Techniques for surface finish and oil retention - 4 - Hand flaking the underside of the CX-16 table

To finish what I said/wrote I should do I decided to hand flake the underside (unexposed way) of the CX-16 milling machine table. Not really neccessary, but anyway.. then I have "documented" both BIAX half-moon flaking as well as my "rusty" efforts on hand-flaking.. for the benefit of showing others and also gaining some practise for me (in dire need of that as is evident by the far from perfect results :) ) I hope that there is something to be learnt also by observing the technique and methods described, although I am pretty certain that others can easily "outperform" me here.

[@lookcreations]

Nicely explained Jan, it’s a little easier with a smaller radius on the scraper end . While tricky to achieve, it helps to cross the tails of each half moon with the centre of the following half moon. That helps the oil move between the points.

[@jansverrehaugjord9934]

Thnks ! I will surely try your suggestions!

[@MatthewRulla]

Excellent video demonstration. When I do the hand flaking I use a dead-blow mallet rather than the palm of my hand. I seem to get more consistent results and at the end of the day, I can still grip a cold bottle of beer.

[@jansverrehaugjord9934]

Thnks. Yes, I assume if I was to do this day in/day out I would need another tactic/method. I have the BIAX though :)

[@MatthewRulla]

I have a BIAX Scraper and a BIAX Flaker as well, but for narrow areas like these dovetails, the hand method is best. Thanks for the reply and I look forward to more of your videos. @@jansverrehaugjord9934

[@somebodyelse6673]

Could you be persuaded to run an indicator over that surface, and show the depth of the flaking?

[@jansverrehaugjord9934]

Of course😀

[@madguernseyboy]

Hiya Jan.. Thanks for following my channel. I was thinking of scrapong in my myford. I cant afford to have it surface ground in. Where can I buy a hand scraper from in the UK? Would a peice of plate glass be adequate for a surface plate?

[@jansverrehaugjord9934]

I would contact H.R.Lamb & Son to hear if they could recommend a source for a hand scraper for you. They are experts on scraping masters located in the UK. Look them up at lathes.co.uk. Else there are several to choose from, eg. Anderson tubular scrapers in the US, BIAX hand scrapers (also USA as well as in Europe) or local to me in neighboring Sweden, Sandvik scrapers. I would however have considered to make your own, just buy some BIAX- (pre-ground radius) or Sandvik blades (needs radius) and then mock up a (not too stiff) handle with a pad at the end. This way you can benefit from using the body-push, both hands to control type of technique. I don't think a glass plate would be sufficiently stiff (unless very thick) and would probably be of uncertain surface flatness. I would try to find a smaller, say 40x60cm granite surface plate. They sometimes come up for sale at a reasonable price, maybe even used as long it is not too worn (some nicks and scratches doesn't matter)

[@lookcreations]

I’ve a few handles left in a box somewhere in the workshop. If you drop me a line

[@reidarbrenden5704]

Du får ha god jul Jan Sverre :)

[@jansverrehaugjord9934]

Takk i lige måde!

[@LazTLaz]

Beautifully explained and beautifully executed. Like many others, I'll never be able to justify a Biax, so your content is a lifesaver. All the best from UK.

[@jansverrehaugjord9934]

Thnks for the nice comments! I am glad to be of help to others.