I don't have any additional pearls of wisdom that haven't already been posted. I'm in the buy the biggest that you can afford and have the room for camp. Get a smaller chuck to mount in the main chuck and/or collets for the smaller stuff.
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How much lathe is too much lathe?
- Thread starter adamgoldberg
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- Apr 30, 2012
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- 1,138
You can do small work on a big machine but bigger machines usually don't have the spindle speeds you'll want for those small parts. I'd also find something with enough hp for and rpms for the type tooling you plan on using. Carbide tooling generally requires more of both.
R
Robert LaLonde
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To much lathe is:
... more than you can beg borrow and steel. (Mis-pelling intentional)
... bigger than will fit in your shop.
... takes more electricity to power than you can provide.
Other than that, there aren't many qualifications for having to much lathe. I can slide 2" bar through the bore of my 14x40 or take out the gap bed and turn gigantic plates, but it also does a fantastic job on a 1/4" OD high pressure injector. My 7x10 will do a passable job on that 1/4" OD injector with some care, and won't do any of the rest of that stuff.
... more than you can beg borrow and steel. (Mis-pelling intentional)
... bigger than will fit in your shop.
... takes more electricity to power than you can provide.
Other than that, there aren't many qualifications for having to much lathe. I can slide 2" bar through the bore of my 14x40 or take out the gap bed and turn gigantic plates, but it also does a fantastic job on a 1/4" OD high pressure injector. My 7x10 will do a passable job on that 1/4" OD injector with some care, and won't do any of the rest of that stuff.
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2013
- Messages
- 4,120
After doing this stuff for a bit, I find myself thinking that big(er) lathes are best for big stuff, and small lathes are best for small stuff. My current machines are great for the larger stuff that I do, but I am seriously considering getting another Sherline or maybe a Taig lathe. Or possibly a Boley watchmakers lathe. Something a bit smaller where the machine/tooling doesn't get in my way when I'm trying to make small parts.
I don't seem to have the same issues when making really small stuff on my mill.
I don't seem to have the same issues when making really small stuff on my mill.
4
4GSR
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First picture, that one can stay for sale for ever!!!
The next picture, that's not the largest or longest in the World......Maybe for that side of the World.
F
f350ca
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I have an overhead crane to change chucks and load shafts in this lathe. The 12inch 3 jaw weighs 90 pounds, the 16 inch 4 jaw 140 pounds. Had 300 pounds of 3 inch shaft in it the other day. But it will still do relatively small work.
Greg