Author Topic: Which machine annoys you most?  (Read 48101 times)

Offline John Hill

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Which machine annoys you most?
« on: April 28, 2011, 07:44:45 PM »
Which machine annoys you most?

I think I hate my little power bandsaw, sure it works well but most of the time it is nothing but a damned nuisance!

The legs it came with brought almost nothing from the scrap man but I was more than happy with the trade. If I have it on a decent trolley metal sawdust, chips and offcuts collect underneath and look untidy plus they are even more of a nuisance if I try to  move to trolley to clean under it.  If I try to carry the damned thing it is likely to flop 'open' and give me a nasty crack under the chin, or it threatens to slam 'shut' and remove a finger or two.  I cant just shove it on a bench somewhere as it needs space if I am going to cut any long stuff. :scratch:

So I have a plan.. you can even pin a tail on it if you like... :med:

....watch this space. :lol:
From the den of The Artful Bodger

Offline dsquire

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2011, 08:47:26 PM »
Now this should be interesting and ....   :doh:

Cheers  :beer:

Don

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Offline picclock

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2011, 03:57:52 AM »
Not sure if machine fits, but I bought a couple of digital calipers from lidl that are the most aggravating tools I have ever owned. They turn off and lose the measurement, rezeroing themselves in the process.

So you measure something, go  to find a scrap to write it down on, and by the time you have it the b****y things have turned off and the measurement is lost. When they turn on again they read zero.

SWMBO was with me when I bought them, partly on the strength of a post by John bogs, so now I'm stuck with them until I can arrange there untimely demise  :hammer:

picclock

Engaged in the art of turning large pieces of useful material into ever smaller pieces of (s)crap. (Ferndown, Dorset)

Offline HS93

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2011, 05:13:43 AM »
I have a coupe of them they work fine never lost there settings holds the previous mesurment when turned off and only prob I have is they dont turn themselves off automaticly, I also have the Aldi ones, if you are having problems just ring up lidl they have a good 3 year warnty that the honour they wil send you new ones out no quible.


Peter
I am usless at metalwork, Oh and cannot spell either . failure

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #4 on: April 29, 2011, 06:48:23 AM »
The HLV-H tail stock!...

It weighs the better part of 40kg , has a 50 odd square-inch base that, at every opportunity, sucks itself down onto the bed and is a real PITA to move.  At times I've had to push it forward with both hands from the side of the lathe.

Hardinge should have extended the carriage rack and fitted the thing with its own traversing wheel.

Bill

Bill

Offline Powder Keg

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #5 on: April 29, 2011, 08:51:54 AM »
My shop Vac. It's really handy, But, Its always in the way. I can't seem to find a good spot for it.

Wes
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A Gismo ??? If it has a flywheel or spins and is made with small parts. I'll take one! If it makes noise, moves, or requires frequent oiling and dusting it's a better deal yet. It's especially right if its shiny and bright; but if it's dirty and dull it wont mater at all...

Offline andyf

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2011, 09:06:07 AM »
Not sure if machine fits, but I bought a couple of digital calipers from lidl that are the most aggravating tools I have ever owned. They turn off and lose the measurement, rezeroing themselves in the process.

So you measure something, go  to find a scrap to write it down on, and by the time you have it the b****y things have turned off and the measurement is lost. When they turn on again they read zero.

SWMBO was with me when I bought them, partly on the strength of a post by John bogs, so now I'm stuck with them until I can arrange there untimely demise  :hammer:

picclock

Easy. :smart: When you put them down, they were set to your desired measurement. Without adjusting the gap, turn them back on and then close them up. They will then show the "lost" reading, as a minus value.

Andy
Sale, Cheshire
I've cut the end off it twice, but it's still too short

Offline picclock

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2011, 11:18:32 AM »
@AndyF

So how does that work when you've just measured something, then zero'd it so you can measure a difference value? (and trust me its always the most awkward measurement - visions of calipers liquifieing under a 50 ton press -

I must have 3 other digital calipers all of which turn on when they are moved and remember the last reading. The reason for buying the last two is that I effectively work in three places so that when the fairies move one I have to figure where  or take a walk (suppose the exercise is good).

No, I think they have to go or have replacement read heads.

