Re: Shortening a Ford axle

On 4/11/2024 11:35 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:

"Snag"  wrote in message news:uv8tt4$1o8rc$1@dont-email.me...
 I've used a foil enclosure before to help keep shield gas where it's
needed ... the axle is currently set up in the lathe with a steady rest
and the tailstock maintaining alignment . I want to keep it fixtured
like this while I weld .
Snag
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Yesterday I had a similar problem, to press a small diameter countersink into the drilled end of a 5/16" rod, to countersink close to an obstruction on the new sawmill blade guides.
 The lathe wasn't enough to press it in so I used a vee block for alignment in the milling vise. I think you could make a similar fixture from angle iron, a long piece for alignment with two shorter pieces separated by a gap for the weld bead. U bolts could loosely hold top clamping stock. The angle would help contain the gas and the lathe wouldn't be damaged by spatter or current through the bearings.

   I've been (trying to) keep the lathe covered with old towels . I got it welded up , there's about .005" runout , which considering how not-straight the axle was to begin with isn't bad . More than I wanted , but close enough .
--
Snag
  "They may take our lives but
they'll never take our freedom."
  William Wallace