"The lathe is the only tool in the machine shop that can reproduce itself and any other tool"
Contents
Introduction
This book details the construction of a metal lathe. It is made from parts cast using the foundry built in book 1 and standard metal stock. Hand scraping is initially used to finish the cast parts but once the basic setup is complete the lathe is used to machine the rest of its pieces. Once you have a lathe you can either move on to one of the other books or use it to build a bigger better lathe.
Members working on this project
- Currently under construction by antsmith. All patterns except for the split nut, tail stock, and faceplate are complete. All finished patterns have been cast. Bed assembly and carriage complete. Lead screw nearly complete. If anyone wants to use the patterns, let me know, it seems like a waste for them to only be used once.
- Currently under construction by Kevin.
Pictures
[antsmith's lathe so far (Larger Image)]
[Bed casting using more advanced gate system (Larger Image)]
Tips & Tricks
- To keep yourself from being overwhelmed by this project make sure to divide it into many many tiny projects. For instance, by treating each piece of wood in each pattern as its own project you improve the quality and accuracy of your patterns.
Pattern Making
- Gluing 3 layers of cereal box cardboard together produces 1/16" stock, useful for making the wear pads.
Casting
- Don't be afraid to cast a part multiple times. You can then pick the best and melt the rest.
Resources
Pics of a lathe under construction
List of hardware that must be purchased to build the lathe
Videos - How to run a lathe
http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/144-machine-shop-8
http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/134-machine-shop-9
http://techtv.mit.edu/genres/24-how-to/videos/172-machine-shop-10