The Memoria Technica Workshop has released a limited edition MADE lathe enamel pin, in an effort to make the lathe affordable to everyone. Now you can own a portable version of this iconic machine that may be worn on lab coat, apron, jacket, bag, and more.
Check out the rest of the pin series at Memora Technica
The slide rest is a distinguishing feature of the MADE lathe. While made in the tradition of its great Victorian predecessors it incorporates some modern features as well. First, the lead screw is set into ball races in order to increase smoothness and minimize backlash. They are, however, hidden in the end cap housings. Another improvement is that the lead screws have an Acme profile rather than being a “square thread,” which increases the life of the lead screw nut. The beds are ground and lapped in, and the mating brass surface is “frosted” to carry oil so that the traditional high finishes can be retained. Each slide is hand scraped and finished, sporting black lines and numbers contrasted with brushed and lacquered brass, and accented with polished, blued steel set off by rope knurled knobs. The most careful attention to detail was given to every aspect of the slide as you will see below.
With a classic font, the numbers are engraved with a single lip cutter on a Pantograph engraver and then filled with black wax in the traditional manner.
The tool box is made in the traditional manner accepting 9/16″ square shank tools so that either new or traditional ornamental turning cutting frames can be used. The lead screw in front is used for moving the top slide in and out, but can be quickly released by removing the blued screw. The slide can then be used in the curvilinear mode, which requires free movement of the top slide. The screw in the rear is a stop which can be locked and reset easily.
The brass adjustment knob allows one to set the curvilinear follower deeper into the pattern. It is incrementally adjustable on a fine thread. The follower assembly also functions as one of the lock downs for the tool box, with the lever handle pivot serving as the other.
Al Collins – busy as ever in his workshop, sets up the slide in these videos below.
The phasing on the ARH is done exclusively through a worm, which phases the rosette 3 degrees per revolution. The worm wheel has 120 notches. In order to create the worm the wheel is “gashed” with a thread mill and then the thread profile is set into the wheel with a hob.
Another worm wheel we make is from our slide rest. This time we used a 60 degree cutter that is 3/4″ in diameter, as the worm will be that size.
But… back to the ARH !
Once the worm wheels for the ARH have their teeth, they are engraved. The 120 division lines are done first, after which the numbers are set in. Rather than set up two machines this is also done in the pantograph engraving machine. The spindle is well suited for the job, as it runs up to 18,000 RPM’s.
After the numbers and lines are engraved they are filled with black lacquer or enamel. The part is then cleaned while the lacquer is still wet, after which it is clear coated with Nikolas lacquer. This is a nitrocellulose lacquer designed specifically for musical instruments, which will be handled a lot. This acts as a seal against the environment, keeping it free of oxidation.
Finished!
Welcome back for another spectacular project by Al Collins – a Lignum Vitae Chalice. It is really quite beautiful and unusual. This time instead of walking us through the project with words, Al leads us with imagery. Enjoy the following videos of the work.
Also – you might have noticed a new menu item at the top of the page – The Book. Find out about another of Al’s cool projects here.
MADE Ornamental Rose Engine 