Well, I am finding out that you are never too old to learn new things! I have been working on two lathe jobs that challenged me to no end. How can you use a 1/2 inch end mill for drilling and end up with a hole that is over-sized? Then figure out how to fix the problem! I finally landed on the solution of using a smaller end mill and a boring bar to get my spec to within .001.
Yes, I am sure a more skilled/experienced lathe operator would have figured this out much faster than I did, but I DID it and it WORKED!
I will be trying out a different movement direction on turning down these same parts when I get started today.
The funny thing about running the lathe is; I can't seem to keep it out of my head. I am usually trying to work out problems or figure out better ways or more efficient ways of doing things, etc.
Probably one of the best lessons I learned in the last three weeks is this: Keep you thumb out of the way of the lathe chuck! I need to work very close to the chuck spinning at 1500 RPM to polish the face of the part. Unfortunately, I caught my right thumb on the chuck which split it down the center. Now healed, and much more cautious.
BTW, please take time today to remember that it is June 6 -- D Day. Please stop and say a short prayer for our soldiers and their families as you go about your busy day.
GWG
Ardis Kenney
