Paging Stytooner

[mudder]

Lee,

You've had that Northern tool lathe a while now. What do you think of it?
I'm getting a Christmas bonus this year and think I might get that one or the one from Grizzly. Got a few projects on my mind like making pen bushings and things and was wondering how much you have done with it lately.

<edit> does this one from Harbor Freight look good?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33684




Mudder

[Stytooner]

Hey, Mudder. These are all basically from the same factory. Each is made to the sellers desires as far as colors and includes. I would think the 7x10 from HF to be a little limiting. The Northern that I have is great. I use the thing quite often just for little stuff so far, but its nice to be able to make something when you ned to. Thread something when its needed.
The best deal on these mini-lathes and the one I would get had I known better would be the 7-12 from Cummins.
http://www.cumminstools.com/browse.cfm/4,876.html
It also comes with the 5 peice accesory kit that includes a face plate, tailstock chuck, steady rest and some carbide cutters. Mine didn't have this stuff and I had to buy or make them. There are some cool places on the web to check out for these lathes and mini-mills. You will most likely have one of them on your list soon after you get a mini-lathe.
I know I had to have one. If you think a wood lathe can tap your tool fund, you ain't seen nuttin yet.

[mudder]

Thanks for the Link Lee.

Looks like the cummings is the winner.
100 bucks less than the others and with a boatload of extra's to boot.
I just ordered it in anticipation. This will be my gift to me since I have been such a good boy. [}] Shhhhhh.....Don't tell Adele, she knows I've been bad and might tell Santa.



Mudder

[Stytooner]

I think you will like this thing. Take your time and go through the setup an adjustments on the cross slide and compound slide. Look on the web and compile you a list of modifications that you might like to do on it. I have made a tailstock cam lock and put a wider set of feet under it. It can wiggle some and is a little tippy with the OEM feet. Plus its not easy to get at the chips with the chip pan right under the motor works and bed. Check out these links.

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/

This is a good place for parts. Any part of these lathes can be bought with fast shipping. From the smallest screw to a longer bed.

http://peu.net/lathe/index.php?page=Tail_Stock_Camlock

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQgotopage...sortpropertyZ1
Watch rmteo's auction. He sells the Quick Change Tool Posts (QCTP)that fit your lathe. These are so much nicer and easier to use than the one that comes on the lathe. His prices are about half of where you see these in stock. He is the manufacturer. I think mine was $45 or so plus shipping.

And of course this site. Great stuff here.
http://www.mini-lathe.com/

[mudder]

Great info.

Thanks again Lee.




Mudder

[kwgeorge]

Oh no! you guys are not doing this without me! As soon as I get my EIP check I am ordering one! Oh yes!

[mudder]

Got my confirmation last night that it has been shipped and delivery is expected on 12/21.

Goody, Goody, Goody, I can'y wait.



Mudder

[Stytooner]

Enjoy, Mudder. Its not hard to do. Scrounge up a 7mm wrench from somewhere. This is needed to adjust the Compound and Cross slides and mine didn't have it.

Ken, hurry up and get yours. I need some lessons. [8D]