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Lathe operating directions

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Frank (n.mi.)

11-09-2002 16:53:02




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My dad bought a used lathe (a 6 x 20 I think) and I am looking for a good place to get a book that covers basic operating procedures. Set up, adjustment, basic machining and the like. I did a search here and have also been to chaski.com but didn't find what I wanted, Any one know where I could go to order one without a lot of surfing?




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LarryG

11-12-2002 03:57:01




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Frank, you might get some info off www.mini-lathe.com



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Frank (nmi)

11-12-2002 14:58:37




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 Re: Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to LarryG, 11-12-2002 03:57:01  
That's a real nice link Larry! Many thanks!!



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LarryG

11-13-2002 04:29:31




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 Re: Re: Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (nmi), 11-12-2002 14:58:37  
..... glad I could give just a little bit back - I've learned so much from this site.



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Tom

11-11-2002 16:55:00




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Get the How to Run a Lathe, by Southbend from Lindsay and you will learn 90% of what you need to know to get started with shafts and bushings, and threads too. This book is excellent for a beginner. Post questions here and on the Home Machinist discussion forum.



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Jerry A.

11-11-2002 05:32:49




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
If you don't have a vo-tec school to learn at, you might try the American Gunsmithing Institute (http://www.americangunsmith.com/). They have a decent set of videos about the lathe and milling machine. I bought the set (about 13 tapes, I think) on running a lathe. Pretty much all operations are covered to some extent. Somewhat cashy, though (I think the lathe course is over $300). The lathe course really doesn't emphasize gunsmithing at all, just basic lathe ops. Someday I might save some more pennies and buy the milling machine course.

Good luck.

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Rich,NJ

11-10-2002 11:43:41




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Machinist, Tool and Die maker, and lastly I was a senior mechical Model maker for over twenty years.
You don't say what make or type of lathe it is.
Presumably it's a belt driven , small shop or toolroom lathe. If I had to guess from the sizes you give (6X20) It's an old Atlas or Sears machine. It's ok for spinning armatures and turning small work. (Ok that is until you've run your first Monark or Clausing Colchester, then you're spoiled!)Does it have a threejaw chuck or a fourjaw? Universal or independent jaw closure. Universal chucks have scrollplates inside that close the jaws simultaneouisly. Independents don't. You have to indicate the work and adjust accordingly. Are the feed dials marked off in thousandths, Remember, One thousandth of cross feed is two thousandths off the work! Does it have a little transmission on the left side that changes the speed of the lead screw. These are called threading gears and it's a nuisance to cut threads with out them. It can be done, but you have to calculate the gear ratios and install the correct gears in the correct position in the train. It ain't fun! Getting some machine shop practice in the form of a job or nightschool would be a huge help. If thats not possible. Try chucking up a piece of soft steel and turning it get the feel of the machine. How much of a cut will it take? Do the belt's slip alot? Study a tool bit and all it's angles and clearances. See which ones cut nicely and which ones will glaze or chatter. I'm assuming that you got some toolbits with the machine. If not start haunting flea markets locally. Lot's of old Machinists are dying off and their tools are popping up in flea markets. There are about two zillion things you can buy for a lathe. Anything from live centers to tool post grinder,to taper attachments, knurling tools and god only knows what. I've even seen production turrets for 9" Southbends.Keep posting here and you'll get the help you need. Rich

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Rich,NJ

11-10-2002 11:41:29




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Machinist, Tool and Die maker, and lastly I was a senior mechical Model maker for over twenty years.
You don't say what make or type of lathe it is.
Presumably it's a belt driven , small shop or toolroom lathe. If I had to guess from the sizes you give (6X20) It's an old Atlas or Sears machine. It's ok for spinning armatures and turning small work. (Ok that is until you've run your first Monark or Clausing Colchester, then you're spoiled!)Does it have a threejaw chuck or a fourjaw? Universal or independent jaw closure. Universal chucks have scrollplates inside that close the jaws simultaneouisly. Independents don't. You have to indicate the work and adjust accordingly. Are the feed dials marked off in thousandths, Remember, One thousandth of cross feed is two thousandths off the work! Does it have a little transmission on the left side that changes the speed of the lead screw. These are called threading gears and it's a nuisance to cut threads with out them. It can be done, but you have to calculate the gear ratios and install the correct gears in the correct position in the train. It ain't fun! Getting some machine shop practice in the form of a job or nightschool would be a huge help. If thats not possible. Try chucking up a piece of soft steel and turning it get the feel of the machine. How much of a cut will it take? Do the belt's slip alot? Study a tool bit and all it's angles and clearances. See which ones cut nicely and which ones will glaze or chatter. I'm assuming that you got some toolbits with the machine. If not start haunting flea markets locally. Lot's of old Machinists are dying off and their tools are popping up in flea markets. There are about two zillion things you can buy for a lathe. Anything from live centers to tool post grinder,to taper attachments, knurling tools and god only knows what. I've even seen production turrets for 9" Southbends.Keep posting here and you'll get the help you need. Rich

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Tommy

11-10-2002 08:01:02




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
I have been a machinist for over 20 years and I agree with Ray. Go to your local community college. Most of them have a basic course in machine shop. In 6 weeks you could be turning threads with the best of us. Books are nice, but there is nothing like hands on experience. Good Luck and be careful!



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Frank (n.mi.)

11-10-2002 18:25:06




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 Re: Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Tommy, 11-10-2002 08:01:02  
Wow guys, thanks for all the info. Night school isn't possible here, we are too small an area to have it (unfortunately). Steve, Rod, and Jim I'll be checking all your suggestions, Lindsey lead sounds promising. Got a good laugh out of the chuck key tip... LOL, will remember that and Rich hope you'll be here to answer potential questions! Thanks again guys we're looking forward to a little machining nuthin' fancy- bushings, shafts and the like.....

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Jim

11-10-2002 07:05:41




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
This is a good web sight and you can print out the manuals (for us that are cheep)
http://www.metalwebnews.com/



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Chris C.

11-09-2002 20:36:31




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Lindsay pub. should have "running a lathe" & "how to keep your lathe in trim" both written for South Bend lathes but most of the stuff applies to all lathes



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Scott Green

11-10-2002 03:56:49




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 Re: Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Chris C., 11-09-2002 20:36:31  
I have the book "How To Run A Lathe". A very good simple book with nice illistrations. I wrote to South Bend Lathe. They sent me a new copy for around $14.00. I would recommend this book for you. Mine is still like new , but I don't want to sell it. It's nice to refer back to , should I need to.



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Ray,IN

11-09-2002 19:36:01




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Your best option is to take a night class for begining lathe. You'll learn things you can't from a book, and you'll get the book(s) you are wanting with the course.



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steve

11-09-2002 18:16:09




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
if you like bidding, go to e-bay and type in lathe. several books available.



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Rod MI

11-09-2002 18:10:34




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  
Go to your College or High school and see if you could buy a shop class text book this will be the best way to get started Just one suggestion NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR CHUCK KEY IN THE CHUCK or you could have a big hole in your wall or in you have fun with the new machine and sum good tool suppliers below Rod MI

Link

Link

http://www.jlindustrial.com/

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Steven M

11-09-2002 17:07:33




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 Re: Lathe operating directions in reply to Frank (n.mi.), 11-09-2002 16:53:02  

Lindsay publications inc.

www.lindsaybks.con

They have new old books. They are really good. You can get a catalogs from them also.



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