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Cleaning your machinery
A good habit around your machining equipment is
NOT to use a blow gun to clean the chips from
the workpiece or machine. Not only is this
dangerous to your eyes, it drives the
containments into the ways of the machine. Pick
up some throw away paint brushes and stash them
around your equipment.
They really come in handy to clear the chips
away from the work area. The brush also spreads
out a thin coat of oil on the machine. Once you
get into the habit of using these, you'll love
it. On the subject of oil, keep a can of way
oil on each machine.
Even on machines equipped with auto oilers, I
give the ways a squirt before starting. Also,
the little oilers that are attached to the
machine, oil them. A large hose shop vac is
used most frequently to dispose of these chips.
Getting into the habit of using this item will
change the complexion of your shop.
During the machining process, the paint brush
comes in handy to clear off the cutting tool.
It's a good practice to brush off the bits
before returning them to storage. A little wipe
with a towel is nice too. Now that it's all
said and done, I have a blow gun on my lathe. I
only use it to final clean the part I am
machining. Sometimes you need to do this to get
clean measurements. Use it sparingly. About
once a month I wipe down the machines that need
it. A little coat of wax keeps this 25 year old
lathe looking good as new.
 
Take care of your tools. They are a lifetime
investment.
Chuck Key
Always looking for your chuck key? Drilling a
hole in my tailstock solved that problem.
Allen wrenches
Here is a little holder for the most common
used wrenches on your lathe
A Tip from Gordon Bartlett
Can't find a stainless acid brush!!!! Look in
Wal-Mart for children's art brushes. There is
one with a plastic ferrule and 3/8"dia. x 1"
lg. bristles. Two for $.68. Used first one
several times over last 6 months. Wash out
after use is always a good idea. Don't want to
leave that acid around to fume up the place.
Seems tough, but then what do kindergartners
put them thru.
Another Tip from Gordon Bartlett
When using a hole saw, stuff a paper/rag towel
into the cup. Moisten the towel with cutting
oil. This is known as a Texas auto oiler. Saves
the tool and cuts a better hole.
Tips from Richard Pauza
Files
An old German toolmaker taught me this
one........when cleaning a brand new file of
Aluminum, use a small block of brass to clean
the teeth. Rub the file parallel with the
teeth. This will knock out all the alum.
shavings. Every time you do this it gets
easier. The brass keys with the file teeth.
Drilling
- Do NOT HOLD the workpiece with your hands.
Always use a vise, clamps,or studs-straps &
stepblocks to secure your work. Quit saying to
yourself,"I really should clamp
this"...................OUCH!!!!!!!!!
- Never remove chips with your fingers.
- Shut down the machine to remove chips.
- When you need a big hole, start small and
work your way up in steps.
- For drilling in thin stock, Unibits work
great.
- Hole saws like to run slow.
- DO NOT wear brown (cheapo) gloves when
drilling. The small fibers in these gloves can
get tangled up with the chips or bit and cause
some pain.
-
Never wear gloves when running a machine.
Only use gloves to clean up the chips with
nothing spinning.
Tips from Jeremy Gilbert
Here is a tip I discovered being the bachelor
that I am. I needed a good plastic cup for
mixing flux. While doing my laundry noticed
that the detergent cups I had laying around
would be the perfect size. Hope this is a good
tip for any one using flux.
Tips from Roger VanHoozer
Use a trailer hitch ball for your post dolly.
They are cheap and if you check out the local
supply shops they come in 1 1/2", 1 17/8", 2"
and larger if you get one of the 5th wheel
balls. I also came across a couple of 4" balls
from a buddy that does maintenance for a rock
quarry. He said they came out of a crusher and
get replaced regularly.
Dick Raczuk
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