4 replies to this topic

[jayden]

I have just received a metal lathe and mill drill, does anyone know any good tools to make?
Also, any good websites that are about making pyro tools?
Thanks, Jayden.

Edited by jayden, 20 July 2009 - 02:14 PM.

[dr thrust]

hi jayden what's the size (distance between centers) and make of your lathe/ mill and is a combined machine or are they separate machines, your a lucky man id love a milling machine
have you used anything like this before? sorry to ask but there are safety issues with this type of machinery, and it would be wise to read up a little before you get "stuck in" sayiny that though when you do get into it, man the hours fly bye!

[jayden]

It is not a super large lathe but still descent:
- 500mm between centres
- 100mm diameter (three jaw chuck)
- 190mm diameter (four jaw chuck)
More specs are on this site: https://www.machiner...?stockCode=L148
I have done a little bit on a lathe and mill drill but I am getting a book on lathes and mill drills so I can expand my knowledge a bit before I get stuck into it.
I got it for nearly half price! I am a very lucky man indeed.
Thanks, Jayden.

[dr thrust]

hey Ive just checked out the page its a great lathe you have there, and 500mm between centers is fine for most pyro tooling, unless your planning to make, Clarke's fountains or 6lb rockets .
what to make? well that depends on how far along you are with your pyro? start with simple fountain tooling if you trawl through " pyro bin you will see lots of tooling made by amateurs, and this will give you some inspiration.
ive just knocked this up tonight on a 70 year old lathe lol, its a brass 15mm rocket spindle with the spindle length 110mm and 6mm dai and is a simple project just need to make a rammer to suit by drilling up a length of 15mm brass, which again is a good exercise on the lathe.
the other "item" is a former to make old school rocket headings similar to the old "standard" rockets, you basically then wrap waxed paper around it the add layers of pva soaked paper around the formers body, let it dry pop it of and do the same on the top of the former to form a cone, ho don't forget you can do other things with a lathe mill like make steam engines!

[jayden]

Sweet. Thanks for the help. I am going to set the lathe up soon and after that I should be making some stuff!
I'll probably start off with some fountain or rocket tooling, a couple rammers and spindles etc.
Can't wait to get started!