Fred's NC newest project

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Gary Max

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Fred NC has been working on a new tool. It is for Slim line pens.
He sent me one to try out. This tool works great for getting the barrels square before you build the pen--- something that I always fuss with. Here's what it looks like, I don't think he has a inventory built but it is in the works.
Here's a pic of what it look like.


2007118211128_fred1.jpg


2007118211221_fred4.jpg


2007118211313_fred5.jpg
 
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I wasn't being sarcastic Gary...I can see this as being very helpful. Heck, I want it for trimming the barrels before AND after turning (though one that I could also chuck in a drill press would be helpful for trimminb before turning).
 
That's the same trouble I had with trimmers----I used 220 grit sandpaper. I turn the blank not the tool----this way I can control the amount of pressure against the blank.
 
Gary, thanks for posting your review.

I started using this method about 4 years ago !! I square the barrels by cutting the excess in the band saw, and then the disk sander, until I see the edge of the tube. This tool then trues up the barrel. I also use it after the barrels are turned, if necessary, to make a good fit.

Of course, I had to make the gizmo myself, and it was kind of crude. Then I had the bright idea of making a nice machined one. It worked for me, but the cost would have been too high for others to buy from me. It had to be turned from 1" solid steel bar, which is not only expensive, but requires a lot of machining.

This version is made from material that I can get a lot cheaper. As you can see, the main part is a common BOLT. The face of the bolt is then trued up, and drilled and tapped right on the lathe, so the shaft is at a true 90 degree angle to the face. This is the crucial part. The shaft is made from a high grade commercial hex cap bolt which I modified, and it fits the 7 mm tube like a glove.

I have a few of the main part, and materials to make a few more shafts. The other part is the 3/16" punch shown in the pics, which I also made from drill rod. It is not intended to cut through the sandpaper, rather it scores the backing so you can tear off the little disk in the middle. Otherwise it will not last very long. By the way, the punch can be sharpened several times with medium grit emery paper, by hand!

I intend to make this available soon. No price yet, but as usual, I want to make my tools affordable. If you email me I will put you in a waiting list.

Thanks again, you guys, for your nice comments !!!
 
Jim:

The simple answer is: I don't recommend chuking it. It is intended for use by hand only. It takes only a few turns to
ream the end of the barrel.
 
Have done something similar with an old trimmer. Just turn the cutter upside down, Apply double sided tape to a washer to hold it to the trimmer, glue on some 220 grit on the other side of the washer and it does pretty much the same thing.
 
Fred, please add me to the list..... I am slowly building a collection of all your specialized gadgets and would hate to leave one out!

cheers Eileen [8D]
 
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