[MachineShop] Prioritization

[S Ford]

I wish I could come in and help Denis. I’m on travel again next 70 days or so; back home for a couple of weeks then out again; back home then gone mid June to 8 July….. I have plans to use the Southbend early May or early July if it is available 

As for priorities that I value:
- Southbend Lathe; the mill that we test on; the Bridgeport; one of the other lathes; bandsaw; hardness tester; pedestal/bench grinder to grind cutting tools.

I don’t see the ShopSmith as a useful tool. It doesn’t have the precision that I look for.

I would like to get one of the Unimat lathes going: a jewelers size lathe can be quite useful on tiny parts; I have experience setting one up and maintaining it. And am happy to instruct others in use 

Similarly: I’m happy to have a gathering where machine shop folks can learn about the hardness tester and how to use it. The utility of it is determining the condition of a steel or alloy before one attempts to machine it on the other equipment 

I can applaud Tim wanting to refurb the EDM and CNC….. and I thought that he wanted to recondition and resell those?  but I don’t honestly see much utility in having them in the shop unless a user or users are going to run numerous parts to support an incubating biz.

As for safety procedures:
- I thought that the basic procedures for the machines that have been developed are good; and that key was training on the machines that one would use. I don’t believe in one policy fits all machines and that becoming familiar with the basics then getting an introduction to a machine and it’s characteristics are key
- with regard to limiting torque or power on a machine in the name of safety……. I would like to avoid that and instead emphasize respect for the power of the machine and, when used improperly, for the ability of a machine to cause serious injury. To me the risks are no different than those that exist in the wood or welding shop areas.

I should be in town all of Fall and early winter. Can come help you, etc

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 22, 2025, at 23:50, Denis Muradov via Machineshop <machineshop at quelab.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> Just brainstorming here. 
> 
> What do you consider a priority right now? Do you consider bringing the southbend lathe online, making room or organization a priority? I ask because currently organization is much more difficult (back issues) for me than repairing things. But if that is what people want, I'll find a way.
> 
> Bill is stuck working on the wood machine CNC so things involving wiring is held up. 
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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