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What should one get with a mini lathe
- Thread starter Hokie_PhD
- Start date
I agree but until I build the shop building I have to start with a mini lathe.
Plus I think a mini lathe is a good place to learn some basics. And it seems that all of the "fixes", hacks, upgrades, and such for the mini lathe seem like a good way to learn some skills.
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2020
- Messages
- 9
Get the lathe first, determine what will fit the lathe, then:
3 jaw chuck, if it doesn't come with one
4 jaw chuck, if you can only have one chuck, it should be a 4 jaw.
Dial indicator with a magnetic base, Noga is good
Quick change tool post and half a dozen tool holders
Chip brushes
Way oil
Spindle oil
A good light for over top of the lathe
Sturdy bench to mount the lathe to
Some high speed tool steel cutting bit
High speed tool steel parting blade
And the list goes on....
3 jaw chuck, if it doesn't come with one
4 jaw chuck, if you can only have one chuck, it should be a 4 jaw.
Dial indicator with a magnetic base, Noga is good
Quick change tool post and half a dozen tool holders
Chip brushes
Way oil
Spindle oil
A good light for over top of the lathe
Sturdy bench to mount the lathe to
Some high speed tool steel cutting bit
High speed tool steel parting blade
And the list goes on....
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2018
- Messages
- 6,551
You're right, the principles and operations are the same. And if you fall into turning fountain pens (I'm serious, it's a big sub-group) you'll be set. As for me, I'm dying to move up to a 14-16" lathe, mostly because I don't have room for a bed over 40".
Thanks these are the basics that I figured. So it's nice to confirm what I'm thinking.
I know I won't be making pens. But the more videos I watch, and the more I think about things I do and like, the more I can think of how a lathe and mill would be so handy.
Plus they're two of the few tools I don't have. (I have a pretty good assortment of mechanics and carpentry/woodworking tools).
Great list! It took me a while to accumulate this stuff. I still don't have a 3 jaw (but I don't have any hex stock in the rack). A chip brush or two is worth its weight in gold, especially for those who like to brush chips away while the lathe is running. Do not feel the surface finish while the part is still turning. If it is rough, you can touch it with some sandpaper AFTER removing it from the lathe. Filing and sanding on a rotating part is a more advanced skill that will come later. Too much chance for mishap at the beginning.
Do you recommend a decent brand/supplier of files?
I know file prices and quality are all over the place. So I have no clue as to what is good and what is junk. Worse, I have no idea what is a good value prosumer grade file at a reasonable price. So any recommendations are very much appreciated as I'm frustrated spending money on files and getting junk.
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2019
- Messages
- 106
Way back when I was in trade school when we first learned the lathe our tool kit consisted of a layout dye, a 6" scale, combination square, hermaphordite caliber, a scribe, fish tail (60 degree thread gauge), and a 0 to 1' micrometer. Our first half dozen or so projects only required that minimal tool set. As we progressed we added things like a dial indicator and magnetic stand, depth micrometer or vernier caliper. small hole and telescoping gauges, radius gauges, etc. Point being is you don't need a box full of tools to make some beginner projects like screw jacks, a hammer, a tap follower, etc.