Above 1200 Sq/FT Ernie's Place

[StormcrowAz]

Dan – Good to know, thank you! I’ve got a lot to learn and I’m still in the early phases of my YouTube education on “Lathe Work for Dummies”. Feels like I have a long way to go, but I’ve got some time since it’s going to be a minute before I can get this lathe up and running again.


Fartymarty – Thanks for the confirmation and the link. I read through the thread and sub-links within. Lots of good stuff!





Now that the lathe is out of the way it is time to switch gears and work on the big 20” Rockwell band saw. Want to get that cleaned up and sold off to free up some space and finances so I can get the lathe and other band saw working.


Started with taking the motor out, need to pull the mechanical pulley off of it and make sure the motor still spins. Looks to be original as it has a Rockwell data plate on it. Numbers matching, ran when last parked.


The split pulley on the gear box shaft came off in two separate disc pieces. I did not expect the one on the motor side to be one disc half and the other half to be permanently attached to a longer shaft section. Therefore I was not prepared for the shaft assembly to pop off and fall directly on my big toe. Good times and a few choice words were had.


Did some temporary wiring to test out the VFD and motor. All good.



The split pulleys were mechanically operated by a foot pedal connected to this wheel/chain/cam assembly. Considering I’m going the VFD route, I didn’t see a reason to leave all this still attached.



Bracket and assembly removed.



The inside of this cabinet was absolutely filthy. Must have scraped out 10lbs of oily swarf.



Spent some time cleaning it up a bit. Not going to eat off of it, but considering it never gets seen, it’s good enough.



The front of the saw has this cavity for wiring access and in some models a blade welder went here. On this one there was just a blank cover plate. Figured this would be a good place to install the VFD.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Cut up the cover plate for the VFD.



Threw together a little cage to mount it to.





A little paint and it doesn’t look too bad.



Also installed a new start/stop switch. The VFD controls the actual starting and stopping, so this is mostly just an emergency stop to cut power to the VFD.

Motor re-installed, all new wiring ran, and then tested to make sure the motor still spins.



Installed new pulleys for standard v-belts. Used the laser with magnetic mount to get both of them lined up.



Used one of those universal belts that you can customize the length on. Installed, tightened, and let her rip.



Did some quick test cuts and looks good so far. Just need to make a back cover for the cabinet and an insert disc for the table here.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Aside from a thorough cleaning of the exterior, I think the only thing left I need to do on the Rockwell is to get a table insert and cover for the back. They sell the inserts, but I do have a plasma table. Cut the insert out of .090” aluminum.



With minimal clean-up, it fits nicely.



The back panel cut from steel sheet. 14 gauge, I think. Just need to drill the mounting holes and paint it.



While I was on the table, I cut this sign out for a friend of mine. Still need to clean and paint this, too.



Used the newly installed electric winch on the gantry to pull this out of the truck. Small surface plate on a wheeled stand nabbed from work.





The machine shop manager found these for me. Some more cutters and another tool post, with extra tool holders, for the lathe. There’s also some R8 adapter tool things for the Bridgeport. He said they were mostly for larger tools, but looks like there’s some collets in them for smaller drills/endmills as well. Not really sure what (or if) I’ll use them for, but it only cost me the time to throw them in the truck so figured it can’t hurt to hang onto them.



We have a ton of random cabinets and I’ve done my best to not grab as many as I could, I just don’t have the space for them all. This one I just couldn’t pass up as it’s a bit unusual.



There’s only 4 drawers, but instead of sliding out on rails they are hinged on one side and swing out.





There’s also slots along the periphery of each drawer so you can add little dividers, I guess. Kinda neat over all, but not sure if I’ll have a practical use for it or it might just end up in the “to sell” pile.

 

[zmotorsports]

Nice score(s) Todd.

I am envious of those cabinets. Would love to have a few of those in the shop. You will like that size of surface plate, looks like about an 18"x24". I bought a used one from an estate sale about 25 years ago and have it on a similar table with storage underneath where I keep my rotary table and various pin gauge sets.

 

[PugetDude]

Nice score(s) Todd.

