A standard cornerrounding end mill or ball mill works well for cutting convex or concave radii on workpieces using a manual lathe. After choosing the appropriate cutter, I clamp it in an Aloris-type toolholder at minimum overhang and speeds and feeds extremely minimize chatter.
For nonstandard radii too critical, I rotate the horizontal center. Doing smaller radius, but it takes to get the desired odd radius.
Joseph Snyder
Jackson, N.J.
Cleaning gundrills
Worn or broken gundrills, especially those with diameters between 0.093 and 0.156 in., make perfect nozzles to clean holes. Simply tap the end of the holder and attach an air line — the tool's through hole delivers a concentrated air flow that easily reaches into tight areas. Richard Kurdyla
Kenilworth, N.J.
Pick the winning Practical Idea!Select the best Practical Idea in this issue by circling the associated number on the reader service card. Winners receive an award of $100. An honorarium is paid for each item published in this column. Submitted ideas are subject to editing, and sketches will be drawn to conform to AM's style and format. Submission of clear, close-up photos is encouraged. Send material to Practical Ideas, AMERICAN MACHINIST, Penton Media Inc., 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503. Please include your name, address, zip code, and Social Security number. Winner for July 2004: Lonnie Johnson, Idea runs rings around base-mounting problem, p.. 80. |