Scalefour Forum

I think I'll look out for courses on how to use a lathe.

Ealing wrote:I think I'll look out for courses on how to use a lathe.

As I think I mentioned earlier in this thread, I found such a course extremely helpful, particualrly as I had no technical education of any kind at school. I attended a weekly evening class in 'Model Engineering' at what was then Watford Tec - it must have been at least 30 years ago now.

So if you can find such a course, I would certainly recommend it. The only problem is that these courses seem mostly to be arranged to fit in with the academic year, and have a start date usually in September, with bookings having to be made in the summer (usually by August). Regrettably there is always a chance of such courses getting cancelled due to 'lack of support', but all the more reason for those interested to apply, which will make it less likely that they will get cancelled.

If there are still vacancies, you can sometimes get on a course at the beginning of the Spring term (January), but you often have to bypass the admin wallahs and approach the course tutor direct.

Does anybody have a recommendation for lighting up the new toy - something that might screw under the shelves that are just above it?
John

Fluorescents should not be used with machine tools - something to do with strobe effects.

Tim V wrote:Fluorescents should not be used with machine tools - something to do with strobe effects.

It is possible under fluorescent lighting for moving parts to appear stationary at some speeds, when the rpm, or a harmonic thereof, matches the rate of flicker in the tube.

This is all to do with the AC cycle 0f 50 hertz. Flourescent lights can be used with machine tools. What you need is a fitting with two tubes in it which might be a problem for smaller fittings. The tubes cycle on and off at different times. It is only a problem at certain speeds. Use a filiment lamp overcomes the problem. Personally I use an Anglepoise type lamp.

Terry Bendall

Sorry to resurrect this thread after a few years, but following on from Johns experience I've just purchased the Chester Conquest Super.



Basically the same as the Conquest with the addition of digital readouts on the cross slides.



All for £499.

Living in N Wales it was a no brainier really.

With retirement not too far away I'll be loosing the workshop facilities at work so I thought it about time to get a few things together while I can still afford it.
Ray.

Digital readouts and variable speed, that really is luxury compared to the Warwick or Unimat SL lathes that I once owned. Clever people those chinese!

John

21C141 wrote:Sorry to resurrect this thread after a few years, but following on from Johns experience I've just purchased the Chester Conquest Super.

Did the Lathe come ready to use or does it have to be stripped and cleaned before reassembly?

One of the advantages to me, a total newbie at the time, was that the Chester Conquest did not have to be stripped and cleaned, it was ready to roll as soon as it got on my workbench.
John