Any Machinists Able To Answer Questions For a Newbie Buying a Lathe

[1reason]

Hey guys, I've read enough threads to know many guys here work in a machine shop and or know about lathes.

I am not one of the guys that knows anything about lathes other than a few videos on youtube.

I'm interested in a couple that I've found on ebay and at Harbor Freight. I know the quality of both is going to be substandard for many, but please keep in mind that other than wheels and axles, the lathe probably won't do much more than collect dust nine months out of the year (maybe slightly more often if I send a car in via proxy racing)

Harbor Freight has a 7 x 10 mini lathe for $499 after sale http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-x-10-inch-precision-mini-lathe-93212.html I took a look at it, and while it's "cheaply made", it's probably more than enough, AS LONG AS it's accurate enough and easy enough for someone who doesn't know anything about machine tools to operate.

I've thought about ordering one from China and skipping Harbor Freight, but one unit isn't worth the extra effort (I used to import products from Asian so I know the process)

Ok, now don't laugh (or if you do maybe not in my face), but here is the second one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-Mini-Lathe-Machine-Metal-Motorized-with-High-Quality-/200967003283?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eca911c93
Keep in mind my goal is plastic wheels and axles. I seriously doubt I will use either one for anything else unless I have a few beers on a saturday night and decide I need to build a space shuttle or something equally plausible.

I guess if someone who knows says that the cheap ebay one will be just as good for my needs, I will get that one, otherwise assuming virtual rocks aren't thrown at me for the Harbor Freight and I'm told that I'm giving up needed accuracy with the ebay unit I will get the $499 HF unit.

Thanks in advance!

I'm about to watch this video of the HF one here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MUxivrx_MU

 

[IAE Racing]

Did you search this. I know there are several threads on this subject. I believe a Taig II ? is the preferred machine if memory serves me correct. I'd find the thread to be certain. I also know the discussion basicly stated toweard buy well or save you money. the extra $100 or however much may be worth it.

 

[Kinser Racing]

Once you have the lathe you have to buy the tooling for it $$$! /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

 

[GravityX]

Just get crazy with it and buy a 3-in-1 like this;

Comes with nearly $800 worth of tooling to get you started.

 

[Guest]

Once you have the lathe you have to buy the tooling for it $$$! /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

Yeah. The list of stuff just keeps growing for me. Between tooling, tool posts, and measuring devices, benchgrinder and sharpening, files etc.

Not to mention a ridiculous amount of wheels and some materials.

The lathe is the beginning of quite a list that will probably never end.

I like finding out what all these add ons are for and find myself perusing magazines and ebay like a normal person would search for dirty movies.

The tool is far from intuitive and it is easy to kill tons of time and get nowhere.

I am terrible with it and clumsily stumble about it. I bought a kindle to mount above the lathe to watch lathe videos. I find it quite fun and frustrating at the same time.

It is a serious undertaking of time.

Taking a machinist course would be a recommendation.

Thankfully BR was available for much direction when I needed it.

Thanks again BR.

 

[1reason]

Did you search this. I know there are several threads on this subject. I believe a Taig II ? is the preferred machine if memory serves me correct. I'd find the thread to be certain. I also know the discussion basicly stated toweard buy well or save you money. the extra $100 or however much may be worth it.

Thanks for the tip. I have looked at Taigs on ebay, will check out some more.

I haven't done a search (but I guess I should have), thinking I was the first (silly me, I know)

 

[ngyoung]

$500 buys a lot of professionally made derby wheels.

 

[1reason]

Once you have the lathe you have to buy the tooling for it $$$! /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

I was hoping I could just borrow yours! LOL

But seriously, I thought maybe another $30-40 worth of tooling for the wheels and axles?? Is that wrong?

 

[1reason]

Just get crazy with it and buy a 3-in-1 like this;

Comes with nearly $800 worth of tooling to get you started.

Good call. I should get two, one for axles, and one for wheels. I buy that and I will need to buy a truck so I can take it with me when my wife kicks me out of the house...

 

[1reason]

Yeah. The list of stuff just keeps growing for me. Between tooling, tool posts, and measuring devices, benchgrinder and sharpening, files etc. - I agree, but hopefully this wraps up what I need

Not to mention a ridiculous amount of wheels and some materials. - I'm hoping to save money (and time) by not ruining so many wheels/axles. Not to mention all the trips to Michaels for more

The lathe is the beginning of quite a list that will probably never end.

