Look what I learned to do today….
My lathe has been dead for several months. Had a switch and fuse holder break and I repaired them. Of course the damn thing did not work after that and I am totally ignorant about electronics. So I let it sit and since wife is on vacation to relatives I thought I would give it a try and figuring out what the matter was.
I got on littlemachineshop.com website and downloaded their minilathe guide. I checked the switch and fuse holder and they were fine. I checked continuity on all the wires and they were fine. I thought crap…something is shot on the board. I then notice that one connector from the motor to the switch whille attached and did seem a little loose. I took it off and gave it a squeeze with some pliers and viola…the damn thing started right up. I hate electronics because I am totally clueless….lol
So I got out my Jose Rodriquez DVD on how to thread and had a go at it. I have to say his explanation is a good one…while boring very educational. And it made the task of threading on a lathe a lot less scarier. I do have to say the ability to use the reverse switch on the mini lathe made the task a lot easier. Set the threading dial once and the use the switch instead of constantly having to engage the dial. Well here is my first attempt. I made it for the same thread of the talon valve.
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Dave
My plate is full at the moment Dave with the holiday and other projects. Sorry.
Hey, Adam, would you be interested in a small machining project :-)? I need a couple of custom adapters, Talon valve on one end, 1/4″ female pipe thread on the other, although I can make it work with male pipe thread if that would be easier. Don’t need a large through hole, 1/16″ would be plenty, but the material needs to be able to handle 4500 psi, so either heavy wall brass or steel would be my preference. If you’re interested and/or need more details, let me know a price. Thanks!
Dave
Bod,
Get the biggest lathe you can afford and are able to move and have room for.
My minilathe can turn down a Talon barrel no problem. It has a variable speed, reverse, automatic feed. Quick release tool post holder, quick release tailstock. I plane on exteding it out with a 14″ bed.
This minilathe is ideal for small project and I got it originally to make fly rod components such as nickel ferrules and reels seat hardware. Somethings it can not do, but it can do many others.
If I would do it again I would get the micromark version with metal gears and other improvements standard.
They are expensive, and as far as i can tell going to be a little tricky to learn. I’m considering a Community tech college for some classes. Another thing to consider is which one to get?? If your going to invest in a lathe it might as well be one you can turn a barrel down on as well, right?
WOK can you turn a barrel on yours? What is a good size, brand of lathe to start looking at? Can you turn barrels on yours? Or what would be your advice on a first time lathe purchase? I’ve got a couple thousand tied up in contracting eqiupment, then again after the wife is done with nursing school i might go back in business for myself again?? Just hate to see the equipment sitting there.
cool. I need to buy a lathe. They are WAY too expensive though.
Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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I hear that! No problem, just keep me in mind when/if things ever settle down :-). Later.
Dave