Threading mod to ElDorado mill

[pfarber]

What sounds more cost effective:

Another mini-mill for threading tasks

modify the eldorado to allow 'real' threading (not that guess where you start and keep guessing each pass nonsense).

My unit has DRO, but am weary of even attempting to learn the 'shoptask threading method' if it could be overcome in the gearbox somehow.

Any ideas???

Are there any current bolt on options for a threading dial/half nuts?

[smallblock]

Originally Posted by pfarber What sounds more cost effective: Another mini-mill for threading tasks Do you mean mini-lathe? If yes, anything that can be done on a mini lathe could more practically be done with taps and dies. modify the eldorado to allow 'real' threading (not that guess where you start and keep guessing each pass nonsense). You don't say which model year you have- on my old 17-20 ( 1995) model I cut a lot of threads on some pretty big pieces with no problem. My unit has DRO, but am weary of even attempting to learn the 'shoptask threading method' if it could be overcome in the gearbox somehow. It really sounds like you are resisting learning something new- I found that once I had used the shoptask method a few times it became quite easy. Any ideas??? Give the shoptask method a try Are there any current bolt on options for a threading dial/half nuts?

As far as I know, there never was such an option- the new machines do not have any gearboxes- its all done electronically.

[pfarber]

I really don't want to learn a s specific threading procedure for a machine that by most accounts can be difficult to thread with (I'm talking shoulders specifically).

Then there is the issue of the 'manual' doesn't give more than a cursory explanation of of the 'shoptask way'... and I don't want to crash the tool post into the head and simply say 'well I learned that was bad'.

Are there videos? Step by step guides?

I've used the lathe for a number of boring and other projects, but only recently have I had any interest in threading with it.

[instructor37]

Originally Posted by pfarber I really don't want to learn a s specific threading procedure for a machine that by most accounts can be difficult to thread with (I'm talking shoulders specifically). Then there is the issue of the 'manual' doesn't give more than a cursory explanation of of the 'shoptask way'... and I don't want to crash the tool post into the head and simply say 'well I learned that was bad'. Are there videos? Step by step guides? I've used the lathe for a number of boring and other projects, but only recently have I had any interest in threading with it.

If the Shoptask is the only machine you have, then I think you need to come to grips with the fact that you only have 2 choices-
1. Figure out what you've got or
2. Buy something else.
If you are not versed in threading, then you will still have a lot to learn even if you buy a traditional lathe with 1/2 nut design.
Threading on a lathe is one of those operations usually restricted to the most experienced machinists in a shop because it requires a lot of practice.
There is a book called " Screwcutting in the lathe" by Martin Cleeve which is very good in explaining the principles involved.
Interestingly, the very first words in the introduction read;
" It has been said that screwcutting cannot be taught from books--"
Cutting a thread right up to a shoulder is not an easy task on any machine. I would suggest you try the method of threading away from the shoulder. Grab some scrap material and practice until you think you are ready to try on your project.

[pfarber]

Thanks all for your input.