This is my first post. I'm impressed by the amount of knowledge on access. Thanks to all who contribute.
I recently started yoyoing at age 55 and am quite taken with modern yoyos. They've changed a great deal since the Duncan Butterfly I had as a kid. I'd like to try some designs of my own and want to buy the proper machines to get started. These would be prototypes not production runs. The two images below are typical of the things I'd be working on. Materials are plastics, aluminum, brass and stainless. The silver rings in the lower photo are steel added near the rim to increase the rim weight. Outside diameter ranges from 1-1/8" to 2-1/2". The width of individual halves would be from 1/2" to 1-1/4". The two halves are joined by a threaded axel and a ball bearing is seated between the halves.
My questions are about what machines to acquire. Lathe: micro (Sherline? Taig?), mini (LMS or other?), benchtop (PM or other) or vintage American iron (SB or other?).
If a micro lathe is up to the task that would be fine. If it turns out I find tons of other applications and need a bigger machine I can get that down the road. If I'm going to be frustrated with the process or results because a micro is under equipped in power or rigidity I'd rather buy bigger up front. I've got floor space but I don't want a large machine taking up space if a quality small machine is good for this application. Most of times I've wished for a lathe and or mill in recent years have been for similar sized operations for anything from model planes and trains to my long board skateboards.
Any suggestions on whether or not I should also get a mill at the start and if so specific recommendations are very welcome.
Another general question. Are quality smaller tools better suited than a larger tool for small projects? I could imagine a point where the bulk of the machine would be a deterrent when making small parts. I assume jewelers lathes came about for a reason.
Thanks in advance for your patience with the questions and for any guidance.
Take care,
Brent
I recently started yoyoing at age 55 and am quite taken with modern yoyos. They've changed a great deal since the Duncan Butterfly I had as a kid. I'd like to try some designs of my own and want to buy the proper machines to get started. These would be prototypes not production runs. The two images below are typical of the things I'd be working on. Materials are plastics, aluminum, brass and stainless. The silver rings in the lower photo are steel added near the rim to increase the rim weight. Outside diameter ranges from 1-1/8" to 2-1/2". The width of individual halves would be from 1/2" to 1-1/4". The two halves are joined by a threaded axel and a ball bearing is seated between the halves.
My questions are about what machines to acquire. Lathe: micro (Sherline? Taig?), mini (LMS or other?), benchtop (PM or other) or vintage American iron (SB or other?).
If a micro lathe is up to the task that would be fine. If it turns out I find tons of other applications and need a bigger machine I can get that down the road. If I'm going to be frustrated with the process or results because a micro is under equipped in power or rigidity I'd rather buy bigger up front. I've got floor space but I don't want a large machine taking up space if a quality small machine is good for this application. Most of times I've wished for a lathe and or mill in recent years have been for similar sized operations for anything from model planes and trains to my long board skateboards.
Any suggestions on whether or not I should also get a mill at the start and if so specific recommendations are very welcome.
Another general question. Are quality smaller tools better suited than a larger tool for small projects? I could imagine a point where the bulk of the machine would be a deterrent when making small parts. I assume jewelers lathes came about for a reason.
Thanks in advance for your patience with the questions and for any guidance.
Take care,
Brent