Myford rear tool-post

[ace]

During a rather simple parting off job in the lathe, the tool-post began to judder and then the blade jammed stalling the lathe. After a careful strip down I found the cam to have broken as in the pictures. I have machined another one to the same dimensions but I am unsure as to whether this should hardened and if so whats the best way I should do it!. Any help appreciated.

ACE

[abby]

Depends of course on what steel you used but I would case harden using kasenit or similar , pack it into a small container and heat to cherry red for 15 minutes then tip the whole lot into a bucket of cold water - no tempering needed !
Abby

[SteveW]

Ace,

A lot depends on what you made the new bit with. If it's good old EN1a or equivalent (free cutting) you'll have no chance of properly hardening it. One of the tougher steels (en8/24) and it may not be necessary for the sort of work cycle you'll give it.

If you've used silver steel maybe tempered to blue to retain a light spring to it. It occurs that stainless might provide a useful service life.

Case hardening would be another route. It'll give a harder wear resistant outer layer and tougher internals. It'll still benefit from a sound choice of base metal.

However, this is only a suggestion.

[ace]

Thanks for the tips, I think that the stock was EN1A but not sure, but most of my small round off cuts where machining grade. I have added an extra couple of mm to the thickness of the flanged area and it still fits ok. I will have ago at hardening it and try it and still keep the search up for a new one. ;D Funny thing is I bought this from myford to replace my old one as it looked more solid, It is well built but the cam is its weak point. Either that or with my big hands I've over tightened it. How tight is tight?

cheers
ACE