Why do you have a lathe?

[sberry]

I like Larrys example on a bulldozer. This is a place that makes it worthwhile. The super cost of old or obsolete parts for old equipment can make it a no brainer. The bad news is you are broke down, the good news is it doesn't always cost much to fix.
I am not trying to talk anyone out of it but myself,,, ha.

 

[kazlx]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but I just think it's fun. Machining is relaxing to me. I love being out in the garage with the radio going making parts or whatever else I feel like. Good way to unwind.

 

[sberry]

I wanna see the pic of the mag brake.

 

[kazlx]

I wanna see the pic of the mag brake.

https://scontent-lax1-1.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11261736_10153305985969168_2055610834171195232_n.jpg?oh=2ceffed84abf1ab9abfa1962f1c83808&oe=562E54D3

 

[yaidunno]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but I just think it's fun. Machining is relaxing to me. I love being out in the garage with the radio going making parts or whatever else I feel like. Good way to unwind.

Your certainly not alone there

 

[Steve from Socal]

Larry G and a few others mentioned training; IMHO if you want to buy a lathe, learn how to use one FIRST. I am not talking about watching some guy on Youtube either. Find a JC or high school that offers night classes in manual machining. When you are learning a skill the way you learn it first is critical. Learning to do something wrong or incorrectly takes great effort to relearn and, could be dangerous or FATAL. You probbally won't kill yourself with a half horsepower belt drive lathe but, you could easily be eaten by a few HP geared lathe.

Honestly machine work is not for everyone, find out if you like it before you commit to investing time, money and, space to it.

That said, I have several lathes and milling machines. They are indispensable for my needs.

Steve

 

[Kevin54]

I've been a Tool Maker all my life practically. Once machining gets into your veins, you'll realize that you will always have a machine close at hand. Whether it be a mill or a lathe, it is something that you take to the grave with you. Machines to a machinist is the same as a paintbrush to an artist. To take a piece of metal that looks like nothing, and to make a complete useable part is a feeling like no other. it's not so much about just having something to use, but a lot of pride also goes into being able to make something yourself and to be able to use it after you are done. It may cost you three times as much as buying it off of the shelf, but the personal satisfaction of making it is like a drug. You have a fix, and you need another, so you grab another piece of metal and make something. and what you can make is endless. Just look at anything, and realize that when it was first made, it was a prototype made on a machine. It's all about parts!!!!!

 

[Shadowdog500]

One of the things that you almost never see brought up in threads like this is that the skill of the operator makes a huge difference in the usefulness of a machine tool. To be a good machine operator ( or for that matter truck driver, plumber, weldor, mechanic, or any tradesman) It takes learning and time. It also takes an interest to learn what to do. Ifyou buy a lathe or mill and expect to walk up to it and make parts your dreaming.

Sberry constantly is against machine tools, and that is OK. He functions perfectly with a welder and a drill. He is not going to take on jobs that don't fit his skills and equipment. Me I'm the 'hot glue gun' type of weldor, not my forte but I can usually make things stick together long enough to get out the door. Since I have the machines I will lean toward a machined solution instead of a welded solution.

If you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, Are you willing to put in the time learning how to operate the machine to get the most use out of it?

lg
no enat sig line

This applies to any tool. Not just a lathe. Most people have a hammer and saw in thier garage. That don't mean that they are competent using them.

Most of the trade schools or votec schools don't teach basic machining courses anymore, so that method if learning has all but dried up. Luckily some if the retired shop teachers like "mrpete" who is retired high school shop teacher, and "that lazy machinist" who is a retired university shop teacher, now present thier training material on thier YouTube channel. I believe that with a little practice a competent handy guy could spool up to speed to make passable parts for some jobs in short order. And within a few months to a year he would be able to make a tool or part as needed to acceptable tolerances for a lot of typical home garage level repairs.

Chris

 

[Shadowdog500]

Larry G and a few others mentioned training; IMHO if you want to buy a lathe, learn how to use one FIRST. I am not talking about watching some guy on Youtube either. Find a JC or high school that offers night classes in manual machining. When you are learning a skill the way you learn it first is critical. Learning to do something wrong or incorrectly takes great effort to relearn and, could be dangerous or FATAL. You probbally won't kill yourself with a half horsepower belt drive lathe but, you could easily be eaten by a few HP geared lathe.

