Hi, I’m a OEM barfeeder technician based in the UK.

Just wanted a general opinion from you guys in machine shops.

I’m fully booked out for weeks on end carrying out:

Interfacing Installs Service Programming Factory moves Training etc

I have a wealth of knowledge on all machine tools and like the idea of contracting. I have a lots of contact within the industry.

But I guess I wanted to know from the shops I’ve not visited yet, when you encounter a problem. Do you go straight to the manufacturer or would you ever search for a ‘specialist’?

Feel free to use this if you do any remote support, always happy to help!

Anyone out there using AI tools to improve efficiency in their shop, production floor, or office?

Hello my very precise friends. I found this caliper at work and am trying to find a source for an additional one. Can anyone tell me what the specific type of caliper this is.

Additional info: I’m a locksmith in Austin and this caliper stays in my backpack when I’m on jobs. It’s perfect for decoding keys because of the blade anvil. Also, I keep it in a rigid toothbrush case so it’s way less fragile a tool to carry than my dial or vernier calipers.

Wonder what is the precision?

Travel in the vertical direction is being controlled by the arm in the right of the photo, that works like a drill press. What is the wheel on the left for? It spins but doesn't engage or make any noticeable adjustment to the vertical mill. I assume it is for the vertical also, but I am not sure how to engage it.

Hi I'm a hobbyist, not a real machinist. I'm looking for the formula for thread depth for 90-degree threads, not 60. Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo just don't understand the question. I've got the Machinery's Handbook (18th edition) and I'm sure it's in there somewhere but I can't find it. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Multiple of these studs snapped on me as you can see. an M6x1 nut threads right onto the finer threads. anyone know what this is or where i can buy more? and more that are made from a stronger material?

I am new to machining and I'm looking to upgrade my gear for a specific project. Right now all I've got is a king canada 7x12 lathe and am looking to do some milling with it. I know it won't be as precise as a milling machine but that's not super important for this project. Anyways, I am pretty sure to do what I want to do (round off some corners on the end of some round stock) a rotary table is what I need. What I am unsure of is if I need a milling attachment somewhere in the mix or just the table and are rotary tables and dividing heads the same thing? Any advice on a setup and possible sizes for the gear needed or anything else would be appreciated.

Thank you

I have a lathe that I am missing the ID plate on, but after researching, I have identified it as a Takang TK380GL. At least mine looks identical to that model. I am looking for a parts manual for it and, hopefully, a source from which to purchase some parts. Can anyone help?

Anyone have experience with one of these machines, from this general time frame? I believe deckle mahogany was in the midst of being bought out by mori seki (please correct me if I'm wrong there)

Anyways, we have a machine at work that is a positional 3+2 machine. It can't rotate in the B axis something like -5 degrees to 180 degrees in .001 increments.

The issue we are constantly having is the brakes for the b axis are constantly breaking, about a year at a time, it's a fairly decent endeavor to replace them, that includes completely removing the table put of the machine.

Is this a common issue with these machines from that time frame? Is their something we are missing, we have replaced them in the past, and also have had Ellison come in and do it and they still wore out and broke in about a years time frame.

New to the trade and had to excel pretty fast because we don’t have many workers here that said all loaner tools have been out and no indicators are left because workers come and go and take them with them anyway I am constantly doing set ups for the operators and have asked for a indicator for the last few months a few times a month and they say that they would but do not but also say if I buy one they won’t cover any costs if it’s damaged in the workplace lol? Is this the usual practice ?

Hello,

Does anyone know where to get a thread cutter that creates the male Delta PT or plastite screw type threads? It can be something similar, like a tri-lobe, etc.

What are some good options for large tap handles now a days? I have looked into the starrett tap wrenches. I’ve got the 91B and was thinking about getting their largest one the 91D, but it only says the largest it will grab it a 3/4” tap. I have often found myself with 1.5+ taps and nothing better than a wrench.