Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
Reply |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I
cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. Is that, in fact, true? i |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
I would hang on to it. I have the occasional need to make bus-bar "bugs",
and other high-current connectors and contacts. Last year, I had to make all new rheostat studs for my very (very) old EZ-GO golf cart. They'd discontinued the part. Nothin' for it but copper rod, lathe time, and some frustration getting my rake angles right. (single-point threading of copper is a pain in the ass!) LLoyd "Ignoramus5693" wrote in message ... I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. Is that, in fact, true? i |
#3
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 1 Aug 2007 10:17:31 -0400, Lloyd E. Sponenburgh wrote:
I would hang on to it. I have the occasional need to make bus-bar "bugs", and other high-current connectors and contacts. Last year, I had to make all new rheostat studs for my very (very) old EZ-GO golf cart. They'd discontinued the part. Nothin' for it but copper rod, lathe time, and some frustration getting my rake angles right. (single-point threading of copper is a pain in the ass!) That stuff that you made, you could not make out of 1/4" copper bar, is that true? I did find several occasions where a big 1/4" thick copper bar was useful, indeed. I think that I will agree with you and hang on to this bar. i |
#4
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Ignoramus5693" wrote in message ... On Wed, 1 Aug 2007 10:17:31 -0400, Lloyd E. Sponenburgh wrote: I would hang on to it. I have the occasional need to make bus-bar "bugs", and other high-current connectors and contacts. Last year, I had to make all new rheostat studs for my very (very) old EZ-GO golf cart. They'd discontinued the part. Nothin' for it but copper rod, lathe time, and some frustration getting my rake angles right. (single-point threading of copper is a pain in the ass!) That stuff that you made, you could not make out of 1/4" copper bar, is that true? I did find several occasions where a big 1/4" thick copper bar was useful, indeed. I think that I will agree with you and hang on to this bar. i One suggestion: don't anneal it until after you machine it, whatever you do. You will pay for it in utter misery. I was involved in machining 2000 cylindrical electrical connectors, 1-1/4" diameter and 3" long, once upon a time. The harder the copper is, the better. -- Ed Huntress |
#5
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Ignoramus5693" wrote in message ... That stuff that you made, you could not make out of 1/4" copper bar, is that true? I did find several occasions where a big 1/4" thick copper bar was useful, indeed. I think that I will agree with you and hang on to this bar. The rheostat studs were made from 3/4 round. But I've made bus-bar connector blocks as large as 2x2x2. LLoyd |
#6
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Ed Huntress" wrote in message ... One suggestion: don't anneal it until after you machine it, whatever you do. You will pay for it in utter misery. I was involved in machining 2000 cylindrical electrical connectors, 1-1/4" diameter and 3" long, once upon a time. The harder the copper is, the better. I'll remember that. Maybe even harden a piece before I work it. In this case, it was "run whut you brung". I got a stick of whatever the metal shop had, and didn't think to harden it before working it. "Razor-sharp chewing gum" comes to mind. LLoyd |
#7
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 1 Aug 2007 10:38:41 -0400, Lloyd E. Sponenburgh wrote:
"Ignoramus5693" wrote in message ... That stuff that you made, you could not make out of 1/4" copper bar, is that true? I did find several occasions where a big 1/4" thick copper bar was useful, indeed. I think that I will agree with you and hang on to this bar. The rheostat studs were made from 3/4 round. But I've made bus-bar connector blocks as large as 2x2x2. OK. Thanks. I will definitely hang on to it. i |
#8
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
What's wrong with you? I am unable to conceive of why anyone
in their right mind would even consider letting a piece of ANY metal larger than a cubic inch, out of their clutches. Excuse me, have to go, just heard a bunch of noise from the garage, where I think a shelf collapsed.... /mark Ignoramus5693 wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. Is that, in fact, true? i |
#9
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:53:21 GMT, Mark F wrote:
What's wrong with you? I am unable to conceive of why anyone in their right mind would even consider letting a piece of ANY metal larger than a cubic inch, out of their clutches. Excuse me, have to go, just heard a bunch of noise from the garage, where I think a shelf collapsed.... I am looking for steel and aluminum pieces, actually. I had doubts whether I need a copper bar of that size (I have other copper bars that I actually used). The real problems begin when there is so much stuff in the garage that it turns into a Black Hole. i |
#10
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Ignoramus5693 wrote:
I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. The easiest way to find that out is to sell it. Nick |
#11
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Copper is the nastiest stuff I have ever machined. Being a good heat
conductor, soft, sticky, etc, it's just aweful. I made a number of custom cable swages for 1/8" aircraft cable, and it was a nightmare. 8 feet of 1/4" dia copper round bar got turned into 2" long pieces, faced both ends, and drilled through with a #29 drill. Some got stuck in collet blocks, clampled a wierd angles, and fishmouthed in preparation for brazing, while others got threaded #10-24. In the process I snapped 4 #29 drill bits and had my lathe drill chuck (this is a large toolroom lathe with a lever collet closer) pulled bodily out of the tailstock by the stickyness of the copper. It also transmitted heat very effectively, to the point where the heat of the drilling operation (this is with extensive mist coolant, no flood available) heated the collet to the point where it expanded and did not grip the part firmly. The project turned out well, but it was one of my least favorite machining experieces. |
#12
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
(I think I screwed up the original reply and sent it just to Lloyd. Hey, I'm
rusty...) "Lloyd E. Sponenburgh" wrote in message .. . "Ed Huntress" wrote in message ... One suggestion: don't anneal it until after you machine it, whatever you do. You will pay for it in utter misery. I was involved in machining 2000 cylindrical electrical connectors, 1-1/4" diameter and 3" long, once upon a time. The harder the copper is, the better. I'll remember that. Maybe even harden a piece before I work it. In this case, it was "run whut you brung". I got a stick of whatever the metal shop had, and didn't think to harden it before working it. "Razor-sharp chewing gum" comes to mind. LLoyd Sharp chewing gum it is. g However, I don't know how you'd harden the copper, unless it was some alloy that can be heat treated or whatever. Pure copper, and most alloys, can only be work-hardened. Their hardest state usually is the condition they come in, right from the mill. The trick is to leave them in that state. -- Ed Huntress |
#13
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Ignoramus5693 wrote:
I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. One thing a big solid chunk of copper is good for is balling tungstens for use in welding aluminum. In fact, I would love to have a chunk of that bar two inches long if you ever decide to saw it up. An old machinist once told me that if you do have to machine copper the cutting fluid you want to us - really, this isn't a gag - is milk! I think he suggested a can of evaporated milk. Grant |
#14
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Ed Huntress" wrote in
: One suggestion: don't anneal it until after you machine it, whatever you do. You will pay for it in utter misery. I was involved in machining 2000 cylindrical electrical connectors, 1-1/4" diameter and 3" long, once upon a time. The harder the copper is, the better. It machines really nice with PCD tooling. I used to size printing cylinders right out of the copper plating bath, prior to engraving and chrome plating. The biggest issue was birds nests. -- Anthony You can't 'idiot proof' anything....every time you try, they just make better idiots. Remove sp to reply via email |
#15
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Anthony" wrote in message ... "Ed Huntress" wrote in : One suggestion: don't anneal it until after you machine it, whatever you do. You will pay for it in utter misery. I was involved in machining 2000 cylindrical electrical connectors, 1-1/4" diameter and 3" long, once upon a time. The harder the copper is, the better. It machines really nice with PCD tooling. I used to size printing cylinders right out of the copper plating bath, prior to engraving and chrome plating. The biggest issue was birds nests. Yes, that's a problem, especially in production. I reported on an operation in western PA some years back that was turning disc-like copper pieces with autoloading lathes (Wasinos). Their biggest challenge was breaking up the birds' nests, which they finally accomlished after a lot of experimenting with feed rates and cutting angles. -- Ed Huntress |
#16
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:30:49 -0700, Grant Erwin wrote:
Ignoramus5693 wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. One thing a big solid chunk of copper is good for is balling tungstens for use in welding aluminum. In fact, I would love to have a chunk of that bar two inches long if you ever decide to saw it up. Grant, I thought one could ball tungstens with just a piece of scrap iron. I will let you know if I ever cut it up. An old machinist once told me that if you do have to machine copper the cutting fluid you want to us - really, this isn't a gag - is milk! I think he suggested a can of evaporated milk. Sounds yucky, the work would smell rather bad in a few days. (don't ask me how I know) i |
#17
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Grant, I thought one could ball tungstens with just a piece of scrap iron. I will let you know if I ever cut it up. That really doesn't work. You want a metal that is as conductive as possible, both electrically and thermally. Short of precious metals, copper is the best you can do. You can also use a chunk of copper as a backing bar for welds. I've used blocks of scrap aluminum for this too. Grant |
#18
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Don Foreman wrote: I make boxes by welding up pieces of sheetmetal, because I don't have a brake to bend them. Even if I did, with welding I don't have to worry about bending allowances to get the dimensions right. WOW, I'd sure like to look over your shoulder while you did this! I was trying to TIG weld some gussets into a box I made of .060" 3003 last night. I almost destroyed the box. I should have set up some copper bars to keep the aluminum from melting. My big problem was the gussets would melt into a puddle before I got any melting of the box material, even though they were the same thickness. I'm pretty sure they were the same alloy, but something else could have gotten in the scrap bin. After painting it will look OK until somebody opens the box, then it looks like hell! I've got steel, SS and even copper down just PAT, but aluminum still drives me crazy. I don't know why. (I have a Lincoln Square-Wave TIG 300, supposed to be a good machine.) Jon |
#19
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:52:11 -0500, Ignoramus5693
wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. Very useful for welding thin aluminum sheetmetal corners without blowing holes. The copper bar stops blowthrus by acting as a chill. Lightly chamfer a corner on the copper bar to create a bit of space under the corner to be welded. You don't want the bar to chill the puddle right in/on the joint. Clamp aluminum pieces to bar with the chamfer under the corner to be welded. Weld away! I make boxes by welding up pieces of sheetmetal, because I don't have a brake to bend them. Even if I did, with welding I don't have to worry about bending allowances to get the dimensions right. It's even handy with thin steel sheetmetal, because weld-thru (excessive penetration) won't stick to the copper; it'll just reinforce the inside of the corner. |
#20
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:23:23 -0500, Don Foreman wrote:
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:52:11 -0500, Ignoramus5693 wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. Very useful for welding thin aluminum sheetmetal corners without blowing holes. The copper bar stops blowthrus by acting as a chill. Lightly chamfer a corner on the copper bar to create a bit of space under the corner to be welded. You don't want the bar to chill the puddle right in/on the joint. Clamp aluminum pieces to bar with the chamfer under the corner to be welded. Weld away! I make boxes by welding up pieces of sheetmetal, because I don't have a brake to bend them. Even if I did, with welding I don't have to worry about bending allowances to get the dimensions right. It's even handy with thin steel sheetmetal, because weld-thru (excessive penetration) won't stick to the copper; it'll just reinforce the inside of the corner. Don, it is a good point, something I did not think about (use of copper as backing for welding butts). At this point I already decided to keep this particular bar, but it is one more reason to. i |
#21
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Copper makes a nice Buss bar for common returns or earth ground.
Martin Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Endowment Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/ Ignoramus5693 wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. Is that, in fact, true? i ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups ----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =---- |
#22
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:51:38 -0500, Martin H. Eastburn wrote:
Copper makes a nice Buss bar for common returns or earth ground. I used big copper bars (1/4" thick) in my rectifier when I converted my welder to Cubloc microcontroller and normal three phase rectifier: http://igor.chudov.com/projects/Weld...New-Rectifier/ Now, a 1" thick bar is a little bit too much for that! i Martin Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Endowment Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/ Ignoramus5693 wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. Is that, in fact, true? i http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups |
#23
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:12:45 -0500, Jon Elson wrote:
I've got steel, SS and even copper down just PAT, but aluminum still drives me crazy. I don't know why. (I have a Lincoln Square-Wave TIG 300, supposed to be a good machine.) Practice, practice, practice; 5-10x as much as it took to get good at SS. g I came up with this technique for folding aluminum without a brake after learning a similar technique that jewelers use. The grooves in the 1/8" sheet are cut about 1/16" deep with a 90 degree single flute countersink. You can see some cracking on the outside of the bends in the second photo - annealing or a different alloy should take care of that in cases where it matters. This probably doesn't help much if you need to install internal ribs, but it does make nice boxes. http://www.suscom-maine.net/~nsimmon.../Mailbox00.JPG http://www.suscom-maine.net/~nsimmon.../Mailbox01.JPG http://www.suscom-maine.net/~nsimmon.../Mailbox02.JPG The jewelry technique involves scoring a piece of sheet by hammering a piece of curved steel wire into the surface of the sheet. You can make interesting 3D shapes in soft metals very easily this way. -- Ned Simmons |
#24
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Ed Huntress" wrote in message ... Sharp chewing gum it is. g However, I don't know how you'd harden the copper, unless it was some alloy that can be heat treated or whatever. Pure copper, and most alloys, can only be work-hardened. Their hardest state usually is the condition they come in, right from the mill. The trick is to leave them in that state. I used it in the factory condition. The "sharp chewing gum" thing brought back an old memory of my Dad. He taught me the secret to working with copper roof flashing -- "Son, there's a simple secret to working copper flashing. Don't bleed to death." LLoyd |
#25
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Lloyd E. Sponenburgh" wrote in message ... The "sharp chewing gum" thing brought back an old memory of my Dad. He taught me the secret to working with copper roof flashing -- "Son, there's a simple secret to working copper flashing. Don't bleed to death." LLoyd Sound advice. I'll think of that the next time I pull a stainless steel bird's nest out of my South Bend. -- Ed Huntress |
#26
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Ned Simmons wrote:
I came up with this technique for folding aluminum without a brake after learning a similar technique that jewelers use. The grooves in the 1/8" sheet are cut about 1/16" deep with a 90 degree single flute countersink. You can see some cracking on the outside of the bends in the second photo - annealing or a different alloy should take care of that in cases where it matters. Neat. Where do you get that single flute counter sink at? Wes |
#27
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
Wes wrote:
Neat. Where do you get that single flute counter sink at? I would use a router bit. Nick |
#28
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:36:06 -0400, Wes wrote:
Neat. Where do you get that single flute counter sink at? http://www.maford.com/taf/catalog.ta...3EFE5346B1D6F9 The grooves could also be cut with a regular endmill with the mill head rotated, but the c'sink is much more convenient. You want a small flat at the bottom of the groove to allow some overbend when folding the part to compensate for springback. ___ ________ \ / \_/ -- Ned Simmons |
#29