Honestly machine work is not for everyone, find out if you like it before you commit to investing time, money and, space to it.

That said, I have several lathes and milling machines. They are indispensable for my needs.

Steve

Do they still teach basic machining courses on how to use a manual lathe and Mill near you? The schools I'm my area either discontinued machining courses all together or dive right into CNC since that is where the jobs are today.

I actually bid on the south Bends that came out of our local vocational school when they discontinued the program a few years ago.

Chris

 

[Steve from Socal]

There are manual machines at both the high school and JC here in Hutch, in L.A. I don't know anymore. The JC near my house in Woodland Hills still has manual machine, my not have a teacher for them? The high schools in the LAUSD still have some machines, again teachers may be the issue?

I really feel strongly about people getting hands on training in at least, basic shop and machine safety and, basic set up. Imagine somebody teaching themselves to fly watching videos!

Steve

 

[Guster]

My shaper, lathe and even the mill I reconditioned for my dad earlier this year, all came from schools in the area. At least the school workshop the mill came from was still practising and only got rid of the mill to fund a replacement because it was not running. It had been mostly used as a drill press with the vice bearing the scars as ablative armour from misuse. T-slots filled with sawdust rather than metal swarf and the table looked like it hadn’t moved in years. Only needed the overload switch on the motor replaced along with a thorough clean.

Very few colleges now teach machining and fabrication to students or the public as it used to. Public courses are down to art and crafts. Universities hardly ‘practice’ engineering and a local got rid of all their old CNC machines in favour of trendy rep-rap kits about 5 years ago. Manual machinery was limited to a drillpress from what I could see. I had the safety, use and care for machines drilled into me at school level. It is frightening to see how little of this is actually available in a structured format. This is not limited to metalworking either and I am sure many more table saws and jointers are sold compared to lathes each year. To me they are way more scary too.

I ran an introduction to machining session for some friends interested in getting into metalwork for a hobby. One instantly bought a lathe, mill and TIG welder before asking if I could teach him more. The other liked the idea of being self-sufficient but balked at the idea of how much was invested into it in time to learn and become proficient – it was not a turn it on and use it kind of tool like a dremel or a drill press. The other principle that put him off is that the machine only represents about 50% of the cost and tooling, measuring equipment and other ancillaries could easily exceed it depending on need. Unlike a drill-press that could sit in storage for a while without any damage, a lathe and mill also needs a little more looking after to make sure it does not rust or perish. This may also change your view on a workshop or garage as they take up space and storage which some find horribly inconvenient for some reason. However if it is something that agrees with you it becomes a mind-set and a way of life even and you start looking at problems and their solutions in a very different way. Which is probably at the core of GJ and what it promotes in sharing that enjoyment. I know where I will spend my spare time this weekend.

 

[justanengineer]

There are manual machines at both the high school and JC here in Hutch, in L.A. I don't know anymore.

Not sure what folks consider LA as I dont in any other city, but a few years ago I spent some time at Long Beach City College and they had students doing some really wild automotive machining projects. Definitely made me feel good to see it, wish I couldve gone there actually.

As for machine trades classes it depends largely on the area and the job market. Some areas simply dont have a ton of manufacturing, others have school staff that needs a good kick in the backside. If you have a decent engineering school nearby you might inquire there to start, usually if they dont have a decent program there is a community college nearby that does. I definitely concur with Larry and Steve, any trade or skill learned through a proper program will prevent bad habits from forming and lead to greater success. You'll also be much more rounded regarding things like basic design, material science, workholding, different approaches/methods of working, etc.

 

[zable9]

Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but I just think it's fun. Machining is relaxing to me. I love being out in the garage with the radio going making parts or whatever else I feel like. Good way to unwind.

Not alone....

 

[w33b8t1]

I would like a lathe, but I really don't know where people find this nice used units. Nor to I know what brands/models to look for.

