Brought home a metal lathe today.

hackberry jake · June 23, 2015, 01:53:40 PM

I think I'll use a chain hoist and tractor when I have to change chucks. And thanks for that link Elk42. It's a pretty need ad for these lathes.

ozarkgem · June 23, 2015, 08:53:43 PM

looks like you got a steady rest, face plate and a live center with it. What is the taper in the tail stock. ie Morse taper 3,4,5 ect. I would guess a 5. If so I have some 5 centers that we had on the CNC lathe. Get a quick change tool post and use carbide insert cutters. Forget the HSS cutters. When you buy inserts get the good ones. The cheap ones are a waste of money. They chip and break very easily. Nice looking lathe. I love big old American made equipment. Since I retired I have a Leblond Regal lathe I bought from the college in Joplin years ago. 16x54 If I remember right. I don't do big stuff anymore. Just for my use. I am supposed to be retired.

Larry · June 23, 2015, 09:13:33 PM

You get a wrench for that L-XXX series chuck mount? If not there is a guy on practicalmachinist.com that makes them our of AR steel very reasonable. I bought one, but can't remember the guys handle so you will have to search.

hackberry jake · June 23, 2015, 09:21:02 PM

It came with a quick change tool holder and a box full of cutters. I am just getting started in "precision" metal working and there is a lot to learn. I don't know what the taper is on the tail stock. Don't even know how to find out. And I've heard hss is better for cutting certain grades of aluminum but that's about it. Here is the tooling pics.

hackberry jake · June 23, 2015, 09:23:05 PM

Larry, you may need to come out and give us a ~~crash course~~ training session once we get it off the trailer, leveled, and powered up.

Larry · June 23, 2015, 09:47:45 PM

The best publication ever printed for the beginner, is titled How To Run A Lathe by South Bend Lathe company. Its available as a free pdf someplace on the web, and I think Grizzly also sells it. I just happen to have an extra copy in my library for check out....stop by.

elk42 · June 23, 2015, 10:34:55 PM

Jake there is two things you need first is a machinist handbook 29th. and a L S Starrett catalog for your hand tools, go with the best you wont regret it.

PS
HSS tools can be used for most steels, it all in speeds and feeds.

sandsawmill14 · June 23, 2015, 11:20:01 PM

x2 on the hss tooling you can save a lot of $ compared to carbide plus you can sharpen them. ;D

im guessing this is for personal/occasional use if you were going to use it full time i would go with the carbide. but with the cutters you got with it you probably have a lifetime supply.

ScottAR · June 24, 2015, 12:19:41 AM

I follow a couple fellows on Youtube that make chips pretty regular.

https://www.youtube.com/user/Abom79/videos

and

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjwQ6oz4cqqtEcWGboSU3g

Very good info and interesting projects.

ozarkgem · June 25, 2015, 06:08:19 AM

you already have the QC tool post. I didn't see it at first. Wholesale tool in Tulsa is the best place to get the tool holders for it. Call MSC and ask for a catalog. I have used them for over 20 yrs . A person answers the phone and there shipping is always the same day.

hackberry jake · July 19, 2015, 06:54:45 AM

We finally got around to unloading the lathe.

Magicman · July 19, 2015, 08:12:30 AM

Nice ingenuity.

beenthere · July 19, 2015, 09:15:51 AM

Agree with MM, good and clever move!

Brucer · July 19, 2015, 01:41:40 PM

Nothing to it ;D.

Magicman · July 19, 2015, 02:10:19 PM

I wonder how it compares in size to the one that @hardtailjohn has??

gspren · July 19, 2015, 05:44:59 PM

In answer to an earlier question it is probably a #4 Morse taper for the tail stock, look at the sleeve for a number like 3-4 or 2-3, if that sleeve fits it's the bigger number. Wish I was closer to help you out.