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Why" wrote in message ... Sound advice. I'll think of that the next time I pull a stainless steel bird's nest out of my South Bend. Hey ED, still dealing dope? Err writing about the dope dealing big pharma? I've retired from full-time in the pharmaceutical business, although I'm still doing some freelance work for NYC pharma agencies. Watch for my upcoming articles on medical-device manufacturing in metalworking magazines. I'll let you know when. I ran a bunch of copper torch tips (copper of some kind) on one of my Brownies in 1978, got one in my hand right now. 3/8" hex 1.100 long with tapped threads & a tapered nose, .032 hole thru. About 3,000 of them. Was hard on drills & taps but not to bad. Every 800 or so I would have to change drills & the tap. All tool steel & Sulphur oil. It would wear the big drill down to a taper G. They furnished the material & when it showed up the trucker showed me their bill & I think it was over $3,000. Some copper alloys are surprisingly abrasive. I don't know if it's precipitates or what. I used to know, but then I forgot... Copper does really cost, which you notice when you pay for a bunch of barstock or solids. Man, it adds up in a hurry. Still run the 1942 Brownies They'll outlast you, Dave, especially since you run them on boiling oil and brimstone...er, oil and sulfur. You may run out of cows for drive belts, however, if global warming turns Texas into a frying pan. It'll be grilled hamburger from border to border. I'm 7 miles from a bay, and I'm counting on building a dock in my back yard before I croak. -- Ed Huntress |
#30
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Why" wrote in message ... Some copper alloys are surprisingly abrasive. I don't know if it's precipitates or what. I used to know, but then I forgot... Copper does really cost, which you notice when you pay for a bunch of barstock or solids. Man, it adds up in a hurry. Still run the 1942 Brownies They'll outlast you, Dave, especially since you run them on boiling oil and brimstone...er, oil and sulfur. You may run out of cows for drive belts, Naw, I have 75 feet of drive belts, I haven't had to change any in 20 yrs (guess made from good TX cows). But china will make more. however, if global warming turns Texas into a frying pan. It'll be grilled hamburger from border to border. Well ED I don't believe any of that, in 1974 we were going to freeze to death, remember that while waiting in the gas line? Dave, do you remember Pascal's Wager? He didn't know if there is a God, but he thought it would be a good idea to act as if there is one, just in case. It's the same thing with global warming. Do what I'm doing: I'm hedging by investing in water wings and beach umbrellas. Which reminds me -- is anybody in the market for some sub-zero sleeping bags? They're going cheap, and haven't been used since 1974. Hey the big money is in selling "carbon credits" the latest scam to separate stupid people from their money, it's going to be better than big Pharma can do G. I did put up some solar outside lights , where do I get paid my money, or does that give me a free pass driving my 400HP+ hot rods? One hot rod, 2,000 solar lights. It's a fair trade. I saw a neat project on Hot Rod TV last week: a 1970 Chevelle with a 1200-hp small-block (but 650-some cubic inches; some small-block)engine that runs on propane. They call the car "Pro-Pane." Clever, huh? -- Ed Huntress |
#31
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Why" wrote in message ... They'll outlast you, Dave, especially since you run them on boiling oil and brimstone...er, oil and sulfur. You may run out of cows for drive belts, Naw, I have 75 feet of drive belts, I haven't had to change any in 20 yrs (guess made from good TX cows). But china will make more. Oh, you just reminded me of something I thought about for you some time ago, and I wanted to ask you about it. It's my idea for seamless leather belts for screw machines and so on. It might be tricky to mount them, but the idea is sound. What you do is take a whole cow and deep-freeze it, then cut it into sections on a big bandsaw. You skin out the belts very carefully and make London Broil and hamburger out of the meat. Now, I realize that the belly hide is a lot thicker, and you'd have to carefully plane that section down to a uniform thickness. But think about it, Dave. It's something you could do to make a few bucks when you retire, eh? You can get a couple of those skinny Texas cows to try it out. I got this idea a while back when I was cutting steaks from a frozen tuna on my 14" Delta. Man, you have to be really careful when you clean the blade and the tires, and tuna sawdust tends to accumulate in the bottom of the blade guard, so you want to blow it out real well with an air hose. But it works like a charm. -- Ed Huntress |
#32
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Why" wrote in message ... They can make them that big, new casting & a big stroke. I thought about buying a 454 small block when I put the new 383 in the 66 Elky for the reasons that it was setup with AC & all for a small block. A BB I would have to much stuff to change. Of course I took the new crate motor & re-worked it G. Pics here, see the good old Hardinge in the background? http://www.geocities.com/Athens/1876/engine.html http://www.geocities.com/cookie.geo/ready.html http://www.geocities.com/dobedave/sleeper.html Nice and clean. Red car, red motor, red Hardinge...what's your favorite color, Dave? -- Ed Huntress |
#33