Best
picclock

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Offline andyf

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #8 on: April 29, 2011, 01:28:50 PM »
I see what you mean. It's OK if you can remove them from the job without disturbing the first reading, but often that isn't easy.

My Aldi ones all seem to "remember", but a set I got from Lidl (I think) are like yours. However, the read head on a recent Aldi set didn't move very smoothly until I stoned down the beam very lightly.

To get back to the topic, my big Record bench vice, if you can call it a machine, is annoying me at present. Once clamped up, it sticks on, and needs 10 degrees or so CCW on the handle before it releases with a bit of a jerk. This can get irksome when I want to relax the grip just a little, to adjust the position of something heavy. I've cleaned and lubed it, but that seems to have made no difference.

And then there's an old pair of tin shears, where the ends of the handles bend in sharply to within 1/4" of each other when closed. If I use them to cut material which is a bit beyond their capacity, squeezing valiantly with both hands and going purple in the face, the handles can painfully pinch my ample abdomen when the material suddenly yields, causing a colourful bruise.  I need to slim, though cutting the bends off the handles might be easier.

Andy

Andy
Sale, Cheshire
I've cut the end off it twice, but it's still too short

Offline Bluechip

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #9 on: April 29, 2011, 01:40:35 PM »
Andy

My Record 4" used to do that, quite a lot   :( damned annoying ..

Sprayed it with lashings of PTFE 3 in 1 ...

Now behaves itself   :thumbup:

Having said that, it'll probably start again next jamming up time I use it ..

Dave BC

I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

Offline John Hill

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #10 on: April 29, 2011, 05:03:36 PM »
Andy, next time you need to gently release that bench vice just get you hammer and strike downwards on the bit of the slide poking out the back, that what I used to do with my British Standard (made in India) bench vice but now I have gone up market and buy only Chinese tools! :coffee:

I just love my old family heirloom tin snips and they too have that nasty gut nipping propensity.
From the den of The Artful Bodger

Offline Chazz

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #11 on: April 29, 2011, 05:06:31 PM »
The tools that annoy me the most are the ones I can't afford.  :lol:

 :beer:
Chazz
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Offline doubleboost

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #12 on: April 29, 2011, 06:14:31 PM »
the one that i am using at the time  :( :( :( :( :(

Offline Imagineering

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #13 on: April 29, 2011, 07:06:24 PM »
I have a Love/Hate relationship with my CNC Mill.

CNC = Computer Numeric Control - or on some days - CNC = Can Not Control :scratch:



Murray.

Offline dickda1

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #14 on: April 29, 2011, 07:54:30 PM »
I painfully remember a machine that was fun to repair, but a pain in neck to use. :bang:

My shaper - although I should say my former shaper (7" Atlas) since I made repairs to it and sold it some years ago.

The mechanism that moved the ram and moved the table was fun to watch.  Sort of like a Victorian magic box.  But getting the slop out of the ram and the table required removing shims and re-scraping several cast iron surfaces.  I re-machined the crank lever and made a new crank block out of wearite (aluminum bronze).  Cutting keyways and dovetails worked, but setup was way too fussy.  It was just overly complex compared to the modern milling machine and broach set that replaced this machine.

I was offered a Cincinnati Shaper (hydraulic drive) sitting in a field outside a machine shop about 25 years ago - free if I wanted to cart it off.  In one of the few moments of clarity that I have had in this hobby, I respectfully declined.
« Last Edit: April 29, 2011, 08:02:28 PM by dickda1 »
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Offline GeorgeGreek

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #15 on: February 15, 2012, 09:34:31 AM »
My wife...........

George

Offline PekkaNF

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #16 on: February 15, 2012, 10:36:14 AM »
The HLV-H tail stock!...

It weighs the better part of 40kg , has a 50 odd square-inch base that, at every opportunity, sucks itself down onto the bed and is a real PITA to move.  At times I've had to push it forward with both hands from the side of the lathe.

Hardinge should have extended the carriage rack and fitted the thing with its own traversing wheel.

Bill

I would love to have that problem.....

I hate the most machines that waste my time or money without any good return. My firsta lathe was french made minilor TR-1:
I bought "Minilor" with some accesories and was planning to buy some more accessories. Buying that petit merde was one of the biggest mistakes on my life. Never trust Frencies - incidently I had Citroën Xantia for years and although it had some excentric engineering it was a nice car and gave me years of joy. Not so rosy experince with the lathe though.

