Brass tipped screws

[Boucher]

I recently made a new bushing for the left end of the lathe spindle and wanted some softer tips for the adjusting screws. Both of these types have been posted over on the PM site.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n50/boucherbyron/IMG_0069.jpg

The one on the left is made by brazing a dob of material on the end of the screw. The one on the right is drilled and a short piece of #6 copper wire inserted and swadged in place.

I think that I am going to like the copper better but the brazing is faster and easier as I allready have the torch set up.

[deltaenterprizes]

Great ideas, thanks!

[Ron of Va]

Good job. I have been doing that too.
I used a coupling to hold the screw for drilling, and a number 7 drill bit with 4 gage copper wire. The wire used to ground antennas and such. A whack with a hammer and they are swagged to the hole.
http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/SpiderBolts.jpg

[machinistchest]

Both will work depending on the torque applied. I like to silver solder. Once the alloys are joined the solder becomes hard , thus the tip has less tendency to flair out down in the hole which can be a problem if the screw were ever to be backed out.

Center drill the end of the screw with a counter sink before soldering that will trap that solder ball right in place...MC

[DebosDave]

Those are great ideas. I think I am going to try the copper wire one. I have been planning to drill the ends of the bolts and then tap them and use brass screws, which could then be replaced as needed, but I think I like the copper wire idea better.

Dave