for a tool post mounted grinder, cutting something that small with a ball nose cutter sounds unlikely to me.

Emgee

[vintage engineerParticipant @vintageengineer]

I suspect they would have been forged originally.

[John McNamaraParticipant @johnmcnamara74883]

Hi

You may find a sewing machine needle that can be adapted to your machine, maybe you could get a longer needle and remove the thread eye and make a blunt point most will already have a groove. The material will be high quality hardened steel so the result will be durable. It can be ground easily but not turned.

Locally industrial sewing machine suppliers will have needles.

The link below may assist also, Schmetz are a leading manufacturer of needles.
Send them the dimensions of your needle
**LINK**

Regards
John

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

Private message sent Jo.

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

Fairly large for a needle, 4 mm dia, you might find a knitting needle that size, although the steel knitting needles I know of are double ended for socks, and 2 mm 3 mm dia.

Ian S C

[WearyParticipant @weary]

In the absence of manufacturing a bespoke part (although I see that plasma has PMed you, so perhaps you are 'sorted'  , & developing the suggestion of modifying or adapting sewing-needles:

Sewing needles (for wool) are commonly available up to 3.75mm diameter. See here for example. though they do not usually have a groove or channel cut in them. I dare-say that larger diameters are available from specialists.

Are these anything near to being suitable for modification perhaps?

Knitting needles 4mm diameter are size 8.

Regards,

Phil

 

Edited By Weary on 02/04/2019 10:02:37

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

What is this part? Is it a needle for stitching printed pages together, or something else?

[Paul KempParticipant @paulkemp46892]

Like Hopper I am intrigued by the actual function of these "needles" within the printing press. Depending on their actual purpose the material spec can differ widely. If they are merely to guide paper or are used to transfer ink there may not be a requirement for them to be hard or 'strong'. Can you elaborate a little as to the actual function within the press?

Paul.

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