Recommendations for home shop metal lathe

- R
- rich brenz
  
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posted
19 years ago

Wed, Mar 30, 2005 1:55 PM

I'm not an experienced machinist.(But I learn quickly!) I'd appreciate input re: a good lathe for home DIY'ers like me. I'd like to be able to turn aluminum,brass,mild steel and 3-4 inch maximum diameters. I want to be able to make threaded adapters for telescope equipment(standard and metric). I'd appreciate input re: tools and add-ons that would be useful. I've been to the library and researched the topic already, so please don't refer me there. I'd like the advise of others who actually USE(and not just write books about...) metal lathes. Oh yeah, this lathe will be in my basement and has to fit through a standard doorway without major disassembly. Price estimates would help. Thanks.

Rich Brenz

- C
- Charles A. Sherwood
  
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posted
19 years ago

Wed, Mar 30, 2005 3:57 PM

It is possible to move pretty big lathes to the basement if you are willing to take the machine apart and reassemble it. We have done this with 12 inch clausings and 11 inch rockwells. Both of these machines are nice metal lathes in the 1000 lb range. There is a wonderful web site at

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if you want to see what they look like.

If you insite on small enough to hand carry, I have a nice Myford super 7 this is going on ebay soon.

chuck

- G
- Gunner
  
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posted
19 years ago

Wed, Mar 30, 2005 4:26 PM

For good old American Iron, its hard to beat a clean Logan 11" lathe for this sort of work. 5c collet, big enough to actually do work, parts are available. can be broken down easily for a single person to move, etc etc.

and they are readily available.

Gunner

Lathe Dementia. Recognized as one of the major sub-strains of the all-consuming virus, Packratitis. Usual symptoms easily recognized and normally is contracted for life. Can be very contagious. michael

- P
- Pete & sheri
  
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posted
19 years ago

Wed, Mar 30, 2005 6:14 PM

I have seen telescopes bigger than 3 to 4 inches in diameter. The second project that comes along after you get the lathe is always a little bigger than you lathe anyway! Get the biggest lathe that you can possible get through the door. Even if it means hiring riggers to get it down there. You only have to go through that process once. More weight generally means more stability. If you get a light duty lathe, everything is "springier" and it is harder to take accurate cuts without cussing.

Pete Stanaitis

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rich brenz wrote: