Metal Lathe

[truckster]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Do yourself a favor and get a quick change tool post for it..money well spent..

It looks like it has one. Thanks for the advice. I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions once I get it up and running. With the Jet the only thing I've been able to turn was a Delrin (plastic) handle, and I actually had to get my router out to do that...

[truckster]

I really enjoy teaching the class. I teach Junior ROTC and US Government. I added the Principles of Engineering class last year to get more juniors and seniors interested. Right now we're building an earthquake machine - it will allow the earth sciences teacher to have his students test their building models in a controlled environment.

[MJN]

I see you already bought a machine but keep an eye out for a South Bend. This is my 1951 South Bend 9A (older picture of it) I've updated with a quick change tool post and some carbide insert tooling. It originally was purchased for the Rock Island Arsenal and still has the Corps of Engineers brass plaques attached to the bed and gear cover. I see them pop up on facebook market place from time to time, there is also a south bend group on facebook that there are several for sale on relatively well priced for a solid American made machine tool The Practical Machinist forum is also a great place as a resource. I love my lathe but it has its limitations too, if I were looking I would be after a Heavy 10 just for the larger spindle and swing diameter but this one is a nice size and has done everything I've needed.

[truckster]

I welded an extension onto the existing lathe bed to accommodate the slightly longer lathe. I have it aligned and leveled. It took me some practice to get proper geometry on my cutting tools. I think I've got a pretty decent finish now.

I think my next project will be a tailstock die holder. I still need to get a 4-jaw chuck, but I haven't gotten that far yet. I'll probably also order a set of change gears so I can do some threading, but, aside from some advice, I don't know of anything else I would need.

[JJH Jimmy]

Here is mine late 40’s early 50’s Atlas. It does everything I need. I would like to get a quick change tool holder in the future. I also have an Atlas drill press and it is still way better than the Chinese crap that is out there. Best part is there were both built in my hometown Kalamazoo.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by JJH Jimmy

Here is mine late 40’s early 50’s Atlas. It does everything I need. I would like to get a quick change tool holder in the future. I also have an Atlas drill press and it is still way better than the Chinese crap that is out there. Best part is there were both built in my hometown Kalamazoo.

Loving the Quick change box

I have a 10F Atlas about the same vintage.

I also have a soft spot for old Drill presses.

[68 C10 Driver]

Originally Posted by JJH Jimmy

Here is mine late 40’s early 50’s Atlas. It does everything I need. I would like to get a quick change tool holder in the future. I also have an Atlas drill press and it is still way better than the Chinese crap that is out there. Best part is there were both built in my hometown Kalamazoo.

Antique tools rock. I love the simplicity of them.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by truckster

I welded an extension onto the existing lathe bed to accommodate the slightly longer lathe. I have it aligned and leveled. It took me some practice to get proper geometry on my cutting tools. I think I've got a pretty decent finish now.

I think my next project will be a tailstock die holder. I still need to get a 4-jaw chuck, but I haven't gotten that far yet. I'll probably also order a set of change gears so I can do some threading, but, aside from some advice, I don't know of anything else I would need.

Nice work on extension

Finish looks great. WD-40 is the best lubricate for aluminum.

I use a 4 jaw all the time to dial parts in to the 0.0005 range (when I can).

Once you get your 4 jaw and get used to it.

I suggest getting a 5C Collet Block Set.


Then buy a set of 5C Collets

I buy alot of stuff from CDCO machinery.

Shars on ebay is also a good source to skip the shipping charge.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

Nice work on extension

Finish looks great. WD-40 is the best lubricate for aluminum.

I use a 4 jaw all the time to dial parts in to the 0.0005 range (when I can).

Once you get your 4 jaw and get used to it.

I suggest getting a 5C Collet Block Set.
Attachment 2266091

Then buy a set of 5C Collets

I buy alot of stuff from CDCO machinery.

Shars on ebay is also a good source to skip the shipping charge.

Thanks for the compliments and for the advice.