Hack welder now an aspiring hack machinist

[LD1]

But the diehard guys all say the NMTB 30, NMTB 40, and obviously NMTB 50 are all much more rigid, stable, modern, and desirable for ultimate rigidity/accuracy.

Thats absolutely correct. And I too like the ER collets. It Grips carbide tools better, and (a good set) is superbly accurate. The tool holders that use a set-screw, That set screw actually pushes to tool to one side of the holder. Not much. Talking maybe a tenth of a thousandth. But for super precise slots or keyways, they will cut a tad larger than the same tool in a ER. And most carbide tooling doesnt have a flat for the setscrew, therefore its proned to slip in heavier cuts as well. ER's are the only way to go IMO.

 

[rankrank1]

...ER's are the only way to go IMO.

That is also what my limited research provided as a conclusion as well. Then all I had to do was pick which size of ER's.

Really the only collets that I could even remotely find that might arguably be superior to the ER's in gripping, rigidity, accuracy was the TG's. But those things are extremely expensive plus you need double to triple the number collets to cover the same size range as the ER's. One of my friends has access to the TG's at work and he hates to use them - he describes them as a total pain to use. He loves ER-32's.

Make sure you read that link in my previous post - I think you will enjoy it.

 

[LD1]

Make sure you read that link in my previous post - I think you will enjoy it.

I certainly will do that. Just trying to wrap things up for the night though. Getting late

 

[rankrank1]

go check out keith fenners videos on youtube. He uses an old KT mill and he knows how to do all sorts of things with that old machine.

Wow - excellent referral on those videos. While his equipment may be older - it is in good shape and more importantly he knows how to use it.

I have only watched a few videos so far. While I do enjoy his videos - they are very long so it is hard to find extra time this time of year (fall is my favorite season). Most of his videos seem to be in the 35-55 minute range long and many topics are covered over a 5-6 parts long series and each episode is 35-55 minutes each so it is a definite time commitment (as well as internet bandwidth commitment).

I can see myself watching all of them come wintertime though.

 

[CNC Dan]

Wow - excellent referral on those videos. While his equipment may be older - it is in good shape and more importantly he knows how to use it.

I can see myself watching all of them come wintertime though.

You'll be a better man for it when you do. I know I am.

If you want welding videos, look for:
weldingtipsandtricks

 

[rankrank1]

You'll be a better man for it when you do. I know I am.

If you want welding videos, look for:
weldingtipsandtricks

Already knew about Jody - been watching him (and recommending/linking him myself on many occasions). I like quite a bit of Lanses's stuff too (although not all of his topics). Lanse is ChuckE2009 on Youtube.

One is the voice of many years real world experience and the other is a voice of newness and in many cases experiencing it for the very first time. Different styles and experience levels but each good in their a unique way.

 

[ThomasH]

I love it when Lanse grins and says "Oh, what could go wrong?" Being about 60, I have done so many uninformed and stupid things that I have lost count. You know, you get experience from bad experience.

It's kind of enjoyable to hear him laugh at himself a bit and be lighthearted while learning as he does. And some of us old grouches that have been welding for 40+ years learn from seeing him use some of the new technologies. I had forgotten all about dual shield wire until I saw him test out some. Very impressive stuff...

 

[cmore]

Congratulations rankrank1 !

 

[chickenman]

Now you have to learn how to use masking tape as a precision measuring tool.

 

[rankrank1]

Now you have to learn how to use masking tape as a precision measuring tool.

Not sure I know about any masking tape tricks (applicable to machining anyway). I have seen simple paper used in conjuction with a dial caliper to get within a few thousands for locating. I have bought a couple cheap indicators thus far which should get more than close enough for my crude needs.