Miniature Lathe

[rossbotics]

Started working on this project about a month ago now, it's starting to take shape and looking more like a lathe than a pile of parts and pieces, so far it's coming together nicely, although I must say working with these small of pieces does become a little cumbersome at times, it's been along time since I worked with small taps like 2-56, although in my early days of machining I worked for a guy and we did a lot 0-80 threads.

I'm designing this as I go along and documenting the build in cad, the bed is 12" long that's been machined and ground from solid steel, the headstock and tailstock were machined then ground in alignment to fit the beds ways perfectly, this project will take me several more months to complete I'm sure of, not only is it a model but it will be a working model with power feed.

I have attached a couple photos of the build as it is at this stage, anyone with a comment or idea would be appreciated

Doug

[Walkman]

She's a beaut, Doug! Keep up the beautiful work and make sure to let me know when prints are available!!

Walkman

[steamingbill]

Is it intended to be the equivalent of a small Taig or Sherline Lathe ? They are useful for folk with limited area to undertake their hobbies.

[rossbotics]

Hi steamingbill
It's not intended to be replicated by no manufacturer, it's just a design I came up with, it's going on the fireplace mantel or in the book case when it's done, but I did want to make it an actual running machine before it finally gets stowed away.

Thanks Doug

[wizard69]

In a way that is sad because it looks like it will be a perfectly functional watch makers lathe or similar small machine. On the other hand it is already a masterpiece of art.

Hi steamingbill
It's not intended to be replicated by no manufacturer, it's just a design I came up with, it's going on the fireplace mantel or in the book case when it's done, but I did want to make it an actual running machine before it finally gets stowed away.

Thanks Doug

[rossbotics]

Thank You Walkman
When the prints are ready i'll make them available

Doug

[rendoman]

Impressive!!

[old_toolmaker]

rossbotics,

This is going to be one nice and ambitious project Doug! It will be fun to follow your progress as it unfolds. Can't wait to see the next installment!

[rossbotics]

Thanks old_toolmaker


Doug

[petertha]

Very neat! This is going to be cool to watch unfold.
Since it looks mostly complete I'd like to learn more about your spindle design - bearings / bushings / arrangement. Hollow vs solid shaft? Screw on chuck mount? Provisions for collets maybe?