home-made lathe

[RonParticipant @ron13902]

Not sure if this is the correct page at all to put this on as I am fairly new here. If not, please let me know. Anyway, here goes.

If anyone out there is interested in making their own lathe, then I would like to suggest you go to google.co.uk. Type in http://www.lathes.co.uk  and on the main page of this site, scroll down to "f’only" (you should find a list of lathes in alphabetical order). Click on this and you will find full instructions on how to make your own lathe. I am in the process of making one and do not think it is to hard to make, though I do have to admit to working in a machine shop. What you will need are some flat, solid  bits of wood – I have found pine to be best – bits of old MDF, some scrap metal (if you know of a local machine shop, try them, {not me!}  they are usually helpful) a Dremmel – or similar – drill, screw, nuts and bolts from diy store – patience and trial and error and eventually you will have a reasonably accurate and handy little lathe! The plans for it are in the public domain and it makes it clear that anyone can use them so no copyright involved. The longer you take making it,  the more accurate it will be. There are also plans for a drill which works on the same method. i,e., wood etc.  By the way, "f’only" stands for – "if only" I had a lathe! Clever people in more ways then one out there! Anyone starts to make one, please let me/us know how you get on.

Ron.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Ron

Two years ago I constructed a simple lathe using a sewing machine motor and 1/2" drill chuck, the advantage of the sewing machine motor is that it has a variable speed foot pedal thus leaving both hands free.

It works very well on timber and non-ferrous metals.  Its not a patch on a Myford but it does the job for me.

Paul

[Ron Haughty 2Participant @ronhaughty2]

Hello Paul,

 The motor sounds a good idea, what with the hands-free pedal,  as the lathe was designed for 4m/m scale railway modellers. For me, chucks are not a problem as I work in an engineering company and can get at a low (ish) rate. I also have a Pultra lathe which I am in the process of "doing-up", and which came with four or five 3/8" chucks on a mini capstan head. I managed to wrangle this from a previous place of employment on a permanent basis!.

Well worth the couple of pints paid!!

Ron.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Ron

Definitely drink to that…………….what a good deal.

Paul 

[RonParticipant @ron13902]

Hello again Paul,

 Regards the "couple of pints" lathe.  I have within the past few days,  been looking on the web for spare parts for the Pultra lathe – and for just one of the parts that I already have, the going price to sell – second-hand – is £240. Another part, a riser, is going for £65. I am having one made at work at the moment.  I really believe I am sort of smelling of roses!!

I think I have got away with a little bit of a bargain!….….If they had a picture of a Cheshire cat here, I think I would definately beat it’s smile!

 Ron.

[RonParticipant @ron13902]

wooden lathe

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