 

[brownbagg]

i found mine in the back of an old auto part store that was selling out, they used it to turn brake rotors. dont know what year but i would think mid 40-50, its an atlas, got it free.

 

[justanengineer]

I would like a lathe, but I really don't know where people find this nice used units. Nor to I know what brands/models to look for.

My current one came from a school shop sealed bid auction that was listed in a 1"x2" ad in the local classifieds, a good deal bc hardly anybody saw the ad. By far, Ive had the best luck buying everything at auctions and estate sales, and believe Sheldons and vintage Clausings to be the most underpriced/underrated lathes that are also common.

Tony's lathes.co.uk site is one of the best references for vintage machine tools. His focus is on vintage machines, but most of the better, smaller machines have listings as well. I also highly recommend practicalmachinist but need to point out its a site for professionals with no talk of imported hobbyist machines allowed, read the rules and lurk awhile before posting to avoid common forum issues. There is a fine line to that site however and many small vintage hobbyist/benchtop-sized machines are freely discussed on PM bc they were once professional quality, and techniques/tips/tricks make it a gold mine of a site.
http://www.lathes.co.uk/page21.html
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb

 

[Jawn]

I also highly recommend practicalmachinist but need to point out its a site for professionals with no talk of imported hobbyist machines allowed, read the rules and lurk awhile before posting to avoid common forum issues.

That's a fine site, but as a hobbyist I find other sites more useful to be a member of. I like http://chaski.org/homemachinist/ , but I do occasionally read stuff on practicalmachinist when google searches send me that way. I just would not fit into their idea of membership qualifications with a 10" chinese bench lathe, asking beginner questions.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I like the hobby machinist forum. http://www.hobby-machinist.com

It has newbies all the way up to old pros. They even have a newbie section where you can ask basic machining questions without getting your head bitten off.

Check it out.

Chris

 

[sberry]

How much you have to cough up for the brake?

 

[dcmus]

homeshopmachinists is good also.

 

[dcmus]

Also madmodder, a Brtish group with loads of knowledge.

 

[gearhead1]

Like others have mentioned, there's needs and wants. It's a useful hobby for a lot of us. I got one to repair my own equipment to save money. But I also enjoy that kind of stuff.

I paid $800 for my LeBlond lathe, worth every penny. You can find a great deal, you just have to be patient and be willing to travel. For example I bought my Bridgeport from a guy outside of Cincinnati, OH. That's 10-12 hours from Raleigh, NC but worth the trip for an $800 American made mill.

The ends of the shift cables in my car broke. Both cables were a little over $300 from the dealer. The next time they broke, I machined nylon bushings on the lathe.

I repaired the tail stock on a wood lathe.

I made an adapter for the air cleaner on my Ramcharger. Previous owner had some rigged mess on it. I took a PVC drain flange from Lowe's and made it in about 15 minutes.

The list goes on and on. I thinks it's of value if you fix your own stuff. If I purchased every part I made, I'd have paid for the lathe. Now it wouldn't be worth it to me if I paid $3000 for the lathe, but I'm patient and waiting a couple years for the right deal doesn't bother me.

 

[kazlx]

How much you have to cough up for the brake?

$500. I jumped on it for that price. I also like that it has a very small footprint.

 

[Squankum]

Larry G and a few others mentioned training; IMHO if you want to buy a lathe, learn how to use one FIRST. I am not talking about watching some guy on Youtube either. Find a JC or high school that offers night classes in manual machining. When you are learning a skill the way you learn it first is critical. Learning to do something wrong or incorrectly takes great effort to relearn and, could be dangerous or FATAL. You probbally won't kill yourself with a half horsepower belt drive lathe but, you could easily be eaten by a few HP geared lathe.

I immediately thought of this silly, thankfully bloodless, video:

That's what I thought as well but there was a tapered dip about 12 inches long in the front side way that when I put a straight edge on had about a 3/16 gap.

After talking to the guy for a bit I found out that he had used the machine for over 20 years set up to do the production of one part so the machine was mostly in that one small area. He had his kids doing the work and he admitted that they were not always good about cleaning and oiling the ways.

