Now I need to get the rest of the tools needed to use this correctly and learn how to use it safely.
I think this will be a good complement to my blacksmithing as well as allowing me to make some custom parts for a wide variety of my other hobbies: aquaponics, woodworking, electronics, computer mods, and so on.
And of course, the idea of converting it into a CNC is in the back of my mind.
A friend gave me a UNiMAT mini lathe. He rescued it from the trash.
About to cut a bevel on the inside and cut down the outside so I can stack 2 different sizes and make a funnel out of PVC for my aquaponics bell siphon.
I tried the ‘sharpen a pencil on a lathe’ trick. I needed to use a different tool than what came with the lathe though.
I bit of a mess… PVC and wood shavings.
I want to hang this roll of craft paper under the table, so I am making spindles that fit inside and let it roll off.
Stuff you'll probably want to start out with. I'll put up Harbor Freight examples, but you might find cheaper sources online.
6" digital caliper. Not as accurate as, say, a micrometer, but much more flexible and useful. This one goes on sale regularly for $15.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html
HSS cutting blanks. You can try some of that silicon steel, but I don't know if it'll hold an edge. Look into tool grinding online.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metalworking-lathe-replacement-blades-40088.html
Dial indicator and support structure. You'll need this for centering round parts on that 4 jaw chuck, and checking your machine for bad bearings or assemblies.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-travel-machinists-dial-indicator-623.html
There's tons more, of course, but that will get you the basics of tooling and measuring.
Stuff you'll probably want to start out with. I'll put up Harbor Freight examples, but you might find cheaper sources online.
6" digital caliper. Not as accurate as, say, a micrometer, but much more flexible and useful. This one goes on sale regularly for $15.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html
HSS cutting blanks. You can try some of that silicon steel, but I don't know if it'll hold an edge. Look into tool grinding online.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metalworking-lathe-replacement-blades-40088.html
Dial indicator and support structure. You'll need this for centering round parts on that 4 jaw chuck, and checking your machine for bad bearings or assemblies.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-travel-machinists-dial-indicator-623.html
There's tons more, of course, but that will get you the basics of tooling and measuring.
On my shopping list. I may need to rig some parts up though… until I can buy the commercial units.
On my shopping list. I may need to rig some parts up though… until I can buy the commercial units.
hmmmm… cant say which would be better first. Watch the sales
hmmmm… cant say which would be better first. Watch the sales
I really want a lathe like that one. Probably a might get one latter on.
I think that Harbor Freight is the best placed to get calipers and micrometers at a great price. You may also want to check on ebay. There is a fellow in NY that sells used instruments on ebay. And he has a lot of good stuff.
I really want a lathe like that one. Probably a might get one latter on.
I think that Harbor Freight is the best placed to get calipers and micrometers at a great price. You may also want to check on ebay. There is a fellow in NY that sells used instruments on ebay. And he has a lot of good stuff.
The company I work for makes some of the best micrometers and calipers… I just can't figure out an easy way to get my hands on them with an employee discount!
The company I work for makes some of the best micrometers and calipers… I just can't figure out an easy way to get my hands on them with an employee discount!
I have one of those, too, but just a wee bit newer. Just went through it and repainted it as well. I bought mine new in 1973, but PLEASE clean off the rust!! it looks nasty on there! The little SL 100 is a good machine, It can do many things and I am finding more places to obtain parts and accessories. I have found a chat room that is for these machines as well. Plenty of good information and ideas there.