See this: http://www.lathes.co.uk/minilor/index.html
It gives a whole lot more glossy picture of the product than it is in reality. Plastic knobs could be replaced etc. obvious things. It looks quite handsom on the picture, but apron/cross slide, tool holder, tail stock, spindel stoc etc. are made of "Special alloy" or something like that on advertising text. It could be zink or aluminium, but it's pretty miserable stuf for a metal cutting lathe.

It sits middle of the garage not doing anything else, but reminding me not trust any advertising bullshit, "tests" and empty specks. I just might try to make small usefull lathe out of it, but only halfway decent part of it a bed casting, even spindle box should be made out of scrap. Hmm. I do have right size piece of cast iron lying around.

Anyway, this experience has made me very wary of any tool made in france.

Want to swap?

PekkaNF

Rob.Wilson

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #17 on: February 15, 2012, 11:02:37 AM »
Washing machine ,, hoover  :coffee:


Rob

Offline Bluechip

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #18 on: February 15, 2012, 11:26:18 AM »
Anything with a Geordie driving it ....  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
I have a few modest talents. Knowing what I'm doing isn't one of them.

Rob.Wilson

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #19 on: February 15, 2012, 11:36:32 AM »
Anything with a Geordie driving it ....  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:


 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: TWAT  :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Rob

Offline Fergus OMore

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #20 on: February 15, 2012, 02:40:04 PM »

I hate the most machines that waste my time or money without any good return. My firsta lathe was french made minilor TR-1:
I bought "Minilor" with some accesories and was planning to buy some more accessories. Buying that petit merde was one of the biggest mistakes on my life. Never trust Frencies - incidently I had Citroën Xantia for years and although it had some excentric engineering it was a nice car and gave me years of joy. Not so rosy experince with the lathe though.

See this: http://www.lathes.co.uk/minilor/index.html
It gives a whole lot more glossy picture of the product than it is in reality. Plastic knobs could be replaced etc. obvious things. It looks quite handsom on the picture, but apron/cross slide, tool holder, tail stock, spindel stoc etc. are made of "Special alloy" or something like that on advertising text. It could be zink or aluminium, but it's pretty miserable stuf for a metal cutting lathe.

It sits middle of the garage not doing anything else, but reminding me not trust any advertising bull****, "tests" and empty specks. I just might try to make small usefull lathe out of it, but only halfway decent part of it a bed casting, even spindle box should be made out of scrap. Hmm. I do have right size piece of cast iron lying around.

Anyway, this experience has made me very wary of any tool made in france.

Want to swap?

PekkaNF

Well, now?you could have a very nice tool and cutter grinder out of it.- or a cylindrical grinder- or remove the motor department and put in the new lathe- or use the vertical stuff on the saddle of the new lathe.

Comme vous dit-en France-- Vive la change! :hammer:

Offline buffalow bill

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #21 on: February 15, 2012, 03:53:32 PM »
The thought of all my machines get me down as they are in storage awaiting a workshop to fill.  :(  :(  :(
Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute

Offline Jonny

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #22 on: February 15, 2012, 04:45:45 PM »
My larger chinese mill, its always breaking and costs a fortune if and when parts are available.
The smaller ones ok apart from the lead screws, a common prob.

Offline Doc

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #23 on: February 15, 2012, 07:14:30 PM »
The tools that annoy me the most are the ones I can't afford.  :lol:

 :beer:
Chazz


I have to side with Chazz!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Offline krv3000

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #24 on: February 16, 2012, 03:24:55 AM »
lol any thing the wife brakes

Offline Yettiatcpg

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #25 on: February 16, 2012, 07:58:23 PM »
I'm to lazy to break anything. most things have a better shot of rusting out first.  :poke:

on a serious note I did have an issue with my 6" x 48" belt sander. it was way to easy to stall. I upgraded my table saw so I took that motor and flipped it into the sander. now its a 3/4hp and does what its supposed to.
Yetti

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Offline HS93

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2012, 08:14:42 PM »
all the machines in my shop annoy me especially after coming on hear I see what fantastic things are made with the same equipment as me and what CRAP I turn out and I get very annoyed and frustrated,

 I think it may be the electricity around hear, it makes the  machines inaccurate. :) :lol: :)

 :ddb: :nrocks: :ddb: Peter  :ddb:  :nrocks: :ddb:
I am usless at metalwork, Oh and cannot spell either . failure

Offline kwackers

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #27 on: February 17, 2012, 04:51:31 AM »
I hate whatever I've just put down and it's ability to blend into the background such that I have to spend 20 minutes trying to find it again.