I wonder what other advice from their Uncle Joe these kids ignored?

 

[kazlx]

I'm entirely self taught. Classes can't teach common sense. Classes can be helpful, but time constraints can be a pain. There have been a few classes I've wanted to take but can't commit to 2-3 days a week on top of a family and full time job. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

 

[600SL]

My last project was to make a funnel that actually fit my MB transmissions.

I got tired of trying to hold a funnel in place and pour 2 gallons of transmission fluid down the tiny MB orifice of a transmission dipstick tube.

And of course my V12 Benz has a completely different tube so it needs its own funnel.

There are no funnels in existence for these cars with more than a 1 pint capacity so I make my own.

 

[bubinga]

If ya gotta ask...you probably won't have much use for one.

That said, they are extremely versatile machines which come in handy for much more than simply turning out parts. If you don't have projects that justify owning one, it's likely just going to keep some extra weight on your floor for you. Not trying to deter you from picking one up, but it could be money better spent elsewhere for your needs.

careful as l am, sometimes l get carried away with the hammer a little and ****** up a shaft a little bit. Great for cleaning up the end of a shaft, or for polishing a shaft before pressing a bearing on, if it was real tight coming off say. Just general make a bushing or sleeve, for say a pulley, also I use it a lot to center drill things for a project. Like the tension adjustment for my bandsaw. Made the "t" nut for my quick change tool post on the lathe too.

 

[jar944]

To make things I cant buy









or fix things

 

[zmotorsports]

To make things I cant buy









or fix things

Nice work.

What kind and size of lathe? By the color I would guess a Grizzly but just curious.

Mike.

 

[jar944]

Nice work.

What kind and size of lathe? By the color I would guess a Grizzly but just curious.

Mike.

Its a HF 12x36. I picked it up in 2004 during a managers sale from my local store. I had wanted a lathe for a while and for the $1400 price I couldn't resist. It wasn't hard to come out ahead $ just doing jobs for myself I would normally farm out.

During my dro install.


My matching mill, I've been wanting a knee mill since not too long after I got it.

 

[Jawn]

My matching mill, I've been wanting a knee mill since not too long after I got it.

I have that mill too. Not great, but better than no mill!

 

[bubinga]

I have that mill too. Not great, but better than no mill!

what does that mill generally demand $$ wise, 2nd hand?

 

[Jawn]

Second hand, I don't know... but I caught it on sale and stacked a 25% off coupon to get it for $600 new. Of course I had to pay $100+ shipping/tax too.

 

[bubinga]

Second hand, I don't know... but I caught it on sale and stacked a 25% off coupon to get it for $600 new. Of course I had to pay $100+ shipping/tax too.

wow OK Thanks, maybe l will get lucky and find something small, used.
Thank You.

 

[bubinga]

thought I'd show this here too, wiper motor leadscrew feed I made for the 10" Logan.
Video is not very good.
Please don't ***** at me for poor video and shakiness.
I am not a pro.
I promised a better video, showing how l did it better, but did not get around to it.

 

[jar944]

I have that mill too. Not great, but better than no mill!

Certainly far better than not having one.

 

[zmotorsports]

Certainly far better than not having one.

Absolutely. I had a Smithy 3-in-1 machine for 17+ years and was able to do a lot of machining for my motorsports/racing with that little machine, even with its limitations.

With a small mill and/or lathe you would be surprised what can be accomplished. Sometimes you just have to take smaller cuts and think through things just a bit different than if working with a full-size machine.

Mike.

 

[Jawn]

Certainly far better than not having one.

Nice looking work!

 

[kazlx]

So I can make one of these, haha.

http://www.pocketartillery.com/

 

[kazlx]

With a small mill and/or lathe you would be surprised what can be accomplished. Sometimes you just have to take smaller cuts and think through things just a bit different than if working with a full-size machine.

Mike.

I've noticed on going from a smaller lathe to a bigger one, that with a small lathe, I was much more concerned about starting material size compared to finished dimensions.

As in, with my old lathe, I would buy material specifically for a project as close to size. With my new one, I can take big passes, so roughing out isn't as big of a chore...