- Joined
- Oct 21, 2020
- Messages
- 7
Outstanding, that the information I was looking for. So pretty much it's a complete rebuild. Judging by the cost, would it be best to upgrade to a 8x 250# or more rig? I'm afraid the same amount of work would have to be done to it as well. Bringing the overall cost up along with it. I don't need a huge machine and 3/4 spindle bore is fine. I don't plan on turning anything more than 2.25" dia and 10" overall which can be done on a 16" bed. Call me crazy but I like 4 jaws. Just how I was taught. Yea it takes a little longer but you can do alot more with them.On the Lathe, add up the cost of:
Brass Gibs, Longer cross travel Saddle (black DRO version), offset compound (for less chatter), LMS DRO kit, Longer 16 inch bed kit, cam-lock tail stock, Steel gear set for feed screw, steel gear set for the Headstock, tapered bearing set for the headstock, OXA Quick Change Tool Post, Saddle lock, Saddle Stop, 4 inch 3-Jaw Chuck, etc.
The existing 3 Jaw chuck which comes with your lathe can only open up about 1.15 inches with the inside jaws. If you put on the outside jaws, it will open up 2.75 inches. You may wish to put a larger outer diameter in your lathe than 2.75 inches. You may wish to chuck up something larger than 1.15 inches without swapping the jaws. The extended saddle will allow you to move your tool one inch further from the center line, which helps with some cuts on larger items. The brass gibs, tapered bearings, and offset compound all work together to give you less chatter. The OXA post makes tool change a breeze. Set the height once on a tool, and never have to touch it again (as long as you leave it in the same tool holder). Replace the plastic gears in the headstock for greater reliability. Replace the plastic feed screw gears with steel gears for better reliability. The saddle lock is great for when you are doing facing cuts, and you don't want to have to put the feed transmission in neutral (and engage the feed screw handle), to lock the position of the saddle. The saddle stop allows you to hit the exact same "facing" mark with great accuracy.
If you are into neatness, LMS sells a cover for the lathe, as well as steel wheels to replace the black plastic ones.
If you do nothing else, the OXA post is a good choice. it accepts tools up to 12mm or 1/2 inch in diameter.
What is your take on a motor upgrade or possible VS auto feed?