I was a newbie with a clapped out lathe, you can make reasonable parts on a worn machine, there's play, but you can learn to make it work. It would seem impossible at first, but you take up the slack when you move the dial or the "steering wheel"!
All the best, Matthew
I don't agree, you have a lathe that would work when put back together! Lathes are amazing, they can make parts to fix themselves!
All the best, Matthew
Yes, it probably would be better if I put a second cutter on it, balance isn't a problem, it's got plenty of momentum, I've only ever run it at 40 RPM! I skimmed a surface plate (12" x 24") that I found in a dumpster with it about five years ago, 10 days ago, I skimmed a home-made Al jointer...
I made this 330mm (13