Copied & saved- thanks, much, and Merry Christmas.
Old tools are so cool- while I don't turn & shape as much as I used to, or would like to, I have a fairly complete shop-- including such oddballs as the valve-grinding equipment from the old Island Auto Parts machine shop where I first apprenticed, and its Van Norman boring bar- all 195 pounds of it. Hard to believe I used to lug that unwieldy bastard into engine compartments.
"Old tools are so cool."
Agreed. To me, the good ones are often the material expression of the best of humanity. In a sense, they are the embodiment of man's highest achievements in that they use clever designs, the quality materials, the quality fit and finish and the tool's innate precision and durability all combine to aid the creative and productive impulses in the man that uses them.
On the other hand, a lot of old tools are also crap and were even when they were new. Oh well, all things considered, it is nicest to assemble and use these old beauties in an age of good dentistry rather than make a mean and hard-scrabble life with them in times of medical barbarism.
About your Van Norman boring bar...sorry, but I know zilch beyond the basic maintenance brake shoes and lubrication in automobiles today. A tragic weakness in my arsenal of tooling.
D’ya use the boring bar to smooth or enlarge cylinders? I think there’s a shot of what you’re talking about here: [ http://www.diamondmarine.com/web_pages/shop_tour.htm ] or better yet, try here: [ http://www.diamondmarine.com/web_pages/boring_bar_page.htm ]. If that is the tool, then you are to be revered. Of course, I can see the need for boring out a cylinder in a block when you cannot remove the bugger without a ton of other work.
A thing like that might improve the thought transmission through the existent holes in my MIL’s head. Hmmmm – are they readily available? Maybe I can run out an get one before the stores close today?
I bought an 8" 4 jaw chuck (Sears/Craftsman) for an Atlas at an auction last summer for $18. Still in the box and never seen a spindle.