Cardboard

Is there any other lubricant that could be substituded for graphite powder on the v-blocks of a lathe?
Also, in a related question, How can you check that the stands are perfectly perpendicular?
thanks, i'm off to take my regents now.....*gulp*....

StephenSobottka

iTrader: (8)

I use a bushing luve on the v-grooves, works prefectly fine.

Brian Anthony

iTrader: (9)

I've always heard just use a lil bit of normal oil. Don't use silicon oil as it can cause chattering as it grabs.

To check for perpendicular on the stands you need to check the runout on the COMM. Measure one end and then the other and adjust accordingly. A zero difference would be great but I think I've read that .007 is acceptable.

Cardboard

ok, thanks. I lined it up using a lego brick, so I think it should be fine.
One final question about lathes: Do I have to tighten down on those purple plastic clips? Or just leave them alone, as long as they hold the comm on the v-block as it spins?

StephenSobottka

iTrader: (8)

You just tighten them enough to hold it in the grooves, otherwise it causes drag.

F1Junkie

Hey Cardboard -

did you get the battery yet?

Let me know...

Thanks

Dave

Cardboard

Yep, left feedback too.

F1Junkie

Thanks a bunch!

Dave

Entropy

I bet you can build a lathe using lego bricks too..

Still Bill

iTrader: (16)

I don't even use the purple plastic hold downs. Just have the armature in the V-blocks.

Cardboard

Thanks to everyone who helped on the few threads that I posted about lathes, I am very happy with my lathe and I didn't screw anything up yet.
thanks!