I am planning on getting a new micro lathe.
The one used for several years...
...was good enough for making aluminum and Delrin parts, but besides being rather shoddilly manufactured from the beginning (off set spindle, wobbly top slide etc), inexperience made me abuse it in nasty ways. In an effort to center a work piece, delicate tapping with a hammer became frustrated bangs. The inability to part pieces lead to forceful use of a hacksaw while the material was still in the chuck. The top slide crashed into the chuck more than a few times too... which left the machine rather beat up.
The little machine taught me a lot and it was special to me, but when a friend took interest in it just before I was moving house, it was given away.
Most of you will probably recommend getting at least a 'mini' lathe, but I live in an apartment where space and sound is an issue, and will also be moving around during the next few years in similar situations regarding accommodation. A corner in the kitchen or living room is more likely than a workshop in the garage. A larger lathe will be considered after I settle down
Features I am looking for
- Small, compact and quiet
- Ability to cut both inch and metric threads
- Adjustable to slow RPMs (60-100)
- Optional milling attachment (intended for use as a drill press, and occasionally milling trit slots or flat sides for anti-roll)
@Mod parts will be for single cell lights like the Surefire E series, or just tailcaps or bezels for the C or M series.
A single cell light from scratch.. maybe?
********************************
There are not many machines to choose from, and the following is a small list of possible candidates I have come up with.
I would like to hear your opinions regarding them, as well as alternatives I have not come up with (besides getting a bigger machine!).
Proxxon PD230/E
http://proxxonusa.com/
The ability to change RPM (electronically, without changing belts) sounds very usefull. The optional milling attachment will save space as a drill press and minor milling jobs too.
I had a mini milling machine from the same manufacturer, but was not entirely happy with it (though I must admit that inexperience, again, may have given me higher hopes than can be expected from a small and reasonably priced low end machine).
Cowells 90ME
http://www.cowells.com/90me.htm
Pricy, but this British machine is just beautiful to look at. I want it badly but not sure if it is for my needs. Overkill? Convince me please
A used Unimat from ebay
There are several models, though I am not sure if they can cut threads.
Additional question
-Would it be possible to machine SS or Ti on such small lathes? These metals were out of the question on the old lathe, and though the ability is not a must, I am curious to experiment.
I understand the MM section is not as active as others on CPF (actually a blessing for me as I have given up following all of them), but any advice is appreciated. Will be on and off for the foreseeable future, but will be checking in when possible.
Thanks and Cheers!
The one used for several years...
...was good enough for making aluminum and Delrin parts, but besides being rather shoddilly manufactured from the beginning (off set spindle, wobbly top slide etc), inexperience made me abuse it in nasty ways. In an effort to center a work piece, delicate tapping with a hammer became frustrated bangs. The inability to part pieces lead to forceful use of a hacksaw while the material was still in the chuck. The top slide crashed into the chuck more than a few times too... which left the machine rather beat up.
The little machine taught me a lot and it was special to me, but when a friend took interest in it just before I was moving house, it was given away.
Most of you will probably recommend getting at least a 'mini' lathe, but I live in an apartment where space and sound is an issue, and will also be moving around during the next few years in similar situations regarding accommodation. A corner in the kitchen or living room is more likely than a workshop in the garage. A larger lathe will be considered after I settle down
Features I am looking for
- Small, compact and quiet
- Ability to cut both inch and metric threads
- Adjustable to slow RPMs (60-100)
- Optional milling attachment (intended for use as a drill press, and occasionally milling trit slots or flat sides for anti-roll)
@Mod parts will be for single cell lights like the Surefire E series, or just tailcaps or bezels for the C or M series.
A single cell light from scratch.. maybe?
********************************
There are not many machines to choose from, and the following is a small list of possible candidates I have come up with.
I would like to hear your opinions regarding them, as well as alternatives I have not come up with (besides getting a bigger machine!).
Proxxon PD230/E
http://proxxonusa.com/
The ability to change RPM (electronically, without changing belts) sounds very usefull. The optional milling attachment will save space as a drill press and minor milling jobs too.
I had a mini milling machine from the same manufacturer, but was not entirely happy with it (though I must admit that inexperience, again, may have given me higher hopes than can be expected from a small and reasonably priced low end machine).
Cowells 90ME
http://www.cowells.com/90me.htm
Pricy, but this British machine is just beautiful to look at. I want it badly but not sure if it is for my needs. Overkill? Convince me please
A used Unimat from ebay
There are several models, though I am not sure if they can cut threads.
Additional question
-Would it be possible to machine SS or Ti on such small lathes? These metals were out of the question on the old lathe, and though the ability is not a must, I am curious to experiment.
I understand the MM section is not as active as others on CPF (actually a blessing for me as I have given up following all of them), but any advice is appreciated. Will be on and off for the foreseeable future, but will be checking in when possible.
Thanks and Cheers!
