New Lathe Dilemma

Re: New Lathe Dilemma

Keith Tompkins

>domestic or import? he he. should be an interesting machine.....

For headstock, I'd make it...

Rodney Jenkins

>as small a profile as possible to allow maximum maneuverability when working the gouge from that end.

For aesthetics, you need to put a white star in the square, make the square blue, the legs red, and call it a "Lone Star Lathe". See Texas state flag for colors.

Re: New Lathe Dilemma

MP Wall

>If the engine block is a Ford it should be Ford blue. If not you are in the air, find a local body shop to do a paint job with metal flake or flames. Do post pics when it is done. MP Wall

How much total weight?

Bob Hackett

>Depending on the estimated total wieght,I have some suggestions you may find useful.

Mainely,Bob.

Re: New Lathe Dilemma

Jim DeLaney, Tustin, CA

>Just curious: Since most engines use babbitt/insert bearings, how are you going to keep them lubed?

I'm envisioning - perhaps wrongly - that you're going to replace the engine's crankshaft with a machined shaft of the same diameter as the main bearing journals. Presumably. you'll have some sort of thrust bearing at the front and rear to keep it from drifting longitudinally.

Again, just curious...

Hmm,Salmon with purple, kinda 70's, dontcha think?

Bob Dodge

>

At that size it should be John Deere green ;)

Jeff Gerardot, Indianapolis IN

>

Re: How much total weight?

Phil Joines Krum, Texas

>I guess the weight without any ballast will be around 400+ pounds. I plan to add as much scrap iron ballast as posible, at least another 200 pounds.

Re: New Lathe Dilemma

Phil Joines Krum, Texas

>Actually I wont be using the engine bearings at all. There are 4 hole pillow blocks mounted at each end. The use of the block is mostly for weight. I'll post a pick as soon as it's mounted to the base.

Brace those legs

Bob Hackett

>My first suggestion would be to trangulate the welded frame.The thing to remember is that a triangle is far stronger than any other shape,no flexing or racking if done right.

If you decide to go with a single rear leg I would make it with angle braces back to each corner.If you go with 4 legs,put threaded levelers on each one.Levelers make rough surfaces a non-issue and allow you to set the machine dead level(no surprise there)something three set legs will not do for you.

The last modification requires some back tracking.I`d make the legs on the side you stand on to turn vertical instead of splayed.Even if you box the base in you`ll still find yourself catching the toe of your shoe on the corner.If you tend to lean on the headstock to gain stability(and why wouldn`t you?)for some cuts,even a small bit of splay in these legs will throw your balance off as you can`t get even one foot directly under your center balance point.

Just afew things I`ve had to consider when building machines.Hope you find at least alittle you can use here.

Mainely,Bob

Re: New Lathe Dilemma

Ed

>Howdy Phil:

Circe definately has the better tastes. Go with her suggestion. Salmon becomes you!

I say 4 legs - harder to level but better stability.

Ed