Comments on: BHI Practical Exam: Cock and Plate (Part 1)

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:32:55 +0000

In reply to Colin. I have had 9 days and delayed a flight by 3 days till Monday so I could finish. Countless restarts, learning a huge amount - just the jewel, arbor fitting and finishing in 2 days. Should be good. If only I had the full 21 days. I would probably make another one and see which was best!

By: Colin

Colin — Wed, 27 May 2026 09:49:00 +0000

In reply to Andy Marden. Hi Andy, it's a difficult exam which is easy to mess up, and time is very tight unless you have nothing else to do for the 2 weeks. The shape of gravers matters a lot. It's like the difference between trying to slice bread with a dull or sharp knife. Bes of luck and I hope you get a decent result!

By: Andy Marden

Andy Marden — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:30:41 +0000

Hi Colin – just about to start D5 – the spec is emailed on Wednesday. I have been practising and making something almost right, following some course notes I got hold of. Coincidentally, I am in the same boat: I only have 8 days before I am out of the country.

Managed to get the lathe cutting relatively smooth finally after shaping the gravers better.

Good to read about your experience.

By: Colin

Colin — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 21:37:19 +0000

In reply to Pierre. Thanks for your comment Pierre! I used a 0.3mm piercing saw blade. They're Bergeon blades, one of the few reasonably priced items they make.

By: Pierre

Pierre — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:14:59 +0000

Hi Colin,
I was delighted to read about your exam work. A couple of sweet memories came to my mind 🙂
I see we share identical lathe parts: motor, milling attachment and pulley at least.
Well done so far, can’t wait for your next instalment.
What is the thickness of your cutting blade on the piercing saw ?
Take care,
– Pierre