Mini, i.e. affordable, hobby lathe?

[Derby Dad]

This Mini Hobby lathe seems like it would be useful for PWD construction. I can see using it on the body as well as turning the wheels to achieve better roundness.

Does anybody use it or have any opinions on it?

Cost is $40.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... umber=3173

Thanks.

[gpraceman]

This Mini Hobby lathe seems like it would be useful for PWD construction. I can see using it on the body as well as turning the wheels to achieve better roundness.

Does anybody use it or have any opinions on it?

Cost is $40.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... umber=3173

Thanks.

Seems like a pretty good and inexpensive deal, if it works out. My concern would be securing the wheel without damaging the hubs.

[Stan Pope]

Speed seems much too high for working wheels. 10,000 rpm!!!

Axles don't need the precision ... hand drill suffices.

[terryep]

I like to use a Dremel in a vice for the axels... it chucks down nicely on them. If you are ginger on the pressure it works well but any pressure at all look out! Use brass shim stock to protect the axle surface while working the inside of the head.

Terry

[MaxV]

For casual lathing, including wheel and axle work, I recommend a Taig lathe (http://www.taigtools.com/). I used one for many years before getting a real machinists lathe.

It costs more than $40, but has variable speeds, a nice chuck, tooling, and more.

[BluesFish]

I also use the Dremel. I mount the flex shaft thing in a bench vice for axel work and sand the wheels in it too using a mandrel. You must wet sand in the dremel because heat build-up will melt the wheels.

Looks like a neat little tool but I doubt it would have the torque needed for turning the block.

$0.02

[Beecher]

Don't waste your money! I purchaced the exact lathe at our local Harbor Frieght store and it is a poorly constructed unit. The two points dont even line up! I took it back for a refund.

[milleta3]

I actually purchased the mini hobby lathe from Harborfreight about two weeks ago hoping to use it for turning my wheels. Quickly found out that it did not have the percision that I needed. Simply, I could not get the wheels perfecly aligned.

[AV8OR]

For turning wheels and turning nails a minilathe is the way to go.

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Default.htm

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/

Both are good places to start your search. Be careful though once you get a lathe then you will want a mill, once you get a mill you will want a welder, once you get a welder you will want..........

[Stan Pope]

I actually purchased the mini hobby lathe from Harborfreight about two weeks ago hoping to use it for turning my wheels. Quickly found out that it did not have the percision that I needed. Simply, I could not get the wheels perfecly aligned.

Are you referring to the one pictured above, or the "under $100" lathe based on a high speed "dremel style" motor?

[Big Dirt]

I use one from Homier, also the mill, fun to play with

[Stan Pope]

FWIW ...

Harbor Freight has marked their 7X10 Precision Mini Lathe down from 399.99 to 329.99.

Hmmm enough reduction to cover a drill chuck, face plate and some cutters!

Argh! They have overcome my resistance!

Ref http://www.harborfreight.com/

[ExtremePWD]

FWIW ...


Argh! They have overcome my resistance!

Ref http://www.harborfreight.com/

Do I interpret this correctly as you are now, or will be soon, the proud owner of a new lathe?

[Stan Pope]

Do I interpret this correctly as you are now, or will be soon, the proud owner of a new lathe?

Dunno how "proud" I'll be, but you got the "owner" part right when/if they send it on.

I gave the display model the "feel test" a few weeks ago, and started salting away some Christmas $ and making my goal know to the CFO (perhaps you met her... she was at the registration desk on Saturday). Finished the $400 accumulation a couple weeks ago, but had not had time to figure out what accessories I should include. (Been "preoccupied" for the past few weeks. )

Now, to get on with the long overdue rearrangement of my basement work room!

[ExtremePWD]

I did have the opportunity to meet the nice lady at the registration table. She recognized my name when my Tiger was checking in. We had talked a few times leading up to the district race.

I have already started working on my CFO for approval. I suggested she had a birthday coming up but she didn't go for it. I'll have to try a different angle.