Thread: Mini Lathe

Been thinking about one as I don't have a lot of bench space. Mostly for case prep, making the occasional pillar bed. Any thoughts appreciated.

https://www.thetoolshed.co.nz/produc...ngineers-lathe

No experience with the lathe below but these guys were good to deal with when I bought a drill press from them

https://www.machineryhouse.co.nz/L685

The small chinamen are basically junk.
Better to step up to something like a good second hand Myford ML7 of which a couple have appeared on the forum recently.
Plus you usually pick up tooling at the same time as well, a significant cost saving.

As far as true mini lathes go I have had a an Austrian EMCO Unimat for years. They are a nice wee unit but are really only a jewellers lathe in size so only limited to modelling work.

i would be keepin an eye on turners auctions. workshop machinery there all the time

Originally Posted by flock

Been thinking about one as I don't have a lot of bench space. Mostly for case prep, making the occasional pillar bed. Any thoughts appreciated.

I can make pillars if you need the odd one

Mini lathes would maybe struggle with 4140 probably

I have lots of shorts of 4140 and 416 SS

Originally Posted by akaroa1

I can make pillars if you need the odd one

Mini lathes would maybe struggle with 4140 probably

I have lots of shorts of 4140 and 416 SS

Might take you up on that, I've had a crack at it, after being told my bedding wasn't up to it. Start again from the beginning, pillar bed and onwards. Did my best, but rifle still shoots like
Shot another guys rifle today after he was complaining it wouldn't group, shot half inch at 200. Other hunting rifles are shooting, problem is this is a dedicated bench rest set up, so I expect great things.

iv got one. optimum. I'm no pro, just a few small bits, squaring up, drilling etc. only got it as it was cheap from a mate. otherwise wouldn't have brought one. its handy, or better than none. but if your going to get any bit serious I'd get a bigger one.
I once thought it would be ok for case prep, but never tried, the reloading tools can do it all, and probably quicker.