Mini lathe (and mill) discussion.

[Stevendavis]

Nice upgrade!

 

[Rcflyer60]

I have a HF 9"X19" lathe and a cheap Grizzley mill/drill. I wish the lathe had cross feed but you need to get into a $2000 machine for cross feed. For the hobby both machines can do whatever I need. There are some nice machines on Craig's list, at least in my area.

Tony,
Do you still have the Harbor Freight Lathe?How is it holding up?
Thanks,Tony

 

[TonyHallo]

It's holding up just fine. I have added power cross feed.
Cross Feed

 

[TonyHallo]

Quick up date on the mill. Adding 3 axis DRO and power feed on the x axis. Purchased the DRO from Vevor, $180 includes the display and scales along with the R8 collet holder . I have the X and Y axis scales installed and waiting for aluminum to finish off the Z axis. The scales supplied are plenty long and I cut them to the application.
The cross feed will be just like the old mill, Dodge wiper motor and 12 volt supply.
Ordered new tooling, R8 collets and R8/ER32 collet holder. Cleaned the 40 year old grease out of the bearings and repacked/replaced as necessary. Not much getting done on the Cherokee!
Tomorrow I'm going with an old friend to pick up the 9" South Bend lathe from the same person I got the mill.

 

[Stevendavis]

Doing quite the upgrade Tony!

I also haven't made any progress on my Cub, due to distraction! I've added an RPM kit, a chip plate, and a QCTP to the lathe. I've been learning a lot as well. This mini lathe seems to like about 1000 rpm on aluminum. My first project was a new shorter spindle, using the auto feed, for the dial indicator. I can see that I'm going to need a lot of mounting options, for the dial indicator, for different projects.

I'm trying to figure out a way to hammer in my mind, to always remove the chuck key and never leave it in the chuck!! I've found it in the chuck once or twice and that's not good. Any ideas??

 

[TonyHallo]

I keep my keys and live centers mounted on the lathe back splash, as for speed I use the 400 rpm for most applications. Leave the key ther once and start the lathe, you will not forget again! I see your lathe is Vevor brand, just found them recently.

 

[Stevendavis]

Yea, it has limited options on it, but I figured it would be a good entry for me. Kind of wish I would have bought one with a gear selector and threader feed now. I'm looking at littlemachineshop.com for optional add on parts for this one. Maybe even a standard lead screw? I'm going to have to make a tool shelf for the back splash now, for the tooling. I like your system!

 

[TonyHallo]

Don't get too hung upon threading, for the type of work we do you can just use a die. I single pointed one thread on my lathe in the past 16+ years!

 

[dhal22]

Great stuff guys. I'm still trying to find time to drive and pick up this mill. Owner is being very patient.

Waay too big but not much more money than a good bench top mill, especially with inflation.

 

[Stevendavis]

Thanks Tony.

David,
That mill is insane!!