(OK - technically not a machine... ;-)

Offline dsquire

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #28 on: February 17, 2012, 09:32:10 AM »
I hate whatever I've just put down and it's ability to blend into the background such that I have to spend 20 minutes trying to find it again.

(OK - technically not a machine... ;-)

I think that it is trying to get into the fourth dimension.  :lol: :lol:

Cheers  :beer:

Don

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Offline cfellows

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #29 on: March 01, 2012, 12:28:07 AM »
John,

I bolted my bandsaw legs down to a wood platform I made, then put casters on the bottom.  I keep stored it up next to the wall in a corner and just roll it out when I need to cut something long.



The one thing that still annoys me about it is that the blade will slip of the wheels periodically when the blade jams in the work during a heavy cut.  It's hell getting the blade out of the kerf without bending it and then having to remount the blade.  I find that if I clean off the wheels and blade periodically it's less of a problem.

The other tool that annoys me is the geared rotary table.  It's heavy and I hate taking the vise off my mill and mounting up the rotary table.  I also hate centering it  and I hate trying to figure out to clamp work onto it.  Seems like it's always a hassle!

Chuck

Offline Davo J

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #30 on: March 01, 2012, 06:00:28 AM »
It sounds like your not putting enough tension on the blade, doing the knob up by hand you cant over tighten it with just hand pressure. I run mine with coolant and don't have any blade slip problems at all.

If that doesn't help to much, try moving the bearing guide assembly up a bit higher, to get the blade running right to the back of the wheels. Also try tilting the top wheel a little more with the adjustment bolt.

Dave

Offline John Stevenson

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #31 on: March 01, 2012, 06:32:53 AM »
Telephone...................

John S.
John Stevenson

Offline andyf

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #32 on: March 01, 2012, 08:53:50 AM »
Another week or so and it'll be the lawnmower again.

Actually, it's having to use it that annoys me, rather than the machine itself. That performs perfectly well. 

Andy (a reluctant gardener)
Sale, Cheshire
I've cut the end off it twice, but it's still too short

Offline krv3000

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #33 on: March 01, 2012, 09:30:02 AM »
well i wood have to say the wife but she ant a machine

Offline DaveH

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #34 on: March 01, 2012, 09:34:54 AM »
Ooow Bob, I'm going to tell her   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
 :beer:
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Offline AdeV

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #35 on: March 01, 2012, 01:19:28 PM »
I hate whatever I've just put down and it's ability to blend into the background such that I have to spend 20 minutes trying to find it again.

(OK - technically not a machine... ;-)

Yeah, that one gets me too. Once, I got righteously angry over a tool I couldn't find, only to discover it in my hand! Fortunately, that one doesn't happen too often, but I frequently lose things I had "just 1 minute ago". Probably doesn't help that pretty much every horizontal surface I own is piled high with crap important possessions...
Cheers!
Ade.
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Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline Jonny

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #36 on: March 01, 2012, 04:37:26 PM »
Telephone...................

John S.

Excellent  how could i forget that. Me and phones dont mix at best of times yet alone mid job, even worse some one flogging you something day in day out.

Just found a new annoying machine, a chinese band saw.

Baldrocker

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #37 on: March 01, 2012, 05:34:05 PM »
Quote
every horizontal surface I own is piled high with crap important possessions..

I always thought that was the function of every horizontal surface.
My pet hate is the ones that are not horizontal, you know the
surfaces where everything slides off when they reach critical mass.

br

Offline cfellows

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #38 on: March 02, 2012, 05:14:38 PM »
Another annoying tool... String Trimmers.  I have a Black & Decker, corded 120v string trimmer.  The cord is annoying as he11, but the biggest annoyance is the automatic string feed.  I don't know what bonehead thought of that, but it's horrible.  It doesn't feed when it should, it feeds too much when it does feed, you never know when it's going to feed so it gouges out a big swath of grass or takes big chunks out of the wood fence.   What a mess.

