The Mini Lathe

Workshop Practices.

The mini-lathe is a useful tool in the model engineer's workshop. With more choice than ever of more compact machines, a mini-lathe is able to accommodate a wide range of engineering requirements, projects and techniques, as well as being suitable for the novice engineer and for those with limited workshop space. Author and model engineer Neil Wyatt provides a practical guide to purchasing and using a mini-lathe, as well as examining more advanced techniques. The book includes a projects section to show the application of mini-lathe techniques. Topics covered include: choosing a mini-lathe; workshop safety and setting up the lathe; basic through to more advanced machining skills; modifications, additions and tuning of the mini-lathe. This essential reference source is aimed at the novice engineer, home metalworkers and for those with limited workshop space. Fully illustrated with 304 colour photographs.

Mini-Lathe for Home Machinists explains the different parts of the mini-lathe and shows how they can be used to complete different projects. Author David Fenner covers all the basics, from safety and materials, setting up, and tuning the machine to using accessories and performing a full range of essential tasks. Also included are detailed instructions and hundreds of illustrations for making useful components like shafts, bushings, spindles, part-off tools, DRO handwheels, and a radius turning attachment. A complete course on using and improving the new generation of budget lathes, this book is a perfect choice for beginners as well as for those who are experienced with the lathe, but have never tried the mini-lathe.

· An introduction and project-based course to the lathe and lathe metalworking · Contains 12 projects that start with basic tasks and progress into advanced skills · Projects are heavily illustrated with drawings and photographs · Great practice for both beginners and experienced lathe owners

This book follows on from the author's introduction to the mini-lathe (Mini-Lathe for Home Machinists by David Fenner, also available from Fox Chapel Publishing) and presents a series of projects that will help to extend the versatility of small metal lathes.

A complete course on using and improving this new generation of budget lathes. It explains everything from setting up and tuning the machine for best performance to using accessories and carrying out tasks.

The lathe is an essential tool for all but the most basic of workshops. It enables the engineer to produce turned components to a high degree of accuracy. Often called the 'king of machine tools', it is also very versatile and can be used to make a wide range of engineering components. This new book shows you how to make full use of your lathe safely and effectively in your workshop. Topics covered include: A guide to choosing a lathe looking at different sizes and features available; Advice on installing and maintaining a lathe, selecting and sharpening tools, and working with chucks; Instruction on a range of techniques ranging from how to hold work in a collet through to cutting a screw thread. A new and practical guide to this essential tool, the lathe, aimed at both the aspiring and experienced engineers, modelmakers and horologists, Metal Turning on the Lathe gives advice on choosing, installing, maintaining and using a lathe safely and effectively in your workshop and is superbly illustrated with 239 colour illustrations. David Clark has spent over 30 years in the engineering industry and is the editor of Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop.

Using castings from your charcoal foundry (see Book 1 in the series: The Charcoal Foundry by David Gingery) and simple hand methods (no machine tools needed!) you can build a sturdy and accurate bed for a metal lathe. Then additional castings, common hardware items and improvised equipment will add the headstock, tailstock, carriage and all the remaining parts to complete the lathe. Illustrated with photos and drawings to show you all you need to know about patterns, molding, casting and finishing the parts. The lathe specs. include a 7" swing over the bed and 12" between centers. Adjustable tailstock with set-over for taper turning. Adjustable gibs in sliding members and adjustable sleeve bearings in the headstock. A truly practical machine capable of precision work. Once you have a foundry to cast the parts and a lathe to machine them you can tackle more exotic projects.

A practical perspective on equipment and processes with instruction for many projects shown.