Hello from Nevada

**nevadablue** · Jun 18, 2015, 02:09 AM

I'm a retired miner and mechanic. I found the site while looking for info on Unimat lathes. I am working on a lathe and dedicated milling machine.
Ken

**kbalch** · Jun 18, 2015, 09:34 AM

Hi Ken,

Welcome - glad to have you here!

Lots of great machining tools to peruse hereabouts. If you haven't already done so, check out our Machining category.

What's next on your build list?

Ken

**DIYer** · Jun 18, 2015, 07:59 PM

Looks like you have an interesting project there, Ken. Welcome!

**Hotz** · Jun 18, 2015, 08:20 PM

Ken..

**nevadablue** · Jun 18, 2015, 11:32 PM

Thanks for the welcome guys! My lathe is in working condition now. I installed a variable speed motor, a Harbor Freight chuck, a QCTP, and a Taig tailstock. It is quite versatile.

I'm working on an indexer for the lathe. It will replace the nut on the drive pulley. It is made out of a platter from a hard drive and a Unimat face plate. I need to make another platter with a multiple of 6 holes, and tap the faceplate instead of using the nuts.

The mill is also in running condition. I made a motor mount for it so I could use a sewing machine motor. The plan is to make a vertical feed for the thing using a Unimat feed screw.

**Paul Jones** · Jun 25, 2015, 03:34 PM

Ken,
I too enjoy adding features and capabilities and features to my Unimat SL. I have published a few Unimat articles and photos on HomemadeTools but always looking for more on this subject from other members.

How did you install the tailstock shown in the above photo? The sensitive drilling feed and adjustment for taper cutting is a great improvement. I am also interested in your milling head adaptation.

Thank you,
Paul

**Hotz** · Jun 25, 2015, 04:13 PM

wow....I loved your tool ... I feel inspired to build an equal ...

**nevadablue** · Jun 25, 2015, 06:52 PM

Thanks guys! These little machines are my favorite toys.
On the tailstock mounting, I used a Unimat lower plate and modified the bottom of the Taig tailstock to fit the Unimat ways.

The motor for the milling head is mounted on a simple bracket made from a piece of rectangular tubing.

**nevadablue** · Mar 15, 2024, 08:06 PM

Hi everyone. I see lots of blank spaces where pics used to be. I uploaded a couple just to make the thread somewhat complete. I just moved the Unimat back in from storage and am working on lots of play toys.