I am envious of those cabinets. Would love to have a few of those in the shop. You will like that size of surface plate, looks like about an 18"x24". I bought a used one from an estate sale about 25 years ago and have it on a similar table with storage underneath where I keep my rotary table and various pin gauge sets.

You need one of those cabinets for all those M12 Milwaukee cordless tools you are secretly jonesing for...

 

[Finallygotit]

Nice scores Todd!

 

[StormcrowAz]

Mike – Yes, kinda neat but still not sure that it will make the cut. I’ve got too much stuff and not everything can stay if I want to maintain my sanity. There’s only so much floor space to be had and I'd like some room to actually work in. . The surface plate is 24” x 24” and I’m thinking of taking it off the roller stand and putting it on top of one of the new boxes. Because…floor space. Thanks for stopping by!


Scott – Oh, stop it! Such a slippery slope and I’ve managed to stay away from the Milwaukee edge thus far. I’ll have to make do with the air tools, for now. They are already paid for.


Dan – Thanks! But wait, there’s more…




Brought home another truck load of stuff. Starting with a couple small totes full of random metal pieces I pulled out of the scrap bin. Mix of steel and aluminum.



Now this next lot I actually paid money for. Let’s start with this vise. We had two left over after selling off our CNC’s (each machine we sold had one of these included) so I grabbed one. Needs a little clean up but operates smoothly.



In that pile of salvaged scrap were these vise jaws. A couple of the aluminum ones are unfinished, but the rest seem fine. Figured I could use them for custom work holding and not feel bad about drilling/cutting into them if need be.



Picked up this little three-drawer cabinet. Thinking it will make for a nice mid-box addition somewhere.





Next up is this metal card-catalog-type cabinet. Reminds me of hanging out in the library as a kid.





Saving the best (in my opinion) for last is this Vidmar-type 14-drawer cabinet. Maybe it is a Vidmar? After a cursory look I couldn’t find any badging on it.

Had a heck of a time getting it out of the back of the truck. Didn’t help that it was 110° out while doing so. The box was just the right (wrong?) height to where I had to pull the hoist off the trolley and chain it directly to the gantry beam. Those extra 2-3 inches saved was what it took to allow the tool box to barely skim along the bed as we pulled the truck out from underneath it. Not sure what I would have done if the box was an inch taller.

 

[StormcrowAz]

The best part, though, is that it’s still full.





























With only a few paychecks left at this company I’ve been trying to curb my spending, but I think the $200 was a worthwhile investment and should save me money in the long run and go a long way in learning how to use the mill and lathe.

 

[SilverJimmy]

Ok, now if you’ll throw in that cabinet with all the tooling, I’ll definitely swap you straight across my Craftsman 12x36 Lathe for your lathe that’s “too big”! I will even drive down to your place to make it easy for you (if you give me gas money)!!! From the way that your employer is treating you on the way out, it must have been a great place to work!

 

[Jayman17]

My question is, did you and Ignacia end up arm wrestling for that cabinet or did you just flip a coin?

 

[Finallygotit]

OMG!!

YOU ****!!!

 

[Chrisb62]

With only a few paychecks left at this company I’ve been trying to curb my spending, but I think the $200 was a worthwhile investment and should save me money in the long run and go a long way in learning how to use the mill and lathe.

The cabinet alone for $200 wold be worthy of a “YOU ****”

 

[zanyad]

The best part, though, is that it’s still full.

OMG!!

YOU ****!!!

The cabinet alone for $200 wold be worthy of a “YOU ****”

You ****!

 

[PugetDude]

Todd, you've officially moved beyond "you ****". Not sure what the correct GJ terminology is for that, but you're there.

 

[bugnut]

You ****!

Just exactly what he said!

 

[j p smith]

Dang Todd, you scored some terrific items to add to your stock.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike – Yes, kinda neat but still not sure that it will make the cut. I’ve got too much stuff and not everything can stay if I want to maintain my sanity. There’s only so much floor space to be had and I'd like some room to actually work in. . The surface plate is 24” x 24” and I’m thinking of taking it off the roller stand and putting it on top of one of the new boxes. Because…floor space. Thanks for stopping by!


