What size lathe do you have?
- Thread starter Susquatch
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Former Member
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I've heard the same thing about various machining tools, equipment and technique.I've heard the same thing and have never had the courage to take mine out. In fact, I've deliberately told guys to find someone with a real lathewhen they asked me to do jobs for them that would require it.
Maybe I'll look for the fenner video and see what he considers back to snuff. There is a very very VERY slim chance that might change my mind.
I was never as a formally trained machinist the but given with how little equipment I started with and things I've have read, done, shown and seen (seen is YouTube and it has filled in the minute gaps of information missed in the first 3), I have learned it all can be easily done, it just comes down to mind set, approach, patience (toughest one) and the need you have to do it with what you have.
And this is what makes the difference between someone that just metal worker and not a machinist (developing into a master machinist). It comes down to try, learn and solve, no and ifs or buts!
As a result, I consider myself blessed that I learned how to think and do before I got the vast array of tools and equipment I have now.
I have a 7x Chinese lathe, my last steam engine build had a 6" flywheel and it was a challenge with my limited-size lathe and minimill.
I've been looking at other casting builds and some of them have 8" flywheels, another challenge that I'll embrace with gusto. I have 2 choices as regards the flywheel, machine on a rotary table, which I have yet to buy, not an ideal situation, or get the disc grinder out and give my lathe a non-replaceable bed gap
Actually, there's a third way, lift the headstock and tailstock. I lied, there's a fourth way, go out and buy a larger lathe, but where's the challenge in that?
I've been looking at other casting builds and some of them have 8" flywheels, another challenge that I'll embrace with gusto. I have 2 choices as regards the flywheel, machine on a rotary table, which I have yet to buy, not an ideal situation, or get the disc grinder out and give my lathe a non-replaceable bed gap
Actually, there's a third way, lift the headstock and tailstock. I lied, there's a fourth way, go out and buy a larger lathe, but where's the challenge in that?
I've done metalwork and had a variety of machinery and welders over the decades, but only bought my first lathe two months ago.
What did you get Colin? Tell us about it and your plans for it.
Former Member
Guest
Consider the largest dia you'll ever turn, add about 2-3", largest length add 6-8", largest Dia thru the spindle must have that. Finally how much space you can give up for the lathe. These are likely your biggest compromises in determining your needs.
Modern lathes have a smaller footprint than the older lathes allowing you to get a bigger lathe in the same area.
About a 25 year old Chinese 13x40 with no brand name. I see similar lathes labelled as Grizzly and Enco. It came pretty well equipped with tooling and measuring instruments.
I’m interested in making bicycle and wheelchair parts. It seems reasonably rigid. Photo is of its arrival. I’m in the orange jacket.
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Former Member
Guest
Fifth option flywheel mounted to the spindle on the mill cutter on the bed (vertical lathe).I have a 7x Chinese lathe, my last steam engine build had a 6" flywheel and it was a challenge with my limited-size lathe and minimill.
I've been looking at other casting builds and some of them have 8" flywheels, another challenge that I'll embrace with gusto. I have 2 choices as regards the flywheel, machine on a rotary table, which I have yet to buy, not an ideal situation, or get the disc grinder out and give my lathe a non-replaceable bed gap
Actually, there's a third way, lift the headstock and tailstock. I lied, there's a fourth way, go out and buy a larger lathe, but where's the challenge in that?
There's a 5th way. Ask one of the many members here if you can use their lathe or if they will turn the casting for you.I have a 7x Chinese lathe, my last steam engine build had a 6" flywheel and it was a challenge with my limited-size lathe and minimill.
I've been looking at other casting builds and some of them have 8" flywheels, another challenge that I'll embrace with gusto. I have 2 choices as regards the flywheel, machine on a rotary table, which I have yet to buy, not an ideal situation, or get the disc grinder out and give my lathe a non-replaceable bed gap
Actually, there's a third way, lift the headstock and tailstock. I lied, there's a fourth way, go out and buy a larger lathe, but where's the challenge in that?
Looks a lot like mine Colin. Except you are WAAAAY better looking!
and so is the horse next door.
Nice chunk of iron. I’m looking forward to seeing it set up and pictures of your first project.
BaitMaster
Super User
My equation was more like what I wanted in all those parameters divided by what I could afford, multiplied by 1 over what was available within a couple hours of me
Ironman
Ultra Member
But, What size lathe do you identify as?But, what size lathe do you identify with?
Fixed it for you
140mower
Don
This is not necessarily true, if you are willing to put some work into it, the drive can be mounted above or below. Above is easiest. I know you love carbide and cnc, but there's still the odd one (maybe just one) of us that thinks that a lineshaft is just the bees knees......
Former Member
Guest
Remember I started with a Logan 200 that I had for over 30 years which was 10 x 24.This is not necessarily true, if you are willing to put some work into it, the drive can be mounted above or below. Above is easiest. I know you love carbide and cnc, but there's still the odd one (maybe just one) of us that thinks that a lineshaft is just the bees knees......
The one dimension that surprised me the most was the length, a 36" bed lathe footprint is almost the same as 24" bed, this is primarily based on the catch tray.
I'm not knocking the old tech, just commenting on best bang for buck, you want to go old school (personally I think it actual teaches more about machining than modern equipment as it relies on skill vs not machine abilities).
CNC milling, yes! CNC lathe, depending on application (I am considering it at some point maybe).
Carbide, milling, yes! Lathe, inserts for 90-95% of the work even on old lathes, HS for quick specialized cutters for limited run, there is nothing quicker, fast and more cost effective (other than CNC and a vast array of cutters in initial investment).
I appreciate the old equipment, but admit (as I get older) I now love the conveniences new modern machines offer.
It’s still on blocks, while I make some wheels, shoulder bushings and a dolly. I’m just getting some paint on all of it now.Nice chunk of iron. I’m looking forward to seeing it set up and pictures of your first project.
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historicalarms
Ultra Member
as far as I can tell from the photo, that is the exact lathe I have. It was a "House of Tools" (now long defunct) offering under their house name of "Force International".
I have had mine for going on 30 yrs and have only had the forward/reverse switch give me any problems and that was when the machine was 6 months old.