Make a Lathe from other peoples rubbish

Here's another cool Instructable. This one is a very complete manual on how to make your own wood lathe from a variety of recycled parts.

Here is the link to see the original Insructable on how to make your own lathe.

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Proxxon MICRO Woodturning Lathe

Makers of precision miniature power tools, Proxxon offers this very small-scale woodturning lathe.

From the manufacturer's description:

Proxxon Micro Woodturning Lathe DB 250. This compact size machine is ideal for turning pens or doll house items such as cups, plates, pots, vases, columns, also for model railroad items including power or signal posts and tanks, doll and marionette limbs. Thousands of classical model building items may be turned with ease. Adding final touches with paint to your work piece at lower speeds, easily done through the electronic speed control. the tool rest is conveniently adjustable in height as well as it turns through 360° allowing for centerless turning. Overall length 15-3/4 inches by 3-3/4 inch height. Weight: 5.5 pounds

Here's a link with more info on the Proxxon MICRO Woodturning Lathe. If you've already decided this is the tool for you, you'll want to pick up the Proxxon 5-Piece Turning Tool Set at the same time.

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Proxxon precision mini-lathe - 30 lbs of awesome

The Proxxon Lathe PD 230/E can be used to perform precision turning on plastics, steel, brass and aluminum. It boasts a lot of very nice features for such a small lathe.

From the manufacturer's description

Comes complete with automatic feed, thread cutting capability, headstock chuck, live center and top slide for taper turner. It may be used to part, turn, and cut tapers. The numerous optional accessories add the versatility you need to complete all your miniature projects. Weight approximately 30 pounds and dimensions approximately 21inches by 9.8 inches by 5.9 inches. Has features of full sized lathe and can be packed away after each use. Practical hand wheel with zero adjustable scales 1 division = 0.001 (0.025 millimeter) 1 revolution equals .04 (1 millimeter). Combination of 3 speeds and additional electronic speed control allowing speeds from 100 to 3000 rpm are among the many features standard on this precision lathe.

OK, so I'll add this to my wishlist: the Proxxon 34004 PD 230/E Lathe

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How to Build a Simple Drill-Powered Wood Lathe

I've posted in the past about a simple drill-powered lathe made by Gizzly. Here is a do-it-yourself version by Andrew Birkett. He made his lathe from two large bearings, some steel rod, a bit of steel plate, and a power drill. He's documented his entire build process in words and photographs.

Here's his page describing How to Build a Simple Drill-Powered Wood Lathe.

He also points out a really cool book on How to Build Your Own Metal Working Lathe, which is part of an entire series by Dave Gingery that walks you through how to create an entire machine shop from the scratch. An amazing accomplishment. When/if I have a large chunk of time, this is something I would love to to do. I picture casually saying to admirers, "Oh, that milling machine...yeah...I built it from scratch."

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Lathe Basics: History, Tools, and Safety Article

Here is a great three page article covering the history of wood lathes, the tools currently used, and safety considerations.

From the article:
"One of the greatest features of turning is the chance to gain enough knowledge in short order to make finished projects in just a few hours--lathes give us the possibility of completing, including finish, many worthwhile projects inside a single evening. "

The article is courtesy of Woodcraft, who sells a full assortment of lathes, lathe tools, and lathe accessories.

Here is a link to the article on Turning Basics: History, Tools, and Safety.

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Make A Lathe Out Of Your Drill Press

Some time ago, I posted about an accessory to convert your power drill into a small lathe.

I was visiting the toolmonger site the other day when I saw this tool which looks like a far more robust option if you already own (or plan to own) a drill press.

This accessory sold by Grizzly allows you to turn a multi-speed drill press into a vertically oriented lathe. What a great idea! It looks like it would be fairly easy to setup and change from drill press mode to lathe mode.

A 12" tool rest allows a maximum work piece length of 24" -- if you reverse the piece to work on the other end. The set includes a base plate with live center, 12" tool rest, mounting bolts, mini screw center, and spur center. It fits all drill presses with a through hole in the table. All of this for about $20. Wow.

Take a look at this Lathe Attachment for Drill Press.

You may want to take look at this highly-rated set of lathe chisels to complete your new setup.

Convert Dremel into Miniature Milling Machine

The New ACRA Mill Plus was designed with the serious model maker in mind. It is so easy to use, even the beginner will find it a great asset. You can do the most simple modeling tasks (sanding, grinding, polishing, etc.) and the most precise jobs -- working to within .001" if needed. All of this, by mounting a Dremel Rotary tool, or any Dremel-style rotary tool.

Though I have already bought Mini Milling Machine and a 7" x 12" Mini Metal Lathe, this tool little beauty is almost too tempting to pass up. Let's see how long I last before I break down and buy one.

Check out the ACRA Mill Plus.

As usual, this gem comes to me by way of Make Magazine's extraordinary blog.