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Thread: Two Re-purposed Asian Lathes

  1. #1
    Supporting Member Carlos B's Avatar
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    Two Re-purposed Asian Lathes

    A long time ago before I new better I purchased 2 cheap Craftsman knock off lathes. I soon found I didn't like using them much, they vibrated and flexed too much and I was always afraid I was going to loose my work. Fortunately the motors didn't last. After taking up space for a while I decided to beef them up and converted one into a mini lathe and the other into a dedicated small face turning lathe.

    Both have 3/4 HP 3 speed motors one with 3 step pulleys and the other with 4 step pulleys. The bases are beefed up with channel, tube and angle iron, this makes them much more rigid and reduces vibration. For small stuff I now prefer the reworked mini-lathe over my big Rockwell/Delta.

    Two Re-purposed Asian Lathes-1.jpg

    Two Re-purposed Asian Lathes-2.jpg

    The face plate lathe only has a 12" swing but its great for small face turnings. Low vibration and by loosening 1 bolt the whole machine rotates on axis for the most comfortable turning position. It is mounted on a 3/4" aluminum disk salvaged from a former employers scrap bin but a double 3/4" plywood lamination would also do.

    Two Re-purposed Asian Lathes-3.jpg

    Carlos B

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    Last edited by Carlos B; May 22, 2017 at 01:53 PM. Reason: correct spelling
    From a popular rap: "If time is money then I need a loan."
    Carlos B,http://hobbyworkshopprojects.blogspot.com

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    Thanks Carlos B! We've added your Lathe Modification to our Lathes category,
    as well as to your builder page: Carlos B's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:




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  3. #3
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    Thanks Carlos B! We've added your Face Turning Lathe to our Woodturning category,
    as well as to your builder page: Carlos B's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:






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