New toy from CgsLst mini metal lathe/mil
Just picked this up Sunday and got it cleaned up and starting to tweak it and play around…
It’s a Taig Metal lathe. Does 5.25 diameter, 9.5″ between centers, machined pullies, ect.
Looks like it’d run close to $500 -$550 retail with the accessories, picked it up for $175.
Have had a bug in my pants about getting a lathe for a while now – this one just happens to be for metal and tiny. Has a milling attachment that allows for some simple vertical milling operations. Gonna pick up a live center and a steady rest to allow it to be used for small wood stuff. Also came with an angled cross-slide base to allow for tapered lathe work.
Taig’s been making lathes for 30 years I think, and there’s a big user base and Yahoo group for em. Similar to the sherline stuff. Tiny, but super heavy duty.
Don’t know what I’m looking to make just yet, I just like cool tools. Need to get me a book!
Good thing it came along – I just saw a new Ridgid wood lathe (about 4′ long) on craigslist for $120 – If not for this little sucker, I would’ve bought the Ridgid, and lord knows I have NO room for a 4′ lathe in my basement…
JT
Edited 3/4/2008 8:37 pm ET by JulianTracy
Replies
Given some time, I'm sure you will find a need to make a part that is discontinued or outrageuosly expensive and it will pay for itself the first time you use it for such.
Cool.
[email protected]
Actually, I have one in mind.I have a spare Porter Cable hinge template kit. It is missing these special stepped threaded knobs. They cost $45 each from Porter Cable!Perfect first project for the lathe.JT
Visit the Little Machine Shop website and you will find accessories for your lathe.
I don't think cutting threads should be your first project. There may be a website for taig, if not try Sherline website.This has valuable information on using your lathe,grinding cutters etc." How to run a lathe" by South Bend is a great paper back book , also on the Little Machine shop site.
mike
Looks cool! Isn't Craig's list the bomb?
I'm renting a box truck today, making a loop through Atlanta area to five private parties, getting all the shingles, Hardi, columns, windows and doors for a project - gonna' save a little over five grand, even after my time and the truck rental.
Not bad for a day's work!
Forrest
A book, The Taig Lathe, by Tony Jeffree, available from Lee Valley Tools, (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=49882&cat=1,46096,46126) should offer a few pointers.
Have a look at http://www.cartertools.com/
Another source of books etc is Lindsay Technical books http://www.lindsaybks.com/
All kinds of stuff - much of it is older technology and not super high speed turning with ceramic bits and coolant, etc.
Home Shop Machinist & Machinist's workshop are bi-monthly magazines (american)full of how-to's for accessories as well as building machine tools themselves. See http://www.homeshopmachinist.net/
Look also to the forums ("Fine Metalworking" perhaps?) at http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/
There are British magazines as well: Model Engineer and also a wide selection of booklets from M.A.P. (publisher) on equipping a metal-working workshop; lathe, vertical mill etc operation; and a wide choice of techniques (layout, welding, etc)
Be safe! Have fun! And, oh yes, the better half - if part of the equation - will never cease to remark about the odors, grease and grime!
Edited 3/9/2008 9:13 pm ET by Dunc1