by Michael Barnes | Jun 1, 2015 | Tips
You want to buy a new car – manual or automatic transmission might be one of the first questions that you ask yourself. A stick shift (manual transmission) gives you more control and is less expensive. An automatic transmission is more expensive but is easier to use....
by Michael Barnes | Apr 27, 2021 | Tips, Video
You may need to do a lathe spindle removal and replace the bearings if you’re not holding a tight tolerance on your LeBlond lathe. This process is recommended every 10 years or so on your machine. You also may need to replace the spindle bearings if you damage your...
by Michael Barnes | Oct 11, 2018 | Tips
In the days before the arrival of deadly Hurricane Sandy, you crawl up to the top of a mountain junk yard amidst a motley collection of machine tools and 3000 rotting automobiles to claim your prize – a 13” “Roundhead” LeBlond Regal lathe. You drag it home on a...
by Michael Barnes | Mar 19, 2021 | Tips
The LeBlond lathe serial number and drain plug locations are frequently asked questions when it comes to newer as well as older LeBlond’s. There are two areas to find the serial number on your machine and three locations for the drain plugs in the headstock, gear box...
by Michael Barnes | May 9, 2018 | Tips
Who said machine shop hiring wasn’t fun? In a recent Practical Machinist thread that we will summarize so you don’t have to read the entire thing, a machine shop owner relays how he hired a motley machinist crew since the 1980’s. The poster suggested hiring from...
by Michael Barnes | Nov 6, 2013 | Tips
You’ve just purchased some of LeBlond’s cost-effective K.O. Lee Economy Mandrels. You’ve got either the expanding, solid or expanding-end mandrels and are using these tools to hold machined, component parts ready for milling, grinding or quality inspection. You made...
