BS: Mini Lathe

Subject: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 04:25 PM

I bought a mini lathe a few weeks ago and am wondering if anyone else here has one.

I'm not really sure yet what I want to do with it, it's more a matter of interest and finding out what I can do with it (which so far has been a crude aluminium "holder" to take a Parker pen refill", I 1" dia brass pot with lid for Pip and a piece to connect a dial gauge to a magnetic base thing I bought).

While at one time I could set (well change tooling, profiles and set stops...) turret (Herbert Auto Juniors) lathes and set copy lathes (one was called a Gallicop), I've no experience at all at centre lathe turning so it's all new to me.

It's obviously very "light weight" but it seems to me that with patience, one could do a fair bit with it and at the moment, it seems like fun.

One thing I'm finding already though is even starting off, it doesn't stop at just the lathe. It did come with brazed 5 carbide tools but I've already invested in a couple of indexable tools and have found these so much better than the "get you started" tools that I'm going to invest in a set. Then there's a 4 jaw independent chuck, I'd like a tailstock die holder, etc. I'll probably wind up spending as much on other bits as I did on the lathe.

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 04:28 PM

Jon, may I ask what you paid for this? I am considering something like this for my work on uilleann pipes. I have been watching for a Mylford, but this is interesting.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 04:34 PM

£360 + VAT. You would probably find them for the same in dollars your side of the pond.

I'll have to leave it to others to advise but my own feeling is very much that if you can afford it, go for the Myford!

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 04:39 PM

I should add, there are a whole range of Chinese imports available over here. here is a link to the Lathe page of the company I got mine from.

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: gnu
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 04:41 PM

I have a Ryobi 18" that I used for simple stuff like bodhran tippers. That is truly "mini" at 12" but it looks impressive.

I tried to flog mine at 50% of retail but there are few people in the market for a mini so I'll let it take up space for a while yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 05:34 PM

I do a bit of wood turning, courtesy of Bill Sables, who gave me lessons. he's the guy to talk to about that sort of thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 05:48 PM

Is that on a wood or metal lathe John or both? (I have read that some the hard woods like ebony can turn well on a metal lathe).

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 08:49 PM

I have both a mid-size Myford lathe (11 1/2" throw) and a 'small' lathe (8" throw). I always wanted a mini, but I can do 98% of what a mini can do. It's just that a mini fits in such a small space.

Yes, you can turn hard woods on a metal lathe...or on any small lathe. In many ways, hard woods are easier to turn than soft woods, in that they are more stable and cut cleanly and are easier to sand (generally). Ebony can be very nasty, as it is like turning pure carbon...black dust and such--wear a mask!

In England, I'd try to get some Yew or Boxwood to play with....both pretty hard and attractive.

If you are going to turn stuff other than between centers, get all the chucks and faceplates you can afford.

(I've been turning for 22 1/2 years...I do 4-5 craft shows a year. Always willing to share info on lathes, tools, wood...etc.)

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 08:54 PM

In England... the source for wood turning supplies

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,MarkS(on the road)
Date: 14 Jul 11 - 10:59 PM

Jon
Hope you got one with a decent throw. Long swing is great but for real versatility you need to be able to handle good diameters. Then you can start turning out banjos.
Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 05:41 AM

Only 180mm/7" swing over bed on this one, Mark.

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 05:44 AM

(that is 7" max dia).

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Jul 11 - 06:57 AM

Aww, no banjos, I am distraught.







:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Mini Lathe
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Jul 11 - 12:35 PM

There is a lot one can do with 7"/180mm...(no smart remarks, please ;>) )I regularly turn lidded vessels between ¾" and 3"....and have made many, many pens.