As a lad I was taught to operate lathes at school. We had a couple of Colchester 2000's and a bunch of Myfords. Now I'm getting on a bit I decided to get one of my own. I couldn't afford a 'real' lathe, nor do I have the space so I opted for a Chinese mini-lathe. It's not really a precision item and it took a few days to set it up correctly as it seems to have been assembled in a very basic way. Nothing was missing but it wasn't really useable until it was properly tightened and adjusted. Now that's done it works well and will do everything I need it to do. This is the model I purchased - a Crexex 8 X 16, meaning max dia 8 inches with a 16 inch bed. There are loads of different makes (all virtually identical) and they all conform to the same basic format. The only thing this model doesn't have is an automatic cross feed but apart from that it's as competent little lathe. I believe you can retro fit one but we'll see about that when I've got the
I used to have one of these colin it was a great little machine for doing small brass lamp bits really opens your scope for making lamp parts. Thing is the lathe is just the first bit then its all the tools you collect You can manage without power crossfeed my ML7R doesnt even have it but i dont find it a problem Cheers pete
To be honest, I've already created a couple of brass lantern parts but I'll post about those at a later date. I also altered a couple of sink taps that needed updating. The conversion kit that came with the new tap heads included a brass extension ring that was too long so I turned it down on the lathe and soldered it into place - very satisfying! I'm sure I'll find a load more little jobs for it over time. If you're thinking of getting into lathes, one of these is a reasonable place to start but check out prices and which accessories come with it. There are some great deals to be had and also some over inflated prices so you need to shop around.
Absolutely right Pete, but Christmas is coming up soon so my family are probably going to get me some bits and bobs. Rolling centre and knurling tool are certainly on the list and a precision gauge will be a necessity quite soon!
I bought one 17 years ago - a Chinese one badged Hyundai of all things. I think the same as the C3. It has been very useful but it was a struggle remembering all those things I was taught at college even longer ago. Be prepared - you will find no end of gadgets that you will need for it now
With a mini lathe at hand, it should now be convenient to make jets or gas tips that you can't easily buy. Or maybe even entire generators/vaporizers. Working with micro drill bits is another matter though. Colin beware, you might eventually end up having a full-scale machine shop at home . I'm aware that you already have a pretty comprehensive range of taps and dies collection.
You are quite right Myn. I started collecting engineering tools because I kept needing to chase or resurrect obscure threads on Coleman, Tilley and various other lanterns so I set about collecting as many as I could. The only thread types I don't have are British Standard Pipe (or the US pipe threads) because they're too expensive, don't come it convenient sets and they don't get used on many lanterns or stoves as far as I know. Now I've got lathe I can start collecting a whole range of tools which will be great fun!
BTW, the name of my lathe is actually a Crenex but there are lots of identical lathes, only the names change.
