How to Get a Smooth Finish on a Metal Lathe - Kevin Caron

[RachelRaithby]

3M make a foam block that comes with any grit you like I atach these to a peice of flat bar and keep my hands away from the work I would roast my tradesmen or apprentacies for doing anything less safe

[csa0890]

@RachelRaithby what happens if the bar gets grabbed into the lathe? It becomes a very fast moving projectile. I feel (and this does come from experience sanding several ways on a lathe) using a LONG strip of sand paper is safest that way it can be wrapped around the part and held at a distance.

[mickstacklehythe]

An accident waiting to happen Kevin ! instead of holding the emery cloth, glue or tack some strips onto 1 inch x 1/4 inch wooden strips- fingers cannot be replaced mate !

[kevincaron]

@mickstacklehythe True but fingers can conform to a contour where a stick can't. All depends on the job at hand IMHO. But point well taken and a great tip to try out the next time I am at the lathe.

Thanks for posting.

[tmagdahl]

Being aware of different importance levels of a lathe in a value chain and the required precision, I always considered it a sin to sand on top of the rails and letting the abrasive released by the paper to get in between the sliding surfaces (you never get it completely out). You notice the effects because the lubrication starts to turn black because the rails are being abraded. After a longer time they wear more at some places. If needed I would always protect them with paper or plastic sheet.

[kevincaron]

@tmagdahl Very good point that I never thought about!!

Thank you for posting! Hope everyone takes it to heart and changes their way. I know I will!!

[tmagdahl]

@kevincaron It was a very long time ago (before 1980) that I was made aware of this issue, that I tend to say "always considered" but I made the mistake with my lathe too. I was told that the dust generated by using a file is not meant to fall on the rails or lead-screw too, and that you should protect them too, specially if it is from hard steel or SS. Remember that diamond dust is used to polish diamonds and the same holds for steel though not optimal if abrading steel is the goal. Regards!

[ToxicZim]

SCOTCH BRIGHT!!!

[kevincaron]

@ToxicZim That comes after the sandpaper!!

Thanks for posting.

[OpenSesame001]

Hey Kevin, whacha doing?... there's usually a female voice saying "Hey Kevin wadda ya doing".

Did you fire the wife?

[kevincaron]

@OpenSesame001 Nope, my brother was in for a visit. The "Voice" was running the other camera. Not to worry, she's not going anywhere! (wait, that sounds kind of weird)

[OpenSesame001]

@kevincaron  Lol, Good to hear... Great videos btw.. I've really enjoyed all your videos.. I've learned a lot thru your welding videos. great training!..

[MrOlddude1957]

You will be there all day with cloth

[MrOlddude1957]

try a die grinder with sand pads then gasket type much faster!!!

[realazzrealgets]

yeah you do sound a lil like kermit the FROG! LOl.. NIce lathe work!

[techdavey1000]

About thirty years ago a colleague went to Bridgeports to see about getting a new milling machine to replace the pre-war Denbigh that we had. Whilst he was there he was also shown a CNC lathe. OK they must have spent a while setting up their exhibition piece but it could produce a wine goblet from steel bar in about thirty seconds! All the visitors were given one to take home. Very impressive!

[kevincaron]

@techdavey1000 A CNC machine is next on my wish list. But it sure is fun playing with what I have now. Learning how the machine works and how to push it it it's limits is just plain fun for me. Having a CNC machine just kind of turns you in to a button pusher. IMHO

[agwhitaker]

1:40 - Do you have to make that 'mmmvvvvtt' noise when you are doing the actual sanding or does the lathe make the sound for you ?

[kevincaron]

@agwhitaker That is an aftermarket accessory. Very had to find anymore.

[Geminii27]

Jump to 2:00 for the actual smoothing...

[skateboard4zero]

Yeah great idea...It'll be great when the emery cloth gets caught on the chuck/workpiece and drags you into it.

[kevincaron]

@skateboard4zero Don't hold on so tight!

[CuntCameron]

@skateboard4zero An experienced skilled turner has no problem with this, it's a normal workshop practice.

[skateboard4zero]

@CuntCameron

I know, were all not supporsed to do it but we do, well I don't scince my mentor has a bit of a close shave with it...

I just turn it to a good finish, or mill in the case of today :P

[GeekEspresso]

we do this for improving the finish of stainless steel boiler tubes before they go to be passivated or electropolished... be sure to put some cardboard down over the ways on the lathe or you will soon gum up your ways with metal dust! (and wear a dust mask!)

[constantlydoped]

Great video Kevin... but I must say, when I close my eyes and listen, I could swear Kermit the Frog is talking :|

[kevincaron]

@constantlydoped Wish I could find a Kermit puppet. All I ever find are the little ones..

[muh1h1]

@constantlydoped you*re right, i was thinking, where i know the voice from, but now i know it hahaha ;)

[eatmycakeshow]

Great video Kevin! Man, looking at your huge lathe makes me nervous. That's one dangerous tool. Watch those loose t-shirts around it. Have you thought about doing a "safety" video about the lathe?

Joe

[kevincaron]

@eatmycakeshow Now that is a great idea!! We are shooting today and I will add that to the list.

[eatmycakeshow]

@kevincaron Fantastic!

[strube1369]

Hey, that ain't "The Voice" I'm used to hearing. She get the day off? That sanding schedule is suspiciously like what I used to do on my wood lathe. Probably a physics thing, huh?

[kevincaron]

@strube1369 My brother was in town to work on the goblet. He had never worked with a metal lathe before. Tried to get him on screen but he's too shy.

[Morkvonork]

What aluminium is that? I use EN-AW-AlCu4PbMgMn on my lathe and it comes of pretty much good to go. I dont have to polish it.

[kevincaron]

@Morkvonork This is the shiny aluminum. I got it from the scrap yard and have no idea what kind it is.

Thanks for asking...

[CCSinventions]

cool vid but y is the question person a guy now?! 0_o

[kevincaron]

@CCSinventions That was my brother. He was in town for a short visit. The two goblets are for him and his wife. The Voice will be back on the job for the next video.

[CCSinventions]

@kevincaron very cool haha

[VisorBlue]

Nice info, as usual -- makes me want more cool tools. However, I'm concerned. Mary's voice is really hoarse. She needs some rest!

Love the ol' Tom Sawyer "Wanna try it?" line. :-)