"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"Gerry" wrote in message
news
On Mon, 20 May 2019 18:41:15 -0700, Bob La Londe
wrote:
On 5/20/2019 4:54 PM, DoN. Nichols wrote: On 2019-05-20, Bob La
Londe
wrote:
I've decided to go ahead and make a replacement screw with a
sliding
handle (like a vise handle), but also with a hex on top "just in
case."
This is a 14x40 lathe and there is plenty of clearance. Its not
a
giant, but its decent size and there is room to work on it.
I have on 1144 stressproof, 4140QT, and cold rolled on hand. I
have no
issue using the 1144 or the cold rolled, but I can't pick up
4140(QT
TGP) at a reasonable price locally. I hate to "burn it up" so
to speak
on personal projects. Given the ease with which 1144 machines I
am
concerned about shearing off threads on an 1144 bolt, but I have
no
issue using it because I can just go get some more if I need it.
The
cold rolled is really to soft IMO for making bolts.
I know the 4140 is tough as heck, and would make the most
durable bolt,
but I hate to use it up if I don't have to.
I've made bolts using 12L14 -- free machining steel -- and they
have been strong enough for my needs. The 1144 sounds stronger,
and the
4150QT may be more difficult to machine, depending. "QT"
indicates some
particular temper?
(This isn't all I am doing, and its not "critical.")
So play with what you have and see how it machines.
Good Luck,
DoN.
4140QT - QT means quenched and tempered. Its about the same
hardness as
4140HT. TGP is "precision" ground. Actually from what I have been
reading in between feeding the machines is that 1144 Stressproof(tm)
is
not ideal for cyclical loads like a bolt that is tightened and
loosened
repeatedly. For that they recommend a product called
Fatigueproof(tm).
1144 Stressproof(tm) is great for a static load though.
4140QT is tough machining. Maybe a little more so than 304-316
stainless, but its machinable. I get the best finish with modestly
large depth and width of cut on the lathe and a fresh insert. It
will
work harden faster than stainless if you screw around. This lathe
has
just enough power (3hp spindle motor) to do the job. The 4140QT is
left
over from jobs. Not something I bought just to have some. I bought
"extra" just to have some. LOL. The 1144 I bought to just have
some
because its so darned easy to cut.
I guess I'll be either using some of my stock of 4140QT or I'll do
like
Jim suggested and chase down a big bolt to machine down to the
application.
I've made tools out of all of the above.
I find Tractor Supply a good source for one or five grade five or
grade eight bolts when I want to "invent" something!
*******
There is a place called Copper State bolt a lot closer to me than
Tractor Supply and on the fasteners they stock they are always
better priced than places like Tractor Supply, Cal-Ranch, and Home
Depot. Also better quality and better selection. Hate might not be
too strong of a word for the Hillman crap you find in most of those
chain places. On the other hand when I am trying to finish
something on Saturday afternoon I've been known to go to Lowes for a
handful of grossly over priced stainless, or yes "Yesh" Tractor
Supply or Cal-Ranch for a three point pin or bushing.
Side Note: Cal-Ranch is kind of a pleasant surprise. Their website
is total crap, but its quite the old fashion country
hardware/general store. Guns in the back. Tools and hardware on one
side, and clothing on the other... and its work clothing. Their
fishing stuff is all kinda on the cheap side, but they have one. If
you miss the old stores like Yellow Front, Fed-mart, or Fred's
Corner Hardware they have done a decent job of capturing some of
that for a chain store. They are bigger, have wider cleaner aisles,
and a mix of decent and low end stuff, but the atmosphere is more
pleasant and less institutional. And if I need a MIG welding tip on
the weekend they have them. Not as cheap as 25 or 50 pack bags on
Ebay, but about the same price as the store brand at your local
welding supply store. The spray I use on my tractor came from them.
That's great for you.
We have a first class hardware store in southern NH
https://www.yelp.com/biz/county-stores-milford-2
but there's no point suggesting it to readers outside this area. I try
to recommend only things that can be bought new all over the USA,
although my shop is equipped mostly with New England antiques from
auctions and second-hand stores.