Greg
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Post by Greg on May 11, 2011 19:19:01 GMT
In case the above video isn't self explanitory: A while ago I had purchased a trailer hitch to try my hand at a DIY Type T pommel. I drilled a whole through the axis and was about to start on the recess for the tang when I noticed that it still looked very much like a trailer hitch. So, after a bit of brainstorming, this is what I came up with. Bolt and nut through the pommel Secure that to a power drill Secure that to a stationary object Get angle grinder Turn drill on BAM! Insta Poor-man's lathe! I think I need to thin it out a tad more. I'm wanting to match the weight to my GSOW pommel so that the harmonics won't be affected to much with the transition. So I figured I'd key it out for the tang before slimming it up anymore. Note: If you are going to try this, don't run your drill full on for minutes at a time. This will decrease the lifespan of your drill. In all the above shots, I'd run the drill for about 30-45 seconds, and don't apply to much pressure, the drill isn't meant to handle it. Happy improvising!
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on May 11, 2011 19:24:04 GMT
AWESOME IDEA!!! I've been needing a lathe SO badly for pommels and the like, I wonder if this might solve that problem.
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Post by whitefeathers on May 11, 2011 20:44:13 GMT
What ever works to get the job done, I like that you had all that protection on too.
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 11, 2011 20:49:10 GMT
Cheness: Yeah, I was sick and tired of seeing decent lathes starting out for hundreds of dollars and all I wanted to do was make some type T's.
When I go back and slim up the pommel, I'll probably use a corded drill instead of cordless. It was the closest drill to me when the inspiration hit. Also, I found that a slower drill speed worked better. I suppose that it gave the grinder more of a moment to get purchase instead of just skipping across the surface.
Whitefeathers: Yeah, I had just one close call when I was working with metal and power tools, so I stopped what I was doing and went and got the face shield as well as other safety accoutrements.
By the way, if anyone knows of a good metal turning lathe for a "hobbyist" price, feel free to let me know.
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Post by steelhound on May 11, 2011 23:43:42 GMT
Very creative, and nicely done, Greg. Nothing gets those inventive thoughts brewing like not having enough money, eh?
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Post by Bryn on May 12, 2011 3:49:29 GMT
Greg, your videos always make me laugh in a good way. That's the sort of jerry-rigged DIY spirit that epitomizes the Backyard Cutting Crew.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on May 12, 2011 4:25:14 GMT
brilliant that's turned out great
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 12, 2011 4:34:34 GMT
Oh, and don't worry guys, I plan on figuring out a way to rub the top end off, ya know the "6000 lbs" markings. After I key out the slot for the tang, then I'll figure out some way to secure it to the trill without going all the way through the hole.
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Post by GUEST on May 12, 2011 14:55:14 GMT
That something I would have never thought of. Have a karma from me.
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Post by graveyard on May 14, 2011 2:43:31 GMT
At this time, I submit the title of Official SBG MacGuyver be presented to Greg
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Post by demonskull on May 14, 2011 2:51:18 GMT
Greg, you mentioned next time you'd use a corded drill, I'd suggest you keep useing the rechargable. It would probably be easier to burn out a corded than the cordless. Great idea by the way!
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 14, 2011 3:05:38 GMT
Well, the corded drill I have is from like... the 1930's when they built stuff to last (slight exaggeration of course)
But the cordless drill is mostly plastic, so there really wan't a good place to clamp to. The corded drill I have has a nice metal frame and I could clamp down as tight as I'd like.
But I'm afraid I don't see why a cordless drill would have less of a chance at burning out. I'm not trying to be argumenative, but I just fail to see the "why" behind it. Do cordless drills have some sort of overdraw protection?
Keep in mind that I'd only run the drill for 30-45 seconds before letting it take a break while I would plan the next cuts, and examine the scratch pattern left by the last disc I used.
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Post by demonskull on May 14, 2011 3:14:33 GMT
I was under the impression that it was a light weight non-professional drill. Less power - less chance of being burned out. If you're only running for 30 second intervals, it should'nt hurt it one way or the other.
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 14, 2011 3:17:14 GMT
Ah, it's a DeWalt. I've used less professional drills back when I was using a drill professionally. :lol:
But yeah, I'm not running full on for 5 mins or anything. I might want to edit my original post to let people know that this would be a bad thing.
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