Unquestionably Confused wrote in
:

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.



I can't see the original post so replying to this one...

If you can drill and tap the hole yourself you can buy one
online from http://www.metalsupermarkets.com and have it
shipped to you. The price for 2.5x5x.25 cold rolled steel cut
to size is $11.93 plus shipping. You'll spend more for gas
hunting around.

Larry