Turning the End of a Big Bar

Say you need to turn the end of a bar that is too big to go through the lathe headstock and too long to fit between centers (or the center-rest if you have one)...

Here are some answers:

Arcane suggests:  If you have a milling vise setup that attaches to the cross slide for your lathe and a boring head with a MT3 taper, clamp the shaft in the vise, center it on the spindle and then use the boring head to reduce the end.

Dan suggests:  There was someone who did an interesting trick. They welded a smaller piece to the end and chucked it up. Supported the far end in a steady rest. Then they turned down the original bar and parted it. Rotate and repeat.

Better yet, just start with stock longer than required an part off the chucked bit.

My idea, specific to my 3in1 machine:
Using something of suitable height, like the angle table (level, just for the height), make a vertical clamp that hangs outboard the lathe.  Swing the head over to match and lock down, then use the X/Y to center.  Once centered, use the boring head as above, with the cutter pointing inward.  This would give me about 4' of length, and it would be easier to set up than removing the tailstock to use the lathe spindle.

Making SS Springs

Interesting post on HSM by Dorn:

Using annealed stainless steel wire (aka safety wire) that is not springy in this state, it can be work-hardened by stretching.  Once work-hardened, it can be wound into a spring.

Rich added:

I also use a "Drawing" technique when I want smaller wire for a model or repair application.  I open my vise about 4 or 5 inches and then wrap the wire around the jaws ( 2-3 wraps ).  Now I open the jaws more and draw the wire down to a smaller size with out having the use my legs or arms, only the vise leadscrew.

Never tried it... but it's something to keep in mind for when that someday comes along.