wquiles
Flashaholic
I posted recently that I got the following setup for recording video and taking photos when both hands are occupied:
But as good as the magnet and arm are in keeping things rock steady, there is almost no leverage for a strong way to move/re-position the magnet. So I decided to replace the bottom part (composed of thin sections), and make a much larger/stronger base for the flexible arm. Since I will be likely have my hands coated with oil/cutting lubricant, I decided to put some knurling using an used tool I got a couple of years back (from Fred, "PhotonFanatic", if I recall properly). Unlike most cut-style knurling heads, in which the diameter has to match a multiple of the pitch (etc. , etc.), this one has adjustable arms holding the two knurling wheels which can be adjusted to various diameters. Since I wanted an excuse to try it, I decided to give it a try today.
The tool came in its original box, with original instructions, and extra knurls. I should mount this to my heavy duty custom tool block, but for this quick experiment I used a modified 1" capable tool holder:
The instructions detail the 4-5 adjustments, starting with getting the head aligned with the centerline of the lathe:
Since the actual diameter is not super critical (due to the adjustability for various diameters, marked in mm's of course since this is from Austria), I simply started by "cleaning" up the OD of the Al piece:
After practicing for a little bit, I went ahead and gave it a try. I of course have to spend much more time to learn how to use this properly, but it was fun to try out today. My knurl was of course not perfectly centered, but it works great by giving me a secure grip:
I then gave the piece some additional grooves to complete the package:
I then threaded both ends 1/4-20 (matches the flexible arm's threads, which are standard camera tripod threads), and chamfer the ends a little bit after parting off, to make threading easier:
Another closeup:
A macro shot:
And this is how it looks after applying red thread locker:
These last two photos were taken with my camera phone, showing just two of the many versatile setups possible. Now with the new handle, I can apply solid leverage to get the strong magnet repositioned, much, much easier than before. Plus it looks "cool" as well:
Here is a video that I took showing how the heads pivot/adjust to match the diameter of the part:
http://youtu.be/o0EmV70PZfs
Note that there is no free lunch with this tool. You still have to make several passes and adjust the heads for your diameter. Obviously I did not do a good job on the knurling and have much more to practice ahead of me, but at least the new handle is functional 🙂
Will
But as good as the magnet and arm are in keeping things rock steady, there is almost no leverage for a strong way to move/re-position the magnet. So I decided to replace the bottom part (composed of thin sections), and make a much larger/stronger base for the flexible arm. Since I will be likely have my hands coated with oil/cutting lubricant, I decided to put some knurling using an used tool I got a couple of years back (from Fred, "PhotonFanatic", if I recall properly). Unlike most cut-style knurling heads, in which the diameter has to match a multiple of the pitch (etc. , etc.), this one has adjustable arms holding the two knurling wheels which can be adjusted to various diameters. Since I wanted an excuse to try it, I decided to give it a try today.
The tool came in its original box, with original instructions, and extra knurls. I should mount this to my heavy duty custom tool block, but for this quick experiment I used a modified 1" capable tool holder:
The instructions detail the 4-5 adjustments, starting with getting the head aligned with the centerline of the lathe:
Since the actual diameter is not super critical (due to the adjustability for various diameters, marked in mm's of course since this is from Austria), I simply started by "cleaning" up the OD of the Al piece:
After practicing for a little bit, I went ahead and gave it a try. I of course have to spend much more time to learn how to use this properly, but it was fun to try out today. My knurl was of course not perfectly centered, but it works great by giving me a secure grip:
I then gave the piece some additional grooves to complete the package:
I then threaded both ends 1/4-20 (matches the flexible arm's threads, which are standard camera tripod threads), and chamfer the ends a little bit after parting off, to make threading easier:
Another closeup:
A macro shot:
And this is how it looks after applying red thread locker:
These last two photos were taken with my camera phone, showing just two of the many versatile setups possible. Now with the new handle, I can apply solid leverage to get the strong magnet repositioned, much, much easier than before. Plus it looks "cool" as well:
Here is a video that I took showing how the heads pivot/adjust to match the diameter of the part:
http://youtu.be/o0EmV70PZfs
Note that there is no free lunch with this tool. You still have to make several passes and adjust the heads for your diameter. Obviously I did not do a good job on the knurling and have much more to practice ahead of me, but at least the new handle is functional 🙂
Will
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