I've been looking for new string trimmer and it seems the manufacturers think we're all idiots or they just don't want to sell them.

Rechargeable with a Lithium battery is my first choice.  Light weight, no cord, easy starting, but I absolutely cannot find one that doesn't have automatic line feed.  Gas would be my second choice since they don't have a cord.  But they are heavy, more than twice the weight of Lithium cordless models.  The only one I found that was relatively light was an Echo.  At about 9 pounds it's still 3 pounds heavier than my Black & Decker.  On top of that, the Echo is a 2 stroke which means I have to mix the oil and gas.  That means I have to have two gasoline containers since my lawn mower is a 4 stroke

In the meantime, I've remedied the automatic line feed by cutting 6" strips of line, knotting one end and slipping through the holes in the side of the spool with the knot inside.  I can do my whole yard and only change out the strips 3 or 4 times.  I figure if I get .105 line I can do the whole yard on one set.

Chuck

Offline John Stevenson

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #39 on: March 02, 2012, 06:02:16 PM »
Chuck. I have a length of bowden cable in mine I got that fed up of the nylon string.

Solder the end 2" and leave the rest, one bit lasts about 6 months.

John S.
John Stevenson

Offline AndyB

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #40 on: March 03, 2012, 06:31:03 AM »
Hi all,

I am with most of you all the way.

Andy: yep! I have got two pairs of those shears and lots of blood blisters on my belly when I have to cut any sheet!  :(

Kwackers; I seem to be beset by workshop gremlins that love to hide whatever I have just used and put down. I swear it is true; I once put a tool down while in the middle of a job, couldn't find it again. It turned up in my wife's shed and I had not been in there and she had not been in mine! Explain that if you can!!! :scratch:
Ade; In your hand? Are you that gremlin? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Bob; Sorry, I don't agree. When the wife breaks something and I can fix it she is so amazed and grateful that she is glad of the time that I spend in the shed and on here learning new tricks. Instant justification for the hobby! :lol: :lol:

Peter; I can sympathise with your predicament. I keep looking at and trying to justify the cost of some machine, a milling machine mostly, then see what someone has made on the machines that I have got already! What keeps me sane is a little booklet produced by Drummond in the 20's that has, amongst others, a radial engine totally made on a treadle Roundbed lathe :jaw: :bugeye:

Ade; Why is it that every attempt to 'tidy up' means that those flat surfaces get filled more than they were before? :doh: :doh:

I think this thread should be renamed Duracell; I could go on..and on...and on   :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Andy
Waveney Valley, Suffolk/Norfolk Border

Offline DaveH

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #41 on: March 03, 2012, 06:35:24 AM »
Chuck. I have a length of bowden cable in mine I got that fed up of the nylon string.

Solder the end 2" and leave the rest, one bit lasts about 6 months.

John S.

John,

That's a good idea. :thumbup: :clap:
 :beer:
DaveH
(Ex Leicester, Thurmaston, Ashby De La Zouch.)

Offline AussieJimG

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #42 on: March 03, 2012, 09:58:08 PM »
Soft jaws in the vice. They fall in whenever I am trying to put something in the vice, especially if it is something that has to be held with both hands.

I did buy a set of plastic magnetic ones but they were about as useful as a hip pocket in a singlet - too soft to grip properly.

Then adhesive-backed magnetic rubber on the aluminium ones - again too soft and broke up.

While typing this, I have to wonder why I have hard jaws on the vice at all since I never use them. Perhaps the answer is just to
take off the hard jaws and fit aluminium ones.

Jim

Offline cfellows

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #43 on: March 04, 2012, 12:32:29 PM »
Chuck. I have a length of bowden cable in mine I got that fed up of the nylon string.

Solder the end 2" and leave the rest, one bit lasts about 6 months.

John S.

That is a good idea.

Chuck

Offline AdeV

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #44 on: March 04, 2012, 01:10:19 PM »

While typing this, I have to wonder why I have hard jaws on the vice at all since I never use them. Perhaps the answer is just to
take off the hard jaws and fit aluminium ones.


That's what I did with my Kurt-a-like "Titelock" vice. I also made mine extra tall, so I could cut fixed "parallels" into the jaws. So far, they're doing great.

