Twisting Square stock

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I had a job that required a few pieces of 7/8" square stock that were twisted 1.5 times over a  16" distance. So I fabricated some holders and twisted away. I've never done this before and I have to admit that it was kinda fun. And yes.. I did catch my no-no of wearing gloves in the beginning of the video.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUgs4A4pyfE[/ame]Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:awesome! i have always wanted to make a picket twister for my lathe, now that i have a little down time it will be a good project.                                  Bob
Reply:I forgot to mention that it slipped right off the bat.. Be sure to put a couple of weld beads on the chuck-side to keep it from slipping. And I drilled a hole for the set screw to sit in, on the dead end.Another thing.. I originally made the holders for 1" square stock. As it turned out, using 7/8" worked out better because it gave me a little wiggle room for maneuvering the material in and out easier.  And I didn't have an issue with it trying to roll the edges over at all.Last edited by Brainfarth; 12-30-2011 at 07:37 AM.Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:on the chuck end, i figured i will use an older die i saved ( 1/2 picket) i will either weld some stock on it to avoid slippage or maybe weld the die to a piece of sq stock  which would go in the chuck, will have to experiment a little.
Reply:Brainfarth can you take some pics of the tailstock side. Great project.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:Is it common for a lathe to have slow speed stop and go control like that?LibertarianLincoln AC/DC 225Everlast PowerPlasma 70 Hobart IronmanEverlast PowerTig 200DX
Reply:most can run slower than 60rpm on a bigger lathe like that, about the only time its used is for knurling but they can do it
Reply:Does it create an even twist down the length of the stock every time?
Reply:If you need to twist longer stock, sometimes it will twist in a long spiral. So say you are twisting 1/2 inch bar stock you generaly have to slide a pice of 3/4 or 1 inch pipe or tubing over it while twisting and that will keep it straight.  Remember that as it twists it gets shorter, so leave some space for the shrink.  Mac
Reply:I wish my lathe had that much power
Reply:I had no idea lathes have that much power. Its amazing.www.performancealuminumfabrication.com
Reply:Neat idea!Did you check the lathe bed and ways for level and twist before and after the job?  It might be interesting to see if there was any measurable impact to the lathe bed.- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:amazing power.  nice work.
Reply:That is really neat.  I wouldn't have thought a lathe had enough oomph to do that from a dead start.  Good to know...-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled
Reply:Very nice.
Reply:I dont check anything on that poor abused thing. The more I look, the more I shake my head. If you noticed, there is a ton of play on the turret end. I jumped back a little, the first time it lifted it up from the torque. It was set at the slowest speed. And as far as I know, it's hydraulically driven. That explains how I can go forward and reverse so easily.They turned out pretty consistent.  I didnt notice any difference in the pieces.My dad twisted up some flat bar a few years ago for his rail at home and he had to twist it in a pipe as well.This is the only picture of the tail that I have right now. Attached ImagesCommon sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.