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Why" wrote in message ... Oh, you just reminded me of something I thought about for you some time ago, and I wanted to ask you about it. It's my idea for seamless leather belts for screw machines and so on. It might be tricky to mount them, but the idea is sound. All my belts have no clips, I glued them on a jig (is that PC) after grinding them. Them clips will drive you nuts click, click,click. Grinding them on a 7 deg taper is fun for the 6" you need to do. But hey old farts can do that! I need to replace the belt on my South Bend. It's around 40 years old and getting a little tired. What you do is take a whole cow and deep-freeze it, then cut it into sections on a big bandsaw. You skin out the belts very carefully and make London Broil and hamburger out of the meat. Now, I realize that the belly hide is a lot thicker, and you'd have to carefully plane that section down to a uniform thickness. But think about it, Dave. It's something you could do to make a few bucks when you retire, eh? You can get a couple of those skinny Texas cows to try it out. Retire? What is that? I will die with Sulphur oil on me, like SS will allow me to retire, but if I worked for big Pharma maybe I could till they turned the retirement fund over to the government like auto companys are starting to do. If you work for Big Pharma, you know which drugs to take to make it all better. The one I was working on until a few months ago, which had been under development for around ten years, was scheduled to be approved by the FDA last month. They decided not to approve it. Boo-hoo. There's another $2 Billion down the drain... A few billion here, a few billion there, and pretty soon it adds up to real money. I got this idea a while back when I was cutting steaks from a frozen tuna on my 14" Delta. Man, you have to be really careful when you clean the blade and the tires, and tuna sawdust tends to accumulate in the bottom of the blade guard, so you want to blow it out real well with an air hose. But it works like a charm. Frozen tuna from china, better watch that ED . Hey, this was tuna from the Hudson Canyon. US-made tuna, yessirree. -- Ed Huntress |
#34
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
"Why" wrote in message ... I need to replace the belt on my South Bend. It's around 40 years old and getting a little tired. I have leather belting & clips & the clip fixture in 2" 2/1/2" & 3" Plus the newer belting, let me know & I can usps some to you, just return the stuff when done. Email is the same for years. Let me know. Just need to know how long your belt is to see if I have one that long, & the size wide. Dave, that's one heck of a generous offer. I'll measure things tomorrow and get back to you. What kind of glue do you use for the splice? If you work for Big Pharma, you know which drugs to take to make it all better. The one I was working on until a few months ago, which had been under development for around ten years, was scheduled to be approved by the FDA last month. They decided not to approve it. Boo-hoo. There's another $2 Billion down the drain... A few billion here, a few billion there, and pretty soon it adds up to real money. They didn't bribe enough like they did on the senior drug bill? I watched that live. Heh, heh. Pretty slick, eh? All that nice government money for Medicare Part D, and no haggling over the price. Katy bar the doors, it's money from heaven, and the Lord does provide for Republican donors. Hey, this was tuna from the Hudson Canyon. US-made tuna, yessirree. But china can import it cheaper , to hell if you get sick... No discount tuna for this guy. Considering what went into catching it, I figure the price at around $50/pound. Don't tell my wife. Speaking of fishing, I developed really bad rotator-cuff tendonitis last fall, and it's been hurting like hell. Fortunately I found the perfect exercise for it: fly casting. Yup, it works everything in just the right way, and I feel better by the day. I try to go fly fishing twice a day when I can, for therapy, of course, and I'll bet I can write it off on my taxes. -- Ed Huntress |
#35
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
|
|||
|
|||
Have you ever needed to machine copper
On Aug 1, 9:52 am, Ignoramus5693
wrote: I have a copper bar that I am deciding whether to keep it (1x2x15"). I cannot think of any hobby style need that would involve a copper bar like that. I have other bars that are more practicable, like 0.25x2x15, etc, these are quite useful for all sorts of things, such as in my welder conversion, etc. But I cannot see any need for making parts from big thick copper bars. Aluminum would always be cheaper, have good electrical and thermal properties, and easier to machine. Is that, in fact, true? i I built a spot welder and used something similar for the electrodes. |
Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Fernco/Mission couplers for copper to copper? | Home Repair | |||
Fernco/Mission couplers for copper to copper? | Home Ownership | |||
Copper tanks needed - Attleborough, Norfolk | UK diy | |||
Sheldon 0 milling machine X axis nut needed | Metalworking | |||
help needed: washing machine doesn't empty completely - is this normal? | Home Repair |