Using the Engineer's Lathe in Clockmaking

This book provides a practical guide to selecting, setting up, and using an engineers lathe for clockmaking or clock repairs, with over 160 diagrams and photographs. It covers topics such as choosing and setting up the lathe, turning, boring, milling techniques, chucks, collets, face-plates, creating a height-centring gauge, pivots, wheels, pinions, removing and mounting gear wheels, fly cutters, making a flat depthing tool, and creating center marking tools.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

This comprehensive guide is designed to assist enthusiasts and professionals in selecting, setting up, and utilizing an engineers lathe for the purpose of creating precision parts specifically for clockmaking or clock repairs. It serves as an instructional manual, beginning with foundational knowledge and progressing to more advanced techniques. The book is accompanied by over 160 detailed diagrams and photographs, covering a wide range of topics such as choosing and setting up the lathe, turning operations, boring and milling techniques, chucking systems, face-plates, height-centering gauges, pivots, wheels, pinions, gear wheels removal and mounting, fly cutters, the creation of flat depthing tools, and the development of center marking tools. The primary objective is to offer a gradual learning curve, enabling readers to confidently and proficiently employ the lathe for practical applications. Whether you are a novice or an experienced machinist, this book will provide valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your lathe-based craftsmanship.

Introduction:
This book is a comprehensive guide designed to assist enthusiasts and professionals in selecting, setting up, and utilizing an engineers lathe for the purpose of creating precision parts specifically for clockmaking or clock repairs. It serves as an instructional manual, beginning with foundational knowledge and progressing to more advanced techniques. The book is accompanied by over 160 detailed diagrams and photographs, covering a wide range of topics such as choosing and setting up the lathe, turning operations, boring and milling techniques, chucking systems, face-plates, height-centering gauges, pivots, wheels, pinions, gear wheels removal and mounting, fly cutters, the creation of flat depthing tools, and the development of center marking tools. The primary objective is to offer a gradual learning curve, enabling readers to confidently and proficiently employ the lathe for practical applications. Whether you are a novice or an experienced machinist, this book will provide valuable insights and practical skills to enhance your lathe-based craftsmanship.

Choosing and Setting Up the Lathe:
The first chapter assumes that the reader does not yet have a lathe and provides valuable advice on choosing the right lathe for their specific needs. It discusses factors such as spindle speed, horsepower, and bed size, and helps readers select a lathe that suits their requirements. The chapter also covers the setup process, including the installation of the headstock, tailstock, and other components. It emphasizes the importance of proper alignment and adjustment to ensure accurate and reliable machining.

Turning Operations:
The second chapter delves into the various turning operations that can be performed on an engineers lathe. It covers topics such as material selection, facing, turning, and chamfering. Readers are provided with detailed instructions on how to select the appropriate cutting tool, set up the lathe, and execute each turning operation to achieve the desired results. The chapter also includes tips and techniques for achieving precision and accuracy in turning.

Boring and Milling Techniques:
The third chapter focuses on boring and milling techniques. It explains the different types of boring heads and milling machines available and their applications. Readers are provided with step-by-step instructions on how to set up and operate these machines for precision boring and milling operations. The chapter also covers topics such as tool selection, feed rates, and cutting speeds, and emphasizes the importance of achieving a smooth and accurate finish.

Chucks, Collets, and Face-Plates:
The fourth chapter discusses the chucking systems used in an engineers lathe. It covers topics such as chuck design, mounting, and removal. Readers are provided with detailed instructions on how to select and install the appropriate chuck for their workpiece. The chapter also covers the use of collets and face-plates for holding workpieces securely and accurately.

Creating a Height-Centering Gauge:
The fifth chapter focuses on creating a height-centering gauge. It explains the purpose and function of a height-centering gauge and provides step-by-step instructions on how to make one. Readers are provided with detailed diagrams and photographs to guide them through the process. The chapter also covers the use of the height-centering gauge for precision turning operations.

Pivots, Wheels, and Pinions:
The sixth chapter delves into the components of pivots, wheels, and pinions. It explains the different types of these components and their applications. Readers are provided with detailed instructions on how to install and adjust these components for accurate and reliable operation. The chapter also includes tips and techniques for maintaining these components.

Removing and Mounting Gear Wheels:
The seventh chapter focuses on removing and mounting gear wheels. It explains the different types of gear wheels and their applications. Readers are provided with step-by-step instructions on how to remove and mount gear wheels on an engineers lathe. The chapter also covers the use of specialized tools and equipment for this operation.

Fly Cutters:
The eighth chapter discusses the use of fly cutters in an engineers lathe. It explains the purpose and function of fly cutters and provides step-by-step instructions on how to make and use them. Readers are provided with detailed diagrams and photographs to guide them through the process. The chapter also covers the use of fly cutters for precision turning operations.

Making a Flat Depthing Tool:
The ninth chapter focuses on making a flat depthing tool. It explains the purpose and function of a flat depthing tool and provides step-by-step instructions on how to make one. Readers are provided with detailed diagrams and photographs to guide them through the process. The chapter also covers the use of the flat depthing tool for precision turning operations.

Creating Center Marking Tools:
The tenth chapter focuses on creating center marking tools. It explains the purpose and function of center marking tools and provides step-by-step instructions on how to make one. Readers are provided with detailed diagrams and photographs to guide them through the process. The chapter also covers the use of center marking tools for precision turning operations.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for enthusiasts and professionals who want to learn and master the art of clockmaking or clock repairs. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide to selecting, setting up, and utilizing an engineers lathe for creating precision parts. With over 160 detailed diagrams and photographs, readers can gain a deep understanding of the lathe's components, operations, and techniques. Whether you are a novice or an experienced machinist, this book will help you enhance your lathe-based craftsmanship and achieve your machining goals.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 246 x 189 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719831515