I also put Ali jaws in my bench vice, they too seem to work well, although it's too early to say yet as I've not had to use them in anger.
Cheers!
Ade.
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Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.
Occasionally: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...

Offline John Stevenson

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #45 on: March 04, 2012, 01:38:44 PM »
Jim,
I have hard jaws in mine but ground the grips off. Positively hate loose jaws, refuse to use them, lick the normal jaws to remove the grips then every so often give them a clean up lick.

Nothing I do required great big grip marks splatted all over the work.

John S.
John Stevenson

Offline AussieJimG

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #46 on: April 06, 2012, 01:24:56 AM »
In reply 42, I said I had realised that I could replace the hard jaws in my vice with soft jaws. Eventually, I did it! And the work a treat.

Of course, the next day I wanted more grip and had to put the old one back temporarily, but that's just Murphy getting revenge.

Now, I wonder if I can include  photo ...



Offline ConductorX

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #47 on: January 18, 2013, 07:35:18 AM »
I have to vote with the string trimmers.  I hate tiny gas engines that take 100 pulls to start and then lugging the thing around trimming the weeds.

I also have the same issue with chain saws because the tiny engines won't start.

Only one brand of trimmer actually has an easy to start every time engine. They don't sell them any more because now all such engines have to be 4 cycle.

"G"

Offline John Rudd

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #48 on: January 18, 2013, 07:43:58 AM »
I think I have to say my Eagle 30 mill...

Having to raise/lower the head to accomodate differing cutters...It always loses its reference point... :doh:

Other than that I love it to bits for making swarf... :D
eccentric millionaire financed by 'er indoors
Location:  Backworth Newcastle

Skype: chippiejnr

Offline Fredbare

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #49 on: January 18, 2013, 10:59:20 AM »
This forum, I've just bought a tool for £60, and then read that someone's just bought the same tool for 25p at a boot sale.

John

Offline trevoratxtal

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #50 on: January 18, 2013, 12:17:47 PM »
The tool that annoy me the most is my left hand as it never knows what the right hand is doing,
 :D :D :D

 :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
but that makes me qualified as a politician, or better still a prime minister.
Trev

Offline Anzaniste

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #51 on: January 18, 2013, 05:46:49 PM »
My shop Vac. It's really handy, But, Its always in the way. I can't seem to find a good spot for it.

Wes

Easey peasey. My vac is suspended in the roof of the shed and I just pull the hose down when I need it(whilst leaving the vac up there). :thumbup:
Scrooby, 1 mile south of Gods own County.

Offline ven

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #52 on: January 19, 2013, 01:21:47 PM »
Those tin snips, previously mentioned, with inwardly-curving handles that immediately raise a blood blister as they close on your palm. Why-ever did they make them.  I think that Gilbow, possibly, made some with straight handled ones called 'No-nip'.
Soft vice jaws - I have never solved the problem of vice jaws clattering to the floor when both hands are full and you are moving the bar with your knee.

Offline loply

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #53 on: January 19, 2013, 01:43:38 PM »
Soft vice jaws - I have never solved the problem of vice jaws clattering to the floor when both hands are full and you are moving the bar with your knee.

Every pair I've ever seen had magnets fitted to the back so they stick to your vice.

I copied this idea when I made my "three widgety bits of round stock used for bending things back to straight" (TM) which have magnets on the back of em so they stick to the vice jaws.

Offline AussieJimG

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #54 on: January 19, 2013, 03:28:41 PM »
I simply replaced the steel vice jaws with a couple of pieces of solid aluminium bar. Best thing I did. I always used vice guards anyway.

Jim

Offline chipenter

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #55 on: January 20, 2013, 05:09:10 AM »
My depth gauge turns into a random number machine , I spend more time cleaning it than using it .
Jeff

Offline rotorhead

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #56 on: March 28, 2013, 06:25:39 AM »
Question for Bill Todd,

Regarding your heavy tailstock, have you thought of aircushioning it, I once worked on a large crank grinder with the same problem (it even had a rack and pinion).

So we drilled a 3/8" dia deep hole from the handle end, either side of the guides to within an inch of the front.

Then drilled 1/32" holes from the base up into the freshly drilled gallery, at about an inch apart, not sure if we didn't enlarge these after a trial run.

