Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] How to scrape lathe ways

Wally K wrote:

> I have a 10K South Bend lathe that needs to have its ways ground,
> scraped, or both. I can feel a lip of 1/32 or so on the V way of the
> lathe. My local machinery dealer told me it would cost to much to
> have it sent out and ground.
>
> I have never used a scraper before or saw anyone using one. I have a
> feeling that scraping is a learned skill and do not know if i should
> attempt it.

It would be good to practice on some scrap of similar material to the
bed.

> One person told me i should start with a belt sander and finish with
> a scraper.

I can't imagine how you could do an inverted V way lathe bed with a belt
sander.
I CAN imagine how you could ruin the entire bed in less than a minute!

You need to make a 'gauge' which is an accurate reproduction of the
bottom of the carriage to spot the high spots and know where to scrape
metal off. After reading the William Connelley book, it seems the real
trick is knowing WHERE to scrape some metal off, that's the real art!
The actual scraping of the metal is something learned in an afternoon,
or thereabouts.

> Does anyone have any advice on what i could do with these ways. Or
> have any links describing the process to bring the ways up to spec.

The book "Machine Tool Reconditioning" is great, but the author,
the William Connelley mentioned above, is selling it for a rather high
price.
That is $92.95! You can get it from Dan at Machine Tool Publications,
651 458-1540.

There is a guy who sells a book and video :
http://www.machinerepair.com/scrapingbook.html

My other scraping links have gone dead!

Jon