Mini metal lathes

[spikec]

Seeing the precision metal work that some of you guys do arund here has inspired me to buy a lathe  to mess around with. Way back in high school  I used to really enjoy turning metal rods into screwdrivers and such, not that I was any good at it. While I can't justify the cost of a full-up industrial lathe, I was wondering if any of you guys mess around with those mini lathes, and if so, what model you would recommend to get started. Thanks.

 

[WackBag]

I have this model and love it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93212
It is well made and works well.  There is a website dedicated to these units and can give you complete details.  Here it is:  http://www.mini-lathe.com/
I turn all my heatsinks as well as build other small projects...lots of fun.  I also have the mini-mill machine but don't use it quite as much.

This one is a good deal and has a 50% longer bed. http://www.toolsnow.com/browse.cfm/4,876.htm

 

[TheMonk]

This is the one I have, I am very happy with it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93212

 

[WackBag]

This is the one I have, I am very happy with it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93212

HaHa I beat ya to it ;D ;D JK...it is a cool little machine. Everytime I use it I'm amazed at its quality and versatility for the price.

 

[spikec]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the HF one.

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

I've had mine for 3 years PLUS the mini vertical milling machine!!!

Don't you love to combine hobbies?

Mike

 

[TheMonk]

I got a 15% off coupon you may want to use.

 

[rog8811]

Can I suggest you have a look on ebay? I managed to get a Sieg c6 with stand, shop soiled (customer return) for less than half list price........ I work on the princple that you can do small stuff on a big lathe but cannot do big stuff on a small lathe

Regards rog8811

 

[Hammond]

I have the Micro Mark version of the chinese mini lathe, It is very handy for the little metal projects I enjoy. Tooling, information and accessories abound on the net.

Check out littlemachineshop.com for a good introduction.

 

[Dark_Horse]

I have an older version of the "Unimat". This lathe is generally even lighter-duty than than the others listed above. I use it mainly for deburring, and simple operation in plastics. It does however convert into a small milling-machine.
I do most of my machining on a "LeBlode" that weighs more than an SUV. Still the unimat is fun.
From what I have seen, the Harbor-Frieght tool is a pretty good value. The Monk's heatsinks are a testament to it's ability to make nice heastinks.
DH

 

[spikec]

Thanks Monk. I'll probably have to wait till after Christmas to buy this - 4 greedy teens who still believe in Santa Claus

 

[Xplorer877]

$400 for a lathe is a good price but if all I'm gonna make is MXDL heatsinks I don't think so. Lol!!! ;D

 

[lasersbee]

$400 for a lathe is a good price but if all I'm gonna make is MXDL heatsinks I don't think so. Lol!!! ;D

I don't know..... you sell 20 custom heat sinks for $20.00 a piece....
and the Lathe is paid for.... : : :

 

[Dark_Horse]

[quote author=Xplorer877 link=1227218225/0#11 date=1227457021]$400 for a lathe is a good price but if all I'm gonna make is MXDL heatsinks I don't think so. Lol!!! ;D

I don't know..... you sell 20 custom heat sinks for $20.00 a piece....
and the Lathe is paid for.... : : :[/quote]

Heads-up- you will be buying more than a just the mini-lathe to make heatsinks, or about anything else. You need tooling and support-machines, how would you grind your cutting-tools without a grinder, or drill your set-screw holes without a mill, or at least a nice drill-press and vice. I have talked to many people who bought a lathe and were then surprised at how much they had to buy next to be able to do anything with it. The best-bet is maybe to buy a used set-up that comes with lots of tooling. Otherwise E-bay has some nice "mini-tooling" packages, these would help get you started.

The mini-machine are really cool sometimes though, I spent the other evening, machining in my kitchen on my little Unimat

 

[lasersbee]

[quote author=lasersbee link=1227218225/0#12 date=1227457768][quote author=Xplorer877 link=1227218225/0#11 date=1227457021]$400 for a lathe is a good price but if all I'm gonna make is MXDL heatsinks I don't think so. Lol!!! ;D

I don't know..... you sell 20 custom heat sinks for $20.00 a piece....
and the Lathe is paid for.... : : :[/quote]

Heads-up- you will be buying more than a just the mini-lathe to make heatsinks, or about anything else. You need tooling and support-machines, how would you grind your cutting-tools without a grinder, or drill your set-screw holes without a mill, or at least a nice drill-press and vice. I have talked to many people who bought a lathe and were then surprised at how much they had to buy next to be able to do anything with it. The best-bet is maybe to buy a used set-up that comes with lots of tooling. Otherwise E-bay has some nice "mini-tooling" packages, these would help get you started.

The mini-machine are really cool sometimes though, I spent the other evening, machining in my kitchen on my little Unimat
[/quote]

OK..... OK....    So... 50 custom made heat sinks to pay for the Lathe and other equipment...
and that doesn't include the aluminum stock.......... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  

The point is.... you can pay off your investment... by using your investment...  

there IS an ROI....

 

[TheMonk]

I used to look for something that can be used as heatsink for the Dorcy host when ever I went to the hardware store, but no luck. :-/

Now I have the capability to turn any flashlight hosts into a Laser host.

I have a lot of fun watching the metal being cut and turning into difference shape.

Couple heatsinks I made.

Dorcy Jr.

Romisen RC-N3