Tapped the gallery holes 1/4" BSP, then coupled together an airline to feed both sides at the same time(obviously).

As far as I can remember it worked satisfactorily.
Chris
Sunny Scunny,
North Lincolnshire.

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #57 on: March 28, 2013, 02:47:32 PM »
Hi,

Yes, other people have suggested this as well :)

I'm loathed to drill holes in my standard tail stock but...

 I have acquired another tail-stock from a different Hardinge lathe, with the intention (and  it it will take me a while) of  converting it into a wheel/lever tail-stock , that one is already drilled for a pneumatic lift/float .

Bill

quote author=rotorhead link=topic=4845.msg89828#msg89828 date=1364466339]
Question for Bill Todd,

Regarding your heavy tailstock, have you thought of aircushioning it, I once worked on a large crank grinder with the same problem (it even had a rack and pinion).

So we drilled a 3/8" dia deep hole from the handle end, either side of the guides to within an inch of the front.

Then drilled 1/32" holes from the base up into the freshly drilled gallery, at about an inch apart, not sure if we didn't enlarge these after a trial run.

Tapped the gallery holes 1/4" BSP, then coupled together an airline to feed both sides at the same time(obviously).

As far as I can remember it worked satisfactorily.
[/quote]
Bill

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #58 on: March 28, 2013, 10:20:05 PM »
The black elastic band on a pair of gas welding goggles.

Tiny printed charts of change gear combinations for screw cutting, attached to the inside cover of a Craftsman/Atlas 12" lathe.

Anything attached with small allen screws more than 5 years old and exposed to damp. (like what do I own that isn't?)

Calipers when measuring a round piece in the 3 jaw. Particularly digital calipers where the LCD is not correctly oriented to the light, while craning neck over tailstock to observe.

4 jaw chucks. Maybe that will change as soon as I make a second chuck key.

Allen keys in general.

The grinder. I don't like any tool I have to take shelter from immediately after turning on.

I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline Weston Bye

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #59 on: March 29, 2013, 09:35:42 AM »
I find that the machine that generates the greatest annoyance factor is my drill press.  The chips and swarf coming off that are usually the long stringy curls that are flung in all directions onto the floor.  they don't sweep up easily, and when the broom does herd them into a pile, they snag into the bristles of the broom.  I banished it to the cold garage, which adds a further annoyance to any drilling operation.
Weston Bye
Practitioner of the Electromechanical Arts.
author of The Mechatronist column
Digital Machinist magazine

Offline rotorhead

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #60 on: March 29, 2013, 07:06:56 PM »
Hi,

I find the easiest way of controlling long stringy swarf is to make only short drilling stabs, and hold the vacuum hose nozzle close to gobble it up.

Failing that, the wife will insist on cleaning up after me, to keep it all out of her domain....

Chris
Sunny Scunny,
North Lincolnshire.

Offline tom osselton

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #61 on: April 10, 2013, 04:49:03 PM »
My shop Vac. It's really handy, But, Its always in the way. I can't seem to find a good spot for it.

Wes
put it on the other side of the wall and pull the hose (or plumb pcv pipe ) then you only play with the hose that can hang up.

Offline Stilldrillin

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #62 on: April 10, 2013, 05:30:45 PM »
I simply replaced the steel vice jaws with a couple of pieces of solid aluminium bar. Best thing I did. I always used vice guards anyway.

Jim

Thanks Jim!

http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,7643.msg90401.html#msg90401

I knew I'd seen that idea, somewhere.  :thumbup:

David d
David.

Still drilling holes... Sometimes, in the right place!

Still modifying bits of metal... Occasionally, making an improvement!

Offline AussieJimG

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #63 on: April 10, 2013, 05:42:52 PM »
My pleasure David, I have learned heaps from you.

Jim

Offline RodW

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #64 on: May 06, 2013, 12:45:08 AM »
Which machine annoys you most?
For me it would have to be anything that makes sawdust !!!

