Looking for some guidance and input from some of the machinist on the forum

[Hw9720]

So I got a Buck rail moderator for my dressed up bandit, needed to tame the bark. My Bandit has the pressure gage in the end of the tube.
This is an add on as they do not come that was. While installing the moderator, it becomes evident that the gage is in the way for the moderator to fully seat.
No problem I have a lathe, a wood lathe but still a lathe. I was able to chuck the moderator up in one set of jaws that I have. First issue, I believe I need a different set of jaws for this work. While turning the area down that needed the reduction, I was wondering about turning derlin spring guides as well as other parts from derlin. Also turning some brass top hats. I know I would need a different cutter for the brass. So I and maybe other forum members would like to know how far I can push the use of a wood lath to do this kind of work?
Tools, chucks and other tools to look at getting. Here are some pictures of the moderator work it isn't exactly pretty but it worked out. I turned thas at my lathe's lowest speed, was not sure how the materiel would react to being turned. Thanks
tim

 

[Hw9720]

Video of the lathe running.
tim

 

[Motorhead]

Too not have tool chatter and be able to make accurate cuts you need the rigidity of a mechanical cross slide and tool rest.
Plastic like brass will suck the tooling into there surface ESPECIALLY is tooling contacts work piece above center line ... be careful !

 

[Hw9720]

Too not have tool chatter and be able to make accurate cuts you need the rigidity of a mechanical cross slide and tool rest.
Plastic like brass will suck the tooling into there surface ESPECIALLY is tooling contacts work piece above center line ... be careful !

Steel tool rest, chatter was because I was holding phone with one hand to video. No chatter when using both hands.
tim

 

[Firewalker]

Steel tool rest, chatter was because I was holding phone with one hand to video. No chatter when using both hands.
tim

Get the tool post close, use carbide if you have it, run as fast as you can and don't burnish the PLA, cut it.

Metal on a wood lathe? I'll pass...

 

[phillip]

You’re looking for trouble if you expect to machine metals on a wood lathe. If working with a lathe is something you’re interested in, go out and buy used one. Online classifieds such as Craigslist are full of such things.

 

[Vetmx]

With your setup I would have just held a file to the work and skipped trying to cut it. Like Motorhead said, unless you can mount a tool post to your bed, don’t try to make cuts. Any flex and things will get exciting real quick.

 

[outdooorgb]

I have a minor in machining... Only polished by hand. All other work was supported in a tool post on a carriage.
Looks like your running a four-jaw chuck though... you have experience.

 

[HogKiller]

Steel tool rest, chatter was because I was holding phone with one hand to video. No chatter when using both hands.
tim

duct tape the phone to your head or some large rubber bands. Ok, I'm kidding. Chuck it back up and use some paper to clean it up a touch, you may want to do it wet. 120 or so ... LIGHTLY.

 

[HogKiller]

Get the tool post close, use carbide if you have it, run as fast as you can and don't burnish the PLA, cut it.

Metal on a wood lathe? I'll pass...

It doesn't have a cross slide. I admire wood workers, takes real skill.

 

[Hw9720]

I have a minor in machining... Only polished by hand. All other work was supported in a tool post on a carriage.
Looks like your running a four-jaw chuck though... you have experience.

only turning wood. A tool post can be mounted on the bed. Brass is the only metal I would be interested in turning to make top hats.
tim

 

[Vetmx]

Yummm, baking top hats. Just kidding.

 

[Hw9720]

Thanks for the reply's. Brass would be the only metal that I would even try. I will take everyone's advice and find a tool rest first. As far as turning derlin, what speeds is best for it?
tim

 

[dizzums]

id just get a little chinese lathe, 7x12 etc .. about 5 bills or with a bunch of accessories and basic tooling kit, around 6 .. they do need some prep work but youd be in like flynn with one of those for what your wanting to do ..heres mine i set up ...

 

[Firewalker]

Thanks fore the reply's. Brass would be the only metal that I would even try. I will take everyone's advice and find a tool rest first. As far as turning derlin, what speeds is best for it?
tim

As fast as you can and with a sharp tool. Delrin will get soft if it's heated up too much, it also makes an ungodly mess!

 

[sb327]

Thanks fore the reply's. Brass would be the only metal that I would even try. I will take everyone's advice and find a tool rest first. As far as turning derlin, what speeds is best for it?
tim

I’m not trying to nitpick but a wood lathe has a rest and a metal has a post.

I can’t say any of your suggested things to try wouldn’t work. I’ve never tried. But I probably would if all I had was a wood lathe.

Brass will tend to pull a bit into the work as Scott mentioned. A square grind works good for brass.

Obviously, accuracy won’t be near what you would get from a metal lathe but that’s where patience and the files and sanding come into play.

Oddly, the most precise form of material removal is grinding. (Sandpaper or toolpost grinder on a lathe)

Good luck and be careful.

Dave

 

[Hw9720]

id just get a little chinese lathe, 7x12 etc .. about 5 bills or with a bunch of accessories and basic tooling kit, around 6 .. they do need some prep work but youd be in like flynn with one of those for what your wanting to do ..heres mine i set up ...

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View attachment 321667

Not even interested in that route. I probably will never take is as far as making a derlin spring guide or two. I say that after checking the price of derlin it will not be any time soon. If it is not something I can do safely on this lathe I won't try it. Just a thought and the input I received will keep it that way.
tim

 

[Motorhead]

Not even interested in that route. I probably will never take is as far as making a derlin spring guide or two. I say that after checking the price of derlin it will not be any time soon. If it is not something I can do safely on this lathe I won't try it. Just a thought and the input I received will keep it that way.
tim

Understood ... Tho, Even fabrication with plastic, aluminum & brass is so rewarding if one likes to tinker and make stuff up that comes to mind

 

[Airgun-hobbyist]

@Hw9720 I applaud you for getting after it with that wood lathe. If that were all I had I would have tried it as well. Necessity is the mother of invention. If this experience has convinced you to get a small metal lathe, consider getting a combination lathe/mill. I wish I had a mill, as I make a lot of things with a hack saw, drill press, and a file!

 

[HogKiller]

@Hw9720 I applaud you for getting after it with that wood lathe. If that were all I had I would have tried it as well. Necessity is the mother of invention. If this experience has convinced you to get a small metal lathe, consider getting a combination lathe/mill. I wish I had a mill, as I make a lot of things with a hack saw, drill press, and a file!

If I had the space I'd have a bench mill and lathe, see the space part. Even a cheapie from Harbor Freight is better than nothing. I'm still waiting for my Round-TU-Its to arrive. only been 18 years no rush.