Just joined; looking for ideas to make with a mini-lathe

[jaycthemaker]

I haven't purchased a mini-lathe yet but am very interested. I have build a number of tools; one I am most proud of and use often is a CNC machine. I bought the plans from solsylva.com several years ago. Today I will machine a scarab beetle in plaster of paris and intend to cast lead therein.

From what I have seen so far, homemadetools.com has tons of ideas.

[Jon]

Hi jaycthemaker - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

How did the CNC machine build go?

[jaycthemaker]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your Welcoming message and the free eBook. There are a number of interesting ideas documented in the book. I would be interested in the small tool vise; I use a jeweler's ring clamp now-and-then but it doesn't quite make the grade in most cases.

I am thrilled with my CNC-build. I use the machine frequently. It is so much more versatile than a woodworker's router and router table that I used in the past. The only real problem with the CNC-build is that I didn't get the 'floor' as level as I would have liked. Over the 23" of the floor width, the variation in the Zed is about .03". I have learned several coping strategies and work around the problem 99% of the time.

A limitation of the machine is that it doesn't do well with metal stock. It can cut 6061 Aluminum if the cut is very light but the chatter can be a problem. Nonetheless, I am extremely satisfied with the machine and what I can do with it.

I did add a 4th axis and have machined threads and relief designs on round boxes. I made a leg vise and an outfeed support with a roller. The threads I have cut so far have been the typical 60 deg pointed type. I have been wanting to cut Acme threads but so far haven't found ACME bits suitable for mounting in my CNC router.

I am looking forward to exploring and using the homemadetools.net website and forum.

BTW - I found you by clicking on several items I was looking at on Pinterest.

Very best regards,

Jay Christensen