Rod
RodW
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Offline garym

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #65 on: May 06, 2013, 04:09:30 AM »
The magnetic stand that is used to support a DTI. It takes me a ridiculous amount of time to get the DTI positioned where it's needed. I know I'm only a newbie but unlike most things I've learned since starting this model engineering lark, it doesn't seem to get any quicker each time I use it.  :bang:

Gary
Workshop activity resumes now ankle improving :-)

Offline RodW

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #66 on: May 06, 2013, 04:30:32 AM »
The magnetic stand that is used to support a DTI. It takes me a ridiculous amount of time to get the DTI positioned where it's needed. I know I'm only a newbie but unlike most things I've learned since starting this model engineering lark, it doesn't seem to get any quicker each time I use it.  :bang:

Gary

Gary, I am just a noob too and initially had trouble with this too but assuming you are using it on a lathe, I found the best way was to set it up with the stand on the compound at the back of the work and the top arm at right angles pointing towards the chuck. You just need to chuck a piece up and wind the compound towards you until it  touches the work. For my new lathe, I made a tool holder for it but have yet to use the 4 jaw chuck as the bigger 3 jaw does all the stuff I could not do before.

RodW
Brisbane, Australia

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #67 on: May 06, 2013, 10:16:27 AM »
The magnetic stand that is used to support a DTI. It takes me a ridiculous amount of time to get the DTI positioned where it's needed. I know I'm only a newbie but unlike most things I've learned since starting this model engineering lark, it doesn't seem to get any quicker each time I use it.  :bang:
Gary

Oh yes, forgot about that one. Mine seems to have magnetized everything I own somehow, as well. Swarf sticks to whatever I don't want it on -- chuck keys, Allen wrenches, tapered centers, etc. It's the only thing magnetic in my shop, (or was) so I know what to blame!

I'm going to make a squared bar adapter to set a DTI in the tool holder, as shown in the post above, and banish magnets from the shop.
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline garym

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #68 on: May 06, 2013, 05:08:57 PM »
Hi Rod,

I was meaning more like truing a bore in a 4-jaw chuck something like this

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Measurement/Dial_indicators/DTI_centering_bolt_y.jpg

I hope links are allowed. Apologies if I've broken any rules.

Gary
Workshop activity resumes now ankle improving :-)

Offline matthew_g

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #69 on: September 01, 2013, 03:17:04 AM »
I painfully remember a machine that was fun to repair, but a pain in neck to use. :bang:

My shaper - although I should say my former shaper (7" Atlas) since I made repairs to it and sold it some years ago.

The mechanism that moved the ram and moved the table was fun to watch.  Sort of like a Victorian magic box.  But getting the slop out of the ram and the table required removing shims and re-scraping several cast iron surfaces.  I re-machined the crank lever and made a new crank block out of wearite (aluminum bronze).  Cutting keyways and dovetails worked, but setup was way too fussy.  It was just overly complex compared to the modern milling machine and broach set that replaced this machine.

I was offered a Cincinnati Shaper (hydraulic drive) sitting in a field outside a machine shop about 25 years ago - free if I wanted to cart it off.  In one of the few moments of clarity that I have had in this hobby, I respectfully declined.
Your Mad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love both my shapers an 11" and a 24".
I use the pair of them on an almost daily basis, I have a horizontal and a turret mill as well. But there are so many things that shapers are much better suited to.
Matt
I never enter a battle of wit with an unarmed person

Offline PekkaNF

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #70 on: September 05, 2013, 05:43:22 AM »
.....
Calipers when measuring a round piece in the 3 jaw. Particularly digital calipers where the LCD is not correctly oriented to the light, while craning neck over tailstock to observe.
.....

Most of other stuff....I feel your pain. I feel your pain. But there is a cure on one ailment. Get a left hand caliper. Smallest one.
http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/digital-dial-vernier-calipers/left-handed-digital-calipers-150mm-6.html
I don't have that one, but something of same form factor.

One friend got one that has BIG numbers and it was clear, don't remember if it was backlit or the light from the tailstock side just showed numbers clearly, but even I could read it half way across the room. Had also autostart/powersave or something. Right when you moved it it woke up and fell asleep after a minute. AND it it did not loose position. Just what doctor orderdered.

Pekka

Offline 75Plus

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Re: Which machine annoys you most?
« Reply #71 on: September 05, 2013, 09:42:42 AM »

Calipers when measuring a round piece in the 3 jaw. Particularly digital calipers where the LCD is not correctly oriented to the light, while craning neck over tailstock to observe.


Grizzly has both dial and digital, left hand, calipers. I keep one of their dial calipers at my lathe for just the situation you describe.

Joe