Chris P. Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 Do any of you have a mini lathe? Do you have one you would recommend?Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I am getting a used one from a family member sometime this summer, but I don't know the brand yet or how to use it. I'll repost here if I can find out the brand name. It's not a newer one but I know they have loved it. Hope someone else has one already and can answer you faster than I can. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyckedWood Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 No, but it's on my wish list. The one I was looking at is in the Micro Mark catalog..I have sticker shock though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P. Posted May 18, 2013 Author Share Posted May 18, 2013 Heres's one from Sears for $180. It gets mixed reviews, but it is in a more affordable price range than many I've seen. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-speed-mini-lathe-22106/p-00922106000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mesp2k Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 I bought a Micromark lathe, umm, 'bout 5 years ago? It was around $100, not $500 or $850...yikes! There's a couple on ebay that look identical to mine > click You'll need small turning chisels also. My lathe is a 12 x 8, that's the maximum size of the wood that will fit on it > 12" long x 8" diameter. Its cast iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Happy Heart Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 Do any of you have a mini lathe? Do you have one you would recommend? Thanks! I have two. One is part of a multi-configuration tool I bought myself from Micromark, it's not that powerful. My other mini lathe, which loses power on anything over 1 1/2" in diameter is a Jarmac and it is quite sufficient for most of my mini turning needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 There was an article in an old Miniature Collector I read about building a mini lathe with a dremel. I'll look to see if I can find the info soon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris P. Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 There was an article in an old Miniature Collector I read about building a mini lathe with a dremel. I'll look to see if I can find the info soon.That would be fabulous! A dremel, I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-defunct account- Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 Dremel used to make a lathe as well, called the Dremel Moto 700. It's no longer produced and the main complaint was that it was only powerful enough to make small things like dollhouse furniture ;) You can occasionally find them on ebay, I found mine on craigslist for 30 bucks this winter. I wish I had more info for you about how well it works, but I only gave it enough of a test run to be sure it functioned, which it does. I still need to get the tools to judge it properly. The big potential issue I see, is that replacement parts are going to be either extremely difficult to find or very expensive (or both). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 I'm so sorry to keep you waiting because I have to go to my mini guild meeting in an hour, so I have to run. I promise to look for the article tonight! If you have MC at home, this is the info from their index: MORGENSTERN, ROBERT, "Make a Tabletop Miniature Lathe," p. 40-42, Nov 03 Now the challenge is FINDING that exact magazine in my stack! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 I don't have a mini lathe, however have begun doing turnings with a drill and jewel's screwdrivers... Just a thought as a drill is one of those tools most would already have in their stockpile of real life sized tools. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-defunct account- Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Interesting Kelli, may I ask how you are attaching it and also what kinds & sizes of wood you're using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirlPiper Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Do you put your blank in the chuck? How are you holding the drill steady? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Do you put your blank in the chuck? How are you holding the drill steady? You can put your drill into a drill press to hold it steady. Drill presses don't have to stand vertical, you can lay them on their sides.Then you have both hands free for the carving. Wood goes in the drill in place of the drill bit. Carving tools in your hands. I saw this on a DIY thing once. It's probably on a Utube clip somewhere. Just another thought - you could clamp the drill in a vice grip or use C clamps to hold it onto a workbench. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I found the article. It is COMPLICATED. But I also have heard tips on how to use a drill bit or a simple Dremel to make a simple lathe, just like Selkie is describing! I think her version would be much easier for anyone who wants to try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Also, go to Nanotray.com and look for the article called May 2010 Micro Lathe on the bottom right side! Maarten Meerman tells shows a photo of his Dremel lathe. WHEEEEEEE!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocGreen Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 http://www.instructables.com/id/Drill-Press-Lathe/ You could get a small drill press (new or used) and try this. I would lay it sideways and add a block of wood for a tool rest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minikelli Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Sorry guys, didn't look at this again last night as I had a couple of surprise orders as well as digging out something black that would still be cool to be worn here soon. Anyways, what Skelkie describes is exactly what I was thinking. I saw the description of this in several older mini workbooks if you will on how to make your own mini furniture -- given you'll not be able to do anything like turned bowls or whatnot. If however you're just looking to do some turnings on dowels after some practice it's really not so difficult as one would initially think! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocGreen Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Two problems with just using a drill press to hold the turning is there is no support for the tailpiece, the end fatherest away from the drill chuck and you have no tool rest for any type of turning tools, chisels, parting, etc. A clamped plain wood block with a hole just slightly larger than what you are turning couId be used to support the tailpiece. If you do use this method go slow, start at the tailpiece and only use a rasp or sanding block or you may find things flying around where you don't want them, like your body. Be sure to wear at least eye protection but a full face shield would be better. Be safe! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blondie Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 Very good points, Doc. I know my limits, and I'm pretty sure building my own lathe is NOT something I could do. I'm content for now to buy turnings from others. Maybe one day when I build up my skill set, but for now I'm still Far Too Green. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirlPiper Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 You can put your drill into a drill press to hold it steady. Drill presses don't have to stand vertical, you can lay them on their sides.Then you have both hands free for the carving. Wood goes in the drill in place of the drill bit. Carving tools in your hands. I saw this on a DIY thing once. It's probably on a Utube clip somewhere. Just another thought - you could clamp the drill in a vice grip or use C clamps to hold it onto a workbench. My drill press is bolted to a worktable, but I can see a drill in a vise. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I turned table legs for the pub's kitchen table in DH's full-size lathe, which is an el cheapo. I have a gorgeous mini lathe from Harbor Freight that is buried, along with DH's, out in the garage; I haven't used it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I have a gorgeous mini lathe from Harbor Freight that is buried, along with DH's, out in the garage; I haven't used it yet. I say, woman, you need to get that man of yours motivated to get your mini workshop up and running. I can't imagine having all that cool stuff and not be able to use it. I know my work areas just being a mess are a struggle enough - can't imagine not having a place to work at all. At least I can shove the mess around. You tell him that we (your mini friends) need you to be building and creating. Maybe that will push him to fix it up for you. Please :worthy: Mr. Havanaholly, set up our dear friend's workshop space post haste. Think that plea will work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 I say, woman, you need to get that man of yours motivated to get your mini workshop up and running. I can't imagine having all that cool stuff and not be able to use it. I know my work areas just being a mess are a struggle enough - can't imagine not having a place to work at all. At least I can shove the mess around. You tell him that we (your mini friends) need you to be building and creating. Maybe that will push him to fix it up for you. Please :worthy: Mr. Havanaholly, set up our dear friend's workshop space post haste. Think that plea will work? The problem is finding someone to BUILD the darn thing! Apparently the economy is recovereing, all the builders we've tried to entice are "too busy"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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