Brought home another truck load of stuff. Starting with a couple small totes full of random metal pieces I pulled out of the scrap bin. Mix of steel and aluminum.

I sure wish you lived closer to me Todd. I would assist you in taking off your hands those items that "don't make the cut".

Between the cabinets, tooling and all those drops I think I could be a big help giving you some floor space back.

 

[PugetDude]

I sure wish you lived closer to me Todd. I would assist you in taking off your hands those items that "don't make the cut".

Between the cabinets, tooling and all those drops I think I could be a big help giving you some floor space back.

Two words:

Road trip

 

[SilverJimmy]

Come on guys! I got first dibs!!!

 

[PugetDude]

Come on guys! I got first dibs!!!

I'm closer than all you guys.

 

[LXCam]

I'm closer than all you guys.

Pfffft, I doubt it.




Edit: **** maybe you are. haha

 

[SilverJimmy]

I’m bringing backup! Cam, pack your lunch!

 

[PugetDude]

Pack a Lunch? Pfft....
I'm just packing...

 

[StormcrowAz]

Silver Jimmy – Thanks for the updated trade offer. You certainly have first dibs if it comes to that. In the meanwhile…interested in a 20” Rockwell vertical bandsaw? And yes, this has been a good place to hang my hat for the past decade or so. Sad to see another American manufacturer close up shop.


Jayman17 – Hah! So when we started shutting down departments and putting all the “stuff” in each of those departments aside, the published guidelines were that all cabinets, racks, and miscellaneous items were free to the employees. Anything that operates with a cord or gas (we had several small generators) would have to be negotiated on price. If more than one person wanted some of the “free” stuff we would hold kind of a mini-auction on those items. So people started putting their names on stuff. That lady was one of a few that pretty much put her name on everything that wasn’t bolted down. And even some things that actually were. I’m sure a lot of it went to yard sales or in a truck to south of the border. This particular cabinet (with most of the other ones) in the machine shop had her name on it long before that area was even close to shutting down. However, along with the stuff, the personnel were often let go when the work was done in that department. So long story short…I’m still here and she’s not. So yeah, it was uncontested. J


Dan, Chrisb62, zanyad, and bugnut : Thanks for the suckage!


Scott – Beyond ****? I don’t think I’ve seen anything here referenced as such. I am humbled!


Mike – I’m still in the process of sifting through the detritus of what’s left at work and bringing more **** home. Once it calms down a bit and I get a chance to organize and shuffle things around in the shop I’m sure I’ll have a few things available.





And speaking of more stuff, tired of it yet? Brought a small load home yesterday. More vise jaws, aluminum drops, and misc. hold-down clamp things for the mill.



Also snagged this tilt-table for the mill as well. Seems like something that might come in handy one of these days?



In other news, I finished up the back panel cover for the Rockwell. Drilled the mounting holes and painted it.



Just need a quick overall clean-up and it will be up for sale. This will hopefully get me the coin needed to refurbish the other band saw and get the lathe up and running. Not to mention clearing up some much-needed floor space.

 

[Finallygotit]

Todd, any updates on a new job?

 

[StormcrowAz]

Dan - We're estimating 6-8 weeks before actual shut-down, so I haven't officially put myself out there yet. ("Hey, can I have a job maybe two months from now?") I've had a few places inquire about my future plans, so hopefully I'll be able to land something relatively quick. In the mean-while, I did finish training and got my home inspection certification. Might be able to make some extra money with that as well.

 

[Finallygotit]

Todd, glad to hear you have some prospects out there.

As for home inspections, god knows they could use a good new inspector. From my past experience, I knew more than they did.

Good luck!

 

[StormcrowAz]

Dan – That’s not the first time I’ve heard/read about bad experiences with home inspectors. At least Arizona requires schooling, testing, training, and the expense that goes with all that in order to get certified. Some states do not have any requirements/regulations for being a home inspector. While I may not have grown up in the housing industry, after 35 years of repair, overhauling, and manufacturing airplane parts - I’d like to think I’m at least a little detail oriented. The home inspector I trained under is extremely thorough and knowledgeable and I’ve learned a lot. I’ll certainly try my best to not be “one of those guys” that people have had a bad experience with.



