Thread: Machining Brake Drums

If anyone has machined 11" brake drums how have you held them in the lathe?
What have you done to stop tool chatter?
have you used a rubber band etc?


Cheers, Mick.

Originally Posted by mick88

If anyone has machined 11" brake drums how have you held them in the lathe?
What have you done to stop tool chatter?
have you used a rubber band etc?


Cheers, Mick.

If you have a machined surface to set up to, hold them in a four jaw chuck. Or make a mandrel to hold them between centres. Use a tungsten carbide tool and take a deep enough cut to be cutting below the work hardened surface in the soft iron. For an 11" drum use 70-80 rpm to start and adjust. You should not get chatter if taking a deep enough cut. If you still get chatter you can try wrapping a spring around the outside of the drum.