what can you do with a mill and lathe? look inside

[rsanter]

you can make a little girl happy...

my daughter got a necklace with a padlock on it. the locks works (not that it is high security or anything like that, but it does work)
well she lost the key and has been a bit heartbroken about it.
this morning I got the notion to make a new key (instead of just buying another one for $6)
started with a piece of 3/8ths stainless bolt and turned the profile on the lathe. went to trim it to length and got the idea for the heart on the top.
took it to the mill and trimmed off the sides to get the flat key type profile from the turned object. did a little file work and drilled the hole.
finished product is a little less than an inch long

bob


http://www.picturehosting.com/images/rsanter/lockandkey2.jpg

[goodfellow]

Great!!! I'm sure your daughter appreciated the effort.

Excellent pics -- thanks

[russlaferrera]

So I understand this. You made a $20 key, for a $6 lock, on your day off.

What a dad! That's what we do.

[JohnK007]

Way to go Bob!! That's what Pops are for.

[rsanter]

So I understand this. You made a $20 key, for a $6 lock, on your day off.

What a dad! That's what we do.

yes it would have been cheaper to buy another one. I think I spent over $6 in electricity running the machines.
this was kind of a mental exercise turned into a lets see if I can do it.
worked out to about 3 hours of work.

the effort was worth it when I showed it to her and her face lit up.

bob

[zuspiel]

Nicely done. You go dad!

[bchee]

wow you made it without having the original key as a template. That's pretty good

[mulepackin]

Lets see:

piece of 3/8s stainless $1.35
Lathe $2500
Mill $1500

Smile on your daughters face when her dad fixed her neclace....PRICELESS:thumbup:

[Uncle Buck]

That is what makes your kid say "My pop can fix anything, I don't care what it is" kudo's POP!

[Bolster]

Yes, you get this month's "Top Pop" award for sure! :thumbup:

[Brad54]

I often say that anyone can be "dad;" It takes a lot of extra effort to be "DAD," but it's worth it each and every time.

-Brad

[Major Ramifications]

Any slob can spend $6 for another lock & key, but it takes a real man to do what you did. You are building a foundation in self-reliance in that little person that will give her the confidence to tackle more difficult things later in life. My hat would be off to you, if I ever wore a hat.:thumbup:
Strong fathers, strong daughters.

[MXtras]

Very cool of you to do that for her.

I bet it put a big grin on your face too when you gave it to her. That's what life is about, my friend. The little stuff means the most.

Scott