Chinese mini metal lathe differences?
- Thread starter JradM
- Start date
DaveinGuelph
Member
I heard that too. I was hoping to find something wrong (but fixable) with it to followup with them for a rebate. But so far, I haven't found anything wrong.
No chips yet.
140mower
Don
No problems are hard to complain about aren't they?
DaveinGuelph
Member
Vevor MX 8x14 Chinese mini lathe rookie update. Pics attached.
- I took a day and stripped everything down. There was a lot of what I'd call, "factory grit&oil" on all the bearing surfaces, gears and everywhere.
- All the gibs were loose. A couple of bolt/screws had come undone and were rattling around.
- Washed all components (detergent and hot water), then put it under heat to get them all absolutely dry.
- Then applied a coat of machine oil everywhere. The 'manual' called for "non-detergent 20W". I'm using a light oil made for sewing machines. Seems fine. Recommendations?
- Day 2. Re-assembling it all was a good exercise in getting to know how this all works, especially the gib adjustments. HIGHLY recommend.
- Day 3 First chips off 306 brass 3/4" round bar. Did a facing cut and turned a few diameters. NOTE: Learned how to sharpen the brazed carbide cutting tools that came with. 7 degrees.
Conclusion, for me it's been fun. I can see the appeal of diving into upgrades on this class of machine. There is so much on YouTube for that. Next step will be looking for precision.
- I took a day and stripped everything down. There was a lot of what I'd call, "factory grit&oil" on all the bearing surfaces, gears and everywhere.
- All the gibs were loose. A couple of bolt/screws had come undone and were rattling around.
- Washed all components (detergent and hot water), then put it under heat to get them all absolutely dry.
- Then applied a coat of machine oil everywhere. The 'manual' called for "non-detergent 20W". I'm using a light oil made for sewing machines. Seems fine. Recommendations?
- Day 2. Re-assembling it all was a good exercise in getting to know how this all works, especially the gib adjustments. HIGHLY recommend.
- Day 3 First chips off 306 brass 3/4" round bar. Did a facing cut and turned a few diameters. NOTE: Learned how to sharpen the brazed carbide cutting tools that came with. 7 degrees.
Conclusion, for me it's been fun. I can see the appeal of diving into upgrades on this class of machine. There is so much on YouTube for that. Next step will be looking for precision.
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DaveinGuelph
Member
Hmmm, maybe. To be totally honest, I was expecting more problems. I did have to grind a few machine screws down to clear some interferences. And A whole lot of gib tuning. But no show-stoppers.
DaveinGuelph
Member
As someone completely new to machining, this forum has all been really helpful. I thought I'd add to my story for anyone else getting into the hobby.
I decided to give my new Vevor MX8x14 a new home. Built this custom bench with integrated tool drawers and a small space to store some stock. The lathe is up on blocks to raise it to a comfortable working height and provide some additional space under the drip pan. 15 hours, made with trimmed spruce studs and some 3/4" plywood.... and 5 coats of varnish on top!
The key for me was to keep it moveable, as I'll want to move it to my basement for the winter. So, everything comes apart and can be reassembled as needed.
My first mini learning project was to turn this chunk of aluminum into a bezel ring, replicating the one in brass shown on the left. After I figure out my process in aluminum, I'll try it in brass. And get a knurling tool to see how that works. And get a QCTP... and spend more $ (!)
I decided to give my new Vevor MX8x14 a new home. Built this custom bench with integrated tool drawers and a small space to store some stock. The lathe is up on blocks to raise it to a comfortable working height and provide some additional space under the drip pan. 15 hours, made with trimmed spruce studs and some 3/4" plywood.... and 5 coats of varnish on top!
The key for me was to keep it moveable, as I'll want to move it to my basement for the winter. So, everything comes apart and can be reassembled as needed.
My first mini learning project was to turn this chunk of aluminum into a bezel ring, replicating the one in brass shown on the left. After I figure out my process in aluminum, I'll try it in brass. And get a knurling tool to see how that works. And get a QCTP... and spend more $ (!)
