candlestick repair mikes-models

Candlestick adaptation.

I was asked recently if I could help one of my brothers with a problem he
had with silver candlesticks (worth a lot of money). His problem was that
he had to replace the bases on which this pair stood, as one was
damaged and had been repaired (but not to a satisfactory standard). He
went and sourced a nice pair of replacement bases, but herein laid the
problem. The securing mechanism for the candlestick to the bases was via
a short brass rod that was secured into the base, in such a way as to
make its removal a none starter.

The problem to be solved as I saw it was to some how lengthen the
securing method through the existing holes in the new bases and secure
them so that the base stood flat.

The solution I chose to adopt was to make an extension tube with
threaded ends. One, to suit the brass rod, and the second, to suit a new
screw, yet to be made.

Because of the value of these candlesticks, there had to be a ‘quality’
solution, especially as whilst they would not be prominent, the extension
pieces would be seen. Because using silver was not an option to me I
decided on stainless steel. Its use had many attractions to me, firstly it
would not corrode. Secondly, it was extremely durable. Thirdly, I have
never machined stainless steel before, so I would add to my experience
and finally because I had just bought a few oddments from eBay! Sorted.

The machining followed fairly late on in the process. Firstly I had to work
out the length of the extension pieces, the diameter of the screws to be
made, the thread already on the brass rod and see whether I had any taps
to match the existing brass rod. And all that I was to do could not affect
the candlesticks safe untouched return to my brother if I couldn’t succeed.

The answer to the question of thread size and whether I had a matching
tap was soon answered. Nope. Ok, so I therefore had to see what I
could re thread the brass rod too (and destroy my ability to return
untouched!). As luck would have it a 3mm die would cut a sufficiently
deep thread to make it possible to continue. Also if things didn’t work out
I could easily make a fitting for the new threads so I decided to take the
plunge cut the threads. Because these candlestick are so gorgeous and
knowing me(!) I wrapped them in cloth then bubble wrap save for the
bases showing. I also cleared an area where I could place them out of
harms (and mine) way. I then cut the threads on the brass rod using the 3
mm die but it would only go down to about two thirds of the rod because
of obstructions from the candlesticks feet. So when I made the extension
pieces I would have to allow a clearance diameter for the portion uncut.

The measurements of how long, what diameter etc. to use went on and on
with me repeatedly checking and rechecking but finally I arrived at a set
of dimensions and finding suitable stainless steel form my scrap box, got
to work.

Because I was dealing in small pieces I decided to uncover the Myford
ML10 from under its dustcoat as it would be nice to use it again after the
work I am doing on the large Chinese lathe (Turner 280GV). Also the
Turner 280GV lathe held the crankcase of my Mills 1.3cc project in its 4
jaw chuck. And what a nice lathe the ML10 is. Its construction, quality
and ‘feel’ are much better than the big lathe, but that has other advantages
over the little ML10. I have, in the very recent past, considered selling the
ML10 but I now realise this would be a big mistake. So it will stay with
me, for similar ‘little’ jobs.

Now the ‘easy ‘part started. I chucked the chosen diameter stainless steel
rod and parted two pieces off to length. I then centre drilled one of the cut
off pieces, then drilled out to suit a 3mm tap. This tap was held in the
tailstock chuck and using cutting oil I tapped the tube for its length.

I then reversed the piece and drilled the clearance hole for the correct
distance. After a trial fit which seemed ok, and more importantly, in
keeping (what could be seen) I made the second tube in exactly the same
way.

Trying this second extension piece onto its candlestick then putting the
base in place I found out my first minor mistake. Whilst my two pieces
were identical the candlesticks and bases were not! However because on
new extension piece was too big, rather than too small, it didn’t need me
to make a third!

Next I started on the two stainless steel screws to match. Because of their
small size (3mm thread) I decided to use the live centre in the tailstock to
give support to the new screw and turned down the diameter of the rod
until the required size was achieved. Leaving the larger diameter which
would form the head, nearest the chuck. When sufficient material had
been removed I slid back the tailstock holding the live centre and gently
cut off the end of the screw blank, to size. Next, I switched off the lathe
and removed the plug so I could use it safely when cutting the 3 mm
thread. Finally moving a little more of the rod out from the 3 jaw chuck, I
parted off the screw to suit the head width required.

I carried out the same actions as described above for the second screw.
Now it only remained for me to produce two stainless steel washers to
match the screw head size and the diameter of the recessed base hole.
This is a fairly simple task of producing the right diameter from available
stock and drilling a clearance hole for the 3mm diameter screw, finally
parting off two washers.

So I now had the two extension pieces, matching screws and washers all
made from stainless steel. All that remained was for me to make a slot cut
in the screw heads to allow a screwdriver to be used when tightening the
whole thing up. In the past I have been disappointed with the cutting of
slots for screws I have made by using a small hacksaw for the job. And I
didn’t want the screws to let the job down so I had a rethink. Eventually
(all right a tea break!) I decided to give the proxxon a go using a small
diamond cutting disk. All I can say is it was I found it a lot easier and
giving a more accurate finish than my previous methods (it may be
different for others. I don’t know).

Now, when coming to fit the all the pieces together, all I had to do was
make a small adjustment to the length of one of the screws, and they then
tightened up nice and snug.

When machining with stainless steel I was pleasantly surprised when my
apprehensions proved unfounded. I have learnt that at least. The main
thing though is whether the ‘customer’ was happy? I am pleased to say he
was and when offering to pay for the’ job’ for the first time ever I said
yes! My price would be a new scribe, which he duly purchased and now
has pride of place in my pocket. So every time I use it I will be reminded
of my first ‘paying job’.

I found this ‘small’ job very satisfying because my skill base increased, I
helped to provide a solution to making the candlesticks ‘nicer’ (not the
extension pieces!!! The new bases!!!) and got more satisfaction than
when doing my own projects!

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candlestick adaptation