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Tuning Up and Tweaking a 1956 Sheldon EXL-56 Lathe




Moving over to the drip tray, the two main mods, which, apparently I didn't get any decent photos of,
are the "wall" around the belt through-hole (you can see the "boxed" section getting welded in the vise)
and a "chip hole" directly under the chuck area, so chips and debris can fall right into a pan hung
under it, for easy cleaning and disposal.

But one other trick I'd always wanted to do was round the tray corners, partly
for appearance, and partly so I wouldn't jab myself on them anymore.



The original corner. Cut lines are based off the nearest handy round thing
(a can of carb cleaner) and marked out with a Sharpie.



Cut out with a jigsaw and cleaned up with a file...



Quick cardboard template...



Transferred to a chunk of scrap and also cut with the jigsaw...



Whanged into a reasonable approximation of the correct shape over the anvil...



TIG welded into place...



And ground down, filed smooth and sanded. It's actually rather amazing the difference it makes-
subtle, but definitely better looking.







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