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Originally Posted by Stu Bloom
Dave, I don't doubt your figures ... but how in the heck to you support a piece of stock between 80 foot centers ??
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When the piece of stock is 12 feet in diameter, it is not too much of a problem!
(but it is not really just a solid piece of stock - it is actually the outer skin walls of the first stage of the rocket, which is made of three isopanels, bent to shape and welded together into a cylinder; the whole assembly is then turned on the lathe to true it up as the tank end caps are welded on).
I have a picture of this bad boy somewhere. I will post it if I can find it. But in the mean time, take a look at
this big Bridgeford lathe being used to turn a 20-foot auger bit.
-dave