Desktop machining swarf control

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Maschinenbau

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With the cold weather lately, I'm getting the itch to tinker a bit. So I'm thinking about setting up a desktop machine shop in my apartment. I have most everything I would need (measuring tools, layout tools, drills, reamers, files,ect), but I lack a suitably sized machine. I have pretty well settled on getting a Taig lathe and outfitting it with a milling attachment. This seems to be the best choice given my space and budget.

The one thing that I'm worried about is the mess that goes along with it. My apartment is entirely carpeted, except for the kitchen and bath. I have never used a small lathe like a Taig and I'm used to larger machines which can fling chips a good distance. But given the much lower power and size of the Taig, I would like to know how hard it is to contain chips with a small machine.

I have a few ideas how to contain chips. The first two I think are absolute musts. The other two I would like to get some input on.

1.Keep messes small with a vacuum, ect
2.One idea mentioned in the thread where I introduced myself was to lay down masonite. I really like this idea.
3.Build a partial enclosure. Basically a plywood box with a back and sides, but no front or top. Or maybe a plexiglass top.
4.This is an odd idea, but here goes. If an enclosure is insufficient, I have one of these: http://www.4siteoutdoors.com/pahteepoutsh.html I never use it for its intended purpose. It's 4.5'x4.5', which is small, but would be enough for a small bench and a stool and I think I could get away with leaving the door mostly open to avoid complete claustrophobia. I don't know how the fabric would hold up, if the chips would be hot enough to cause a problem with the synthetic fibers. I suppose I could build a chip backstop around the back and sides of the bench. I would lay masonite on the floor to protect it.

What do those of you who have experience with these machines think? Any other ideas? If so, I would be really grateful.
 
I would say to put down something over the carpet as well as wall it off as best you can. The Taig lathe makes small parts and spins fast, so chips do get flung around some.
 
IMHO, the chip backstop is a must. You could also consider adding a hinged top. From to time I have let my swarf grow to an almost unmanageable level until I dealt with it. Lately, I have begun using a sheet of newspaper in the tray beneath the lathe and dumping it after each days work. It sounds hokie, but I got the idea from this forum and it really works well. I like to start my day with the lathe well oiled and clean, and the absence of swarf together with overall cleanliness seems to improve my attitude and the work.

Hope that helps,
 
Hi when i saw this post i thought that of all the good ideas, training and advice i get from you knowledgeable chaps at HMEM this is one subject i can comment on with experience,
I live on my own in a one bed flat and started about two years ago when i gave up work ,and decided to make this my main hobby. So what i did i changed my bed to a single bunk bed (as i don't entertain anymore) one one side of the room and on the other i have a old style solid wooden desk with a good solid top.
To this i fitted a two foot back and sides and a piece of angle across the front to stop small things rolling off and covered the surfice with plastic floor tiles that can easily be wiped clean.
Image0020.jpg


As you say the first thing is a good powerful vacuum , mine lives under the desk
withe the hose and nozzle available to my right side as after every machining operation you must clean up but this becomes second nature,

The taig is fitted with a lamp/shield that pulls down in the front and i have several perspex shields which fit on the front of the lathe depending what i'm doing and this directs most swarf on to the work top and the last thing in the day is to vacuum the floor with my house hoover and the place stays clean .
Image0019.jpg

Image0016.jpg


As you can see it wont take long to use the fence around the desk for shelves to hold all the bit's and bobs that go with the machine as you will soon start making adaptors and things .
the taig lathe is very good for this home work as you said its not to powerful and you will get a bit P* off when you can only take off .25mm at a time but it will get things done and can be very accurate as you can see from the amassing things people have made with it

any how any questions welcome

9I wish i had a yard with a small workshop but one can dream


 
Hi what do you think of your XO mill/drill I have one and only use it for drilling at the moment I see you have the cross slides on it ,what is it like for milling ?



Peter
 
As well as protecting the carpet thing about the wall behind the machine as well I have gotten oil on the waal behind the lath from the spindle.
Tin
 
Hi Pat
Yes i did think about making a box to hold the whole lathe but my problem is the desk and the shelves,tool cabinet and rack to the left is all the room i can allow my self so a box would take up more room.
The carpet under the lathe and drill allows me to slide them out of the way or bring them to the front when needed so i also have a work space for marking etc,
The desk has ten draws plus six small draws to my left plus a rack and these hold cutting tools ,drills,reamers,files, small clock tools,small mill-cutters etc .
to the left is all the measuring,marking stuff plus plate glass surface plate (good enough for me). so yes! if i had another work shop and just wanted to machine things in the flat it would be easy-er and less congested but as i was taught
"work tidy with everything in it;s place and a place for everything "

To reflect again on the origanal post yes it's possible but for everyhour machinging = 15 min cleaning.


Peter yes you can mill with the xo BUT! you can only take very small cuts with NO climb milling and only small cutters (i now understand it thanks to Tin )


also what i did was to drill a hole in the clamping handle so i could use a bar as it must be tight to stop it rotating the head on the post.


any questions criticisms don't hesitate
Steve
 
No heat in my shop so winter time brings me into a carpeted spare bedroom and onto the Sherline equipment. I have several bath towls that I spread out on the floor to catch swarf. the desk I use is boxed on the rear and both sides to confine the chips to the front.

most of my chips are not hot enough to melt anything.

do keep in mind that standing on the swarf will allow you to track it through the rest of the house. clean your feet before leaving the work area.
 
Wow. I didn't expect this much response. This is great. And some great pictures too. Now the hard part is going to be figuring out what works for me. I've got some thinking to do, but I really think that I'll be able to work something out with all the good ideas here.

Thank you all very much for your time and input.
 

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