Lathe work

A forum about all aspects of the construction and maintenance of the Billy Dawson inspired modified Hatz Classic biplane. Here is the place to ask your questions and get the answers from the real experts.
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Re: Lathe work

Post by orchardair »

Thanks all for your input.

I decided to try and tackle the lathe work myself, on a WW-II era Atlas lathe.
I started with the simpler (?) parts, the spring retainers for the gear legs, and was surprised by the success I had (and the minimal amount of blood I had to shed).
Here is what I did:

Step 1: Mark the stock for size (plus some extra) and drill the hole while the part is still easy to clamp. then enlarge the hole to 1/4":
DSC_0001.jpg
Step 2:
Cut the part off:
DSC_0002.jpg
Step 3:
Enjoy lathing. I don't really know if this is the best way to do it, but it worked for me. I finished both ends to correct size, as I had a little bit of extra length when I cut the tube.
DSC_0003.jpg
Step 4: Check for fit. Repeat 3 more times.
DSC_0083.jpg
DSC_0082_7.jpg
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Hatz Classic plans# 136
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Re: Lathe work

Post by orchardair »

I also modified the aluminum fittings for the tank on the lathe, removing material from the outer end of the lip to make it flat:
DSC_0012.jpg
Next, 30 little threaded tube-ends..
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Hatz Classic plans# 136
HC85
Posts: 114
Joined: Sat Aug 03, 2013 5:34 pm

Re: Lathe work

Post by HC85 »

Nice work doc! My cousin has an Atlas lathe, he loves that bugger!
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Re: Lathe work

Post by orchardair »

I am starting to get the hang of the lathe, still probably doing many things wrong, but I am now turning the threaded tube endings.
I figured I'd share the joy....

Step 1: Chop a piece off your 4130 rod.
DSC_0040.jpg
Step 2: Square the end.
DSC_0043.jpg
Step 3.a: Drill the hole for the tap (size I I think).
DSC_0045.jpg
Step 3.b: Drill the large hole (To reduce mass for the rosette weld).
DSC_0046.jpg
Step 4: Reduce the radius of the outer dimension.
DSC_0047.jpg
(continued on next post)
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Last edited by orchardair on Tue Oct 22, 2019 5:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hatz Classic plans# 136
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Re: Lathe work

Post by orchardair »

(continued)
Step 5: Test for fit
DSC_0048.jpg
Step 6: Cut off the other end
DSC_0049.jpg
Repeat as many times as needed.
Not done yet: Tapping the hole.
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Hatz Classic plans# 136
orchardair
Posts: 215
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2010 4:56 pm

Re: Lathe work

Post by orchardair »

Well, these took more time than I expected, but I have a full set now!
DSC_0012 (1).jpg
I hope I counted correctly!

I figured since I have to hand-tap them, I'll do it after they are welded to the tubes.
Any tips on tapping will be appreciated!
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Hatz Classic plans# 136
JBMoore
Posts: 235
Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 5:44 am

Re: Lathe work

Post by JBMoore »

Do it in the lathe and chase the threads after you weld them.

Jeff Moore
Jeff Moore
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Bitshifter
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Re: Lathe work

Post by Bitshifter »

I would tap them before welding and then chase them. Using the lathe would be the best since you will be assured that they are straight.
Ed White
HC 154

"In life 10% wrong is failure, in school it's an A"
orchardair
Posts: 215
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Re: Lathe work

Post by orchardair »

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try.
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Bitshifter
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Re: Lathe work

Post by Bitshifter »

When I use the lathe I turn the turret by hand, I don't have the guts or coordination to do it powered.
Ed White
HC 154

"In life 10% wrong is failure, in school it's an A"
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