I like finding out what all these add ons are for and find myself perusing magazines and ebay like a normal person would search for dirty movies. - Totally agree

The tool is far from intuitive and it is easy to kill tons of time and get nowhere.

I am terrible with it and clumsily stumble about it. I bought a kindle to mount above the lathe to watch lathe videos. I find it quite fun and frustrating at the same time. - I learn a lot of things with my thumb on the pause button

It is a serious undertaking of time. - My wife says TOOOOO much time

Taking a machinist course would be a recommendation. - Isn't that what Youtube is for? LOL

Thankfully BR was available for much direction when I needed it.

Thanks again BR

 

[1reason]

$500 buys a lot of professionally made derby wheels.

That's true, I can't argue against it. Dollar for dollar, it's a no brainer, buying is a lot cheaper, a LOT cheaper.

However, I wouldn't trade the time I spend with my sons building the cars for anything.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

After cutting for 6 years I still learn something new every day. I wasn't fortunate enough to get much help at all. Even some good machinists can't make a fast wheel!! You will spend a lot more than 1000.

 

[bracketracer]

Once you have the lathe you have to buy the tooling for it $$$! /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

I was hoping I could just borrow yours! LOL

But seriously, I thought maybe another $30-40 worth of tooling for the wheels and axles?? Is that wrong?

$30-$40 dollars? I'm over $600 easily in tooling after the price of the lathe not counting several custom fixtures I made myself.

 

[1reason]

Once you have the lathe you have to buy the tooling for it $$$! /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

I was hoping I could just borrow yours! LOL

But seriously, I thought maybe another $30-40 worth of tooling for the wheels and axles?? Is that wrong?

$30-$40 dollars? I'm over $600 easily in tooling after the price of the lathe not counting several custom fixtures I made myself.

To work on wheels and axles? Right now my son is using my dremel to cut a groove and polish nails.

Maybe it takes more tooling than I imagined.

 

[1reason]

After cutting for 6 years I still learn something new every day. I wasn't fortunate enough to get much help at all. Even some good machinists can't make a fast wheel!! You will spend a lot more than 1000.

Thanks for your reply. If that's the case, the extra speed gained isn't worth the price (for me anyway).

 

[ngyoung]

Wood working and prepping offers plenty of time well spent with my kids. Lathed wheels I am willing to concede the work to someone who knows what they're doing.

 

[3phase]

This hobby adds up quick. $850 for 2 lane track and timer. The only thing i have saved on is going to chinatown and buying craftsman drill press,bandsaw and miter saw for 200.
Still not one car sent in......working on it.

 

[Guest]

As much as I hate to dissuade a person from buying tools;

If you are only using it for wheels I would say don't do it.

You will easily spend $1,500 and 1000 hours before making anything that resembles a Cheetah from outward appearances.

I think Stan is a brilliant, sweet man, but it is not like his videos. He only shows the very basics in order to true the outside edge.

When you look at a Cheetah next to a stock wheel then you really get an appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into it.

 

[cycrunner]

The 7x10 lathe from Harbor Freight is exactly what I have and it is just fine for making or modifying wheels. I am a do it yourself kind of guy and I would not be racing cars if I had to purchase everything. I do have a background in machine shop work that helps a lot, but I am sure if you have the desire you can learn to do this. Here is what you will find almost essential to make the lathe useful: Go to LittleMachineShop.com and buy the Quick Change
Tool Post Set by A2Z, part no. 2461. Cost is $99.95. Then add the Tool Bit Sharpening and Training Set, part no.4516 for $34.95. It has 6 pre sharpened and 5 un sharpened 1/4" tool bits and instructions for sharpening. It will also be helpful if you get their Mini-Lathe users guide - part no. 2247 for $5.95. You can also get some 1/8"x 2 1/2" individual tool bits Part no.1154 for $1.29 each. I like these a lot when working on the inside areas of wheels.
You will also need a bench grinder to sharpen the tool bits. To work on the wheels you can use the 3 jaw chuck that comes with the lathe. If you decide get the lathe and accessories contact me and I can give you more information by PM that you will need to properly mount your wheels, or make new ones from plastic bar stock. Hope this helps you make a decision.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Curious if QT, Pony, Kinser or JBD are machining their own wheels...