TIP OF THE DAY

[cbar45]

HDPE (No. 2 recycling symbol) containers can be re-purposed as a bucket--for those of you who degrease reel parts using Simple Green or WD-40.

I use empty cat litter containers; simply lop the top off, drill two holes at each end, and attach a length of nylon cord for a handle.

Good idea to check HDPE's compatibility first, if using a stronger solvent.

Chad

[bluefish69]

The mesh balls are made for loose Tea. Ask the Wife she might have one already. I use them for spices when making soup, fill them & never have the spices floating in your soup again.

Mike

[Aiala]

Great idea! And quite reasonably priced...  http://www.amazon.com/Grip-EZ-Tea-Infuser-with-Cup/dp/B000SSU8Z6/ref=pd_sim_79_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=515aQZ9DRIL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0QC76KDY04CD717X281H   

~A~

[Alto Mare]

Great idea guys, you could clean parts and have soup at the same time ...good stuff!

[foakes]

Hmm, funny -- doesn't taste like Miso Soup.

I have used those for years for small parts in the US cleaner -- they are quick, efficient, and just rinse out with fresh water -- dump on a paper towel -- clean and done.

Best,

Fred

[Alto Mare]

Not much of a machinist, but I'm always trying to find a better way to get things done.
partially removing threads on screws has been hard for me, I was using a file and drill press. I experimented with different speed and cutting oil, but still took a while.
Here I decided to use my drill press and a dremel, both spinning at the same time. The diamond coated wheel is only a couple of bucks and lasts for a while.
These usually take 20 seconds to do, it took me a little longer here because I was using one hand and taping with my cell.

I'll post it, just in case it might be interested to some.
Sorry, it's bouncing all over the place, not easy holding the tool and phone at the same time.

Sal

[foakes]

Really clever, Sal --

Good technique -- thanks for the video --

Best,

Fred

[Bryan Young]

Great ideas keep showing up.  Wow, I have to read all 10 pages again.

[Dominick]

The master is a genius.  Dominick

[David Hall]

Very clever,

[foakes]

This kind of a small thing --

But at least for me, useful...

Today is sorting and organizing a bunch of small Mitchell parts into envelopes -- day.

Wife came up to the shop and asked if I could use these jars -- they will be great for solvents, greases, soaking in mineral spirits, etc.

They are a type of bouillon substitute we use for a lunch with a sandwich or crackers.

Perfect size jars -- wide mouth -- 3.5" wide -- 3.75" tall -- good metal lid with a gasket.

Best,

Fred

[RowdyW]

Fred, if they are glass you can run into a problem if you shake them a little with metal parts in them. Been there, done that, and had the bottoms fall out. What a mess. Plastic is better. The glass jars are better for storing screws, washers, & nuts. Screw the lid to the bottom of a shelf & screw the jar on. No lid to lose & easy to see what's in the jar.    Rudy

[foakes]

These will be used for solvent soaking prior to Ultrasonic cleaning, Rudy.

Agree with the breakage issue -- just do not shake them too hard -- let the solvents do their work.

As for small screws and parts -- got way too many for jars -- they all go in plastic bins or categorized parts envelopes in cupboards -- by part number.

I too, have broken jars on 2 occasions -- try not to do that as much anymore.

Thanks,

Fred

[Alto Mare]

Good advice from both from both of you, Fred and Rudy.

I just picked up this hollow punch set, it is used, but got it at a ridiculous price. The set is a MayHew #66002, it usually runs close to $400 new.
Dwight, you were right all along when you kept telling me how great these sets are, making washers takes very little effort now, I love it.

These cutters are meant to be hit with a hammer, I rather use them on a 1 ton press, it makes it much easier on you and the tool.
If you wanted to do the same, the handle on the mandrel needs to be cut so in could fit on the press


You will need a 16" to 20" steel pipe as an extension on the press arm or it won't work, especially if punching Delrin.
The pipe makes it very easy to use.
I also use a piece of plastic cutting board at the bottom, so the cutters don't get damaged.

Also, if you wanted to, you could drill and tap the center of the mandrel, so you could mount it on a drill press, this helps with sharpening the cutters. I'm sure there is other ways, but this is working for me



The mandrel will vibrate a little as it spins, but having it set at low speed and applying the right amount of pressure, it will work.
I used 1000 grit to sharpen the tips and worked nicely

These were in rough shape when I got them, I cleaned and sharpened all of them.
Here is a shot of the edge of the cleaned cutter...not bad

All cutters are now nice and sharp, I also coated them with a couple of drops of TSI 301 for protection.


A new mandrel costs over $100, I understand if you didn't want to go for it, I just wanted to put it out there, just in case.
A 1 ton press could be purchased for under $50 at the right time. To me, using a press would be the only way.
Keep an eye out on line, you might get lucky finding one as I did, these are made very nicely and should last a long time.
Sal

[Tiddlerbasher]

Sal, I use the same arrangement I added a magnet to the press shaft to secure the punch arbor. It just makes it easier.