Just an update. Something to show I'm still alive.
I was making a chuck back-plate to fit a new four jaw to my old red lathe. a simple enough job (or so it should have been), It is to be a two part plate. So first make the bit that screws to the spindle.
Bored out the hole, (1 1/8" dia) started to cut the 8 t.p.i thread.
Didn't seem to be making much progress. so checked the tool geometry. Good, no rubbing anywhere. Very sharp.
Eventually, after much rotating of the spindle by hand (crank on the end of spindle) and no progress, I put a dial guage against the beck of the tool. Even with 0.010" cuts it was deflecting the tool a tremendous amount.
So basically the tool is so flexible it is almost useless.
Anyway, I managed, by dint of very many very small (0.005") cuts, to finish the job.
I then decided that my old lathe, much as I love it, is just too awkward to use practically. I have listed it's short comings elsewhere. so I am going to spend time making a section of my big shed, the one that houses the Denford Synchro, properly damp proof and usable in winter. At the moment things are going rusty in there.
I shall polish the old lathe and admire it occasionally.
Any way, that's me up to date.
Wishing you all the very best Seasons Greeting and hoping Santa brings you whatever it is you wished for.
Dave.