On 6/18/2014 10:09 PM, Gramps' shop wrote:
I need some help in getting to the right vendor and in specifying exactly what I need.

I've purchased an articulating arm hollowing system for my woodturning lathe. The articulating arm is attached to the ways of the lathe on a two-part base. The ways are sandwiched between the bottom and top pieces. The bottom piece isn't wide enough to capture both of the ways.

I need a new piece of steel measuring 2 1/2 by 5 inches by 1/4 inch thickness with a hole tapped in the center. I assume a machine shop could do this for me. Is there a particular steel I should be asking for? What's a fair price for something like this?

Dumb questions, I know, but metal is the reason I work with wood G.

Larry

PS: Yes, I asked the company that sells this system for suggestions and he suggested I angle the bottom piece so it catches both ways. That may work, but the potential stresses could result in a catastrophic accident.


If you have the room, why not just go to a welding shop and ask them to
cut you a piece of 1/4" steel in the size you need, drill a hole
(slightly larger than the one in the existing bottom plate and use it as
a rectangular "washer" with the existing one (and threaded hole) beneath it.

If that doesn't work in your application, I doubt the difference in
steel commonly available to you is going to make much difference. If
you're still worried... buy 5/16" or 3/8" steel and you should be good
to go.