Adventures with a M...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Adventures with a Metal Lathe - Turning a Pommel Nut

10 Posts
4 Users
4 Reactions
45 Views
Posts: 193
Reputable Member Apprentice Bladesmith
Topic starter
 

I have always struggled with Pommel nuts.  Trying to modify a bolt, creating an odd shape, etc.  Well I found an older Lathe/Mill combo machine, did some repairs, mostly cosmetic. and here was my first real go at turning something.  A pommel nut.  Still lots to learn, but I am really starting to like having this machine in the shop.

https://youtu.be/Mc4scVPoh6Y

Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke

 
Posted : 10/12/2024 11:01 pm
Karl B Andersen
Posts: 105
Journeyman Bladesmith Forum Moderator
 

I have been turning finials and take-down hardware on my lathes for 20+ years. I find it indispensable for turning dagger quillons. 

I would have a very difficult time doing what I do without one.

And the tooling and accessory list never stops growing.

 
Posted : 11/12/2024 7:32 am
Matthew Parkinson
Posts: 550
Honorable Member Journeyman Bladesmith (5yr)
 

looks like it came out pretty good. I started making mine from O1 or W1 and hardening them then tempering back to low 50s, helps keep them from getting messed up by the wrench. I have also found you can get a cleaner look by insetting the Major dia into the pommel, use a endmill or counterbore to pocket the hole , this lets the nut sit down in a little and helps keep things centered and even, this also allows the pommel to be curved and sill fit the nut. 
couple bits of advice.  if you have power feeds use them  the finish will be better. Get a drill chuck for the tail stock, collets will severely limit what drills can be used. when using center drills only go in half way up the second angle, they tend to break if you go to deep.  When tapping on a lathe , use a live or dead center in the tail stock on the back of the tap, that supports the tap and keeps it centered. Using a center leads to a straighter hole and less broken taps. you can also put the tap in the tailstock advance it pu tthe spindle in neutral and turn it by hand (or with a wrench) just run the tailstock in with the tap.  Run the spindle faster for the parting tool and make sure it is on center or just below. in general The smaller the dia, the higher the rpm, this is to maintain the same FPM of cut. 

A couple safety notes, It looked like there wasn't a handle on that file, NEVER do that on a lathe good way to put the tang through your wrist. also at he end of the video you left the chuck key in the lathe.. NEVER  leave a chuck key in,that is a good way to break yourself or the lathe. ALWAYS remove the chuck key unless actively using it.

MP

 
Posted : 11/12/2024 7:38 am
Posts: 193
Reputable Member Apprentice Bladesmith
Topic starter
 

Matthew Parkinson THANK YOU! honestly this is a very deep dark hole of learning.  Im loving having this machine and this was my first attempt at turning anything.  

All advice is more than welcome and very much appreciated!

Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke

 
Posted : 11/12/2024 7:52 am
Posts: 193
Reputable Member Apprentice Bladesmith
Topic starter
 

Posted by: Karl B Andersen

And the tooling and accessory list never stops growing.

lol so true! I think the machine was the cheap part.  

Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke

 
Posted : 11/12/2024 7:55 am
Michael Samdahl
Posts: 91
Estimable Member Apprentice Bladesmith
 

Wendell Bryenton,

How many warnings is a man allowed before his wife leaves him when it comes to buying more tools?

Respectfully
Michael

 
Posted : 11/12/2024 12:41 pm
Posts: 193
Reputable Member Apprentice Bladesmith
Topic starter
 

Michael Samdahl depends if you are telling her the real price 😉

(Im lucky because her hobby is pottery and we can compete on tool costs.)

Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke

 
Posted : 11/12/2024 12:58 pm
Karl B Andersen
Posts: 105
Journeyman Bladesmith Forum Moderator
 

Knife making is a life time of buying tools.

Then you die. 

 
Posted : 12/12/2024 8:15 am
Karl B Andersen
Posts: 105
Journeyman Bladesmith Forum Moderator
Posts: 193
Reputable Member Apprentice Bladesmith
Topic starter
 

Posted by: Karl B Andersen

Knife making is a life time of buying tools.

Then you die. 

 

Bob Bryenton
Solar Storm Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 953-0016
Email: [email protected]
https://www.solarstorm.ca

“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible" -- Arthur C. Clarke

 
Posted : 12/12/2024 9:20 am
Share: