PM Research Mini Engine Lathe Build

[Stevendavis]

I think this is a good place to post this project. It is going to be a learning experience for me mostly. I don't have much experience in fabrication, so this project should expand my horizons. It's a mini engine lathe kit from PM Research, and they have a lot of other small kits to choose from, if anyone is interested, and they are made in the good old USA. I'm going to use videos from Joe Pie to try and get through this build with minimal failures, I hope!

 

[Stevendavis]

A couple pics of the handwheels for the carrage and cross slide. I spent a lot of time with these little pieces so far.

 

[Stevendavis]

Last night I got the handles made, from the supplied 1/8" brass round stock. The first one blew up, but I think I got the hang of turning small stock down a bit better over the process. The kit suplied enough to make 4 of these, but only requires 3, so I was in luck! I don't yet have any form tools, or blanks to make some, so I freehanded these and I think they are good enough for a kindergartener!

 

[Stevendavis]

Did some work on the other carrage wheel.

 

[TonyHallo]

Nice work Steven.
On these hobby lathes you will find it difficult to use form tools due to chatter, you are better off doing it off hand and filing to the final shape. At least that's has been my experience.

 

[Stevendavis]

Thanks Tony!
I'm learning that these small parts also don't have mutch tolerance for any kind of pressure. I've got to be a bit gentle with them. I can see where form tooling could be an issue for smaller parts, as well as regidity and power on these small machines for the larger parts. Thanks for the heads up! I'm going through the chatter growing pains as I go, especially with parting tools, and am learning to keep the tools sharp and on center, and lock down as much as possible! Been having some fun with it as well. Hope your feeling better!

 

[dhal22]

What engine and servos will you use here Steve ?

 

[Stevendavis]

What engine and servos will you use here Steve ?

Thinking of going electric with this one!

 

[Stevendavis]

Spent aoubt an hour last night setting up the mill to get one hole drilled. It's a little guy.

 

[TonyHallo]

Steven,
In regards to rigidity, two of the best mods are a solid 4 bolt tool pot holder and tapered gibs on the carriage. I did the 4 bolt tool post holder as soon as I got the lathe and just recently di the gib mod. It was shown in the August edition of the "The Home Shop Machinist" for the 7" lathe, using the same concepts for my 9" lathe. Before I could pick the carriage up several thousands, now zero.