Well, we’re into that time of the year (hitting around 110° outside) where my motivation to hang out in the shop plummets dramatically. Still have so much to do, though. Here’s the latest round of stuff scavenged from work.





Some of the highlights, in no particular order:

Another one of these card-catalog type metal cabinets. This one is missing one of the drawers at the bottom, but otherwise in decent shape. Full of PVC fittings, some of which are in the 2” – 3” size range, which I’ll probably never use.



New-to-me parts washer. I know, I know, it’s Harbor Freight…but considering my cleaning method up to this point has been spraying WD-40 or brake cleaner on parts over dirt in the side-yard, it’s probably an upgrade. Assuming it works.



The bottom two rows of this little cabinet are empty, but the rest of the drawers are full of taps.



This Tapmatic which looks to be in great shape. Good up to ¼”. I’ve read good things but haven’t used one personally. Probably great for production, but not sure the set-up and tweaking to get it dialed in will make sense for the occasional one-off hobby uses.



Another small box of random cutting implements.



New-in-the-box engraving tool.



Found this hidden away with years of dust on it. A Bridgeport shaping attachment.





Grabbed another small surface plate. This one is 18” x 24”. We’ll see which of the two I have will fit my Plan better. Whenever I figure out what that Plan is.



And last, but certainly not least, one of the pups hangin’ out with me in front of where the swamp cooler blows. He's no dummy.

 

[Finallygotit]

Todd, you're right about the Tapmatic. You would be better off power tapping on the Bridgeport.

Again, nice haul. And again, you ****!

 

[Chrisb62]

Agree on the Tapmatic, you should send to me for proper disposal.

 

[Mr.zippy]

Again, nice haul. And again, you ****!

No doubt! I open his threads and I swear, every day is another pile of pure joy! Ginormous suckage indeed.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Dan – Thanks, I’ll add “Bridgeport power tapping” on my list of things to Google.


Chrisb62 – Hah, your generous offer is appreciated and I’ll take it under consideration!


Mr.zippy – If it’s any consolation, we’re getting down to not much left in the shop and the free acquisitions should be slowing down a bunch.




Had a nice long weekend but was only able to handle 4-5 hours each morning before I had my fill of sweating and headed inside for some A/C. Did manage to take care of a few things in between water breaks.


The Kurt vise was locked up and I couldn’t get the lead screw to turn at all. After some research I think it was just the coolant we used in our CNC machines, which had collected and dried out as nobody had bothered to properly clean or take care of it. The dried coolant essentially turned into glue which sealed the vise up tight. I field stripped the vise (I’m YouTube Certified) and soaked the screw in penetrating oil.



Managed to slowly work it free and continued to do a thorough clean and oiling. It now operates super-smooth and I’m looking forward to using it on the Bridgeport.



Picked up this cabinet from work. It was used upstairs for office supplies, so it’s clean and in mint condition. I’ll change that rather rapidly.



It’s going along this wall next to the other tall cabinet. I’ll have to scoot the parts bin cart further under the cooler/window. I had to move the 120v outlet up about six inches for clearance.



I also wanted to move the fire cabinet to the left about six inches and it didn’t want to slide very well with it being full, so I emptied it out and took the opportunity to get rid of some old stuff.



Same thing with the other cabinet. I had one of those: “Where did all this stuff come from and what am I doing with my life?” moments while pulling out and re-arranging all this ****.



For re-organizing, the idea is that the smaller cabinet will mostly be consumables and the bigger cabinet for tools. This also gives me someplace to put all those hand-finishing supplies, which has just been in the way since I brought them home. So I went through all the boxes and sorted them out. First is a bunch of cut-off wheels for die grinders and a pile of grinding belts for the hand-held sander.



Our hand finishing guys were really into these cartridge rolls. Each box has at least 100 each in it, with a variety of size and grit selections. I never used these much in the past, but looks like I’m going to start.



A variety of Roloc-style sanding discs



A pile of miscellaneous stuff. A good selection of carbides and a bunch of brand new collets.



All sorted and put in their new home. There’s room for more stuff!

 

[StormcrowAz]

The “after” picture.




The next thing I did was work on that parts washer. Plugged it in and of course it didn’t work. Took it apart and turns out it was just one of the spade connectors on the power switch came loose. Hooked it back up and it works just fine. Decided I wanted to put some wheels on this to make it mobile and add support to the somewhat flimsy sheet-metal legs. Started with a base made from 1” angle iron that the legs will sit inside. My pit crew helped me out with this project.



Added some expanded metal. Might as well turn it into a secondary shelf.



Took some of those free casters and welded them to the bottom.



Bolted the legs to it, filled the unit with water, and rolled it around the shop, driveway, and even in the grass. Rolls smooth and not nearly as tippy as I thought it would be. The extra height is nice as now you don’t have to hunch over to clean parts. I think I’m going to pull the base back off, sandblast it, and paint it red.

 

[Finallygotit]

I had one of those: “Where did all this stuff come from and what am I doing with my life?” moments while pulling out and re-arranging all this ****.

 

[zanyad]

@Finallygotit, exact same thought ran through my mind upon reading those words.

 

[fartymarty]

There’s room for more stuff!

Such words! So inspirational!!!!!!: I Dreamed a Dream

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high and life worth living...

 

[rixtrix1]

Wow, sorry about the business closing, but what an opportunity to outfit the shop!. That cabinet full of cutting tools and taps is probably worth more than a few month's pay. You definitely ****! Can't wait until you get done fondling all the new tools and cabinetry and actually start using them to make cool stuff, lol! Congrats on the haul!

 

[StormcrowAz]

Fartymarty – While said in jest, the room for more stuff comment is rooted in truth. Just like one of those fishes that grows to the size of their tank, I have a feeling those empty spots will eventually be filled to overflowing. Also, being an unwashed heathen lacking in culture…I had to Google the Les Miserables reference. Sad singing seems somewhat appropriate.


Rixtrix1 – I can’t wait to start making cool stuff, too. Unfortunately it will probably be a bit before that happens. Still working on getting this junk squared away, rebuilt, cleaned, and organized. The lack of progress on the Scout is eating away at me, too.




The one remaining work table in our straightening department came home with me.



Slapped some of those free casters to it just so I could roll it around in the shop.





I don’t really need another table, but considering the top is a nice and flat piece of 48” x 48” x 2” steel plate, I couldn’t pass it up.


Should my main table be the 4' x 4" x 2" steel top or the 4' x 6' x 1" aluminum top? Still thinking of turning the other piece of 1" steel plate into an auxiliary fixture table.

 

[zmotorsports]

Holy **** Todd. I go away from the internet for a week and come back to find that you deserve another "you ****". WOW! Some amazing scores, especially the tap assortment.

I looked for a well cared for Tapmatic for a couple of years before giving up and being too tight to buy a new one. I learned to power tap on the Bridgeport and I can highly recommend learning this process as it is a time saver and a very worthwhile skill to have in one's toolbox.

 

[StormcrowAz]

Mike – Yeah, not sure I need that many taps…but it’s nice to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it. Thanks for stopping by!



Picked up a few more small items from work. The power cable that was running the lathe and a regular quad-box drop cable. Power cords aren’t cheap! Also a half-ton chain hoist, just because. Still finding little bits of aluminum and steel tucked away.



Started working on the Davis & Wells bandsaw. This one has a 3 phase Dayton 1.5hp motor, so I’ll be putting a VFD on this, too.



Made some modifications to the Bridgeport bracket 3D model and cut it out on the table.



Bent it on the press and drilled mounting holes. The plan was to mount the bracket/VFD to the back of the upper shroud of the saw using rivet nuts.



After drilling the holes, I learned the shroud is cast aluminum somewhere in the neighborhood of a quarter-inch thick. New plan is to just through-bolt it. Should have enough room to weasel bolts between the upper wheel and that shroud.



Also, I did some fine tuning to that bracket on the new 2” thick table top. Nice to have something really solid to hammer on, but realized that the thick top really limits what you’re able to clamp to the table using the standard 6” locking C-clamps. I find myself using those all the time, not just for fixturing and welding, but to hold things steady while grinding and general work holding as well. Starting to lean towards sticking with the 1” thick tops for future work table builds.