Hi, Does anyone use one of those cheap Chinese boring heads that "our suppliers" sell by the hundreds? I had one bought for me as a present about 2 Harrogates ago and have just had the misfortune to try and use it.
I had a fit of enthusiasm and instead of buying a QCTP for the Boxford I thought I would make one to John Stevenson's design, no problems except when I tried to bore out the locking slide hole using this treasure of a boring head. The adjusting slide gib screws won't lock the slide, in fact the Allan key snapped like a carrot and even with 3 decent new screws fully tight the slide remains loose. Obviously the grub screw holes don't go right through as I've already tried longer screws and the threads are so loose I'm frightened to tighten them too much. The slide operating screw is a joke with about .045" side play in it's' thread and if I could get the slide to tighten at all I might be able to measure the backlash - then again I would probably loose track of the full turns.
Has anyone got any tips on making a useful tool out of this c""p or perhaps a few tips on how to use it properly. I did get it to finish the job more by luck than judgment but am not sure if it should go back in the cupboard as a future project or straight in the bin. Particularly upsetting as I left the very cheap one alone and bought slightly more expensively from a "good" supplier. Before you ask, no I haven't spoken to them and don't intend to as 2 years would try anyone's patience. That's why I won't name them, although next time I will try something out straight away. Has anyone bought one of these lately that is any good, if so can you give me a clue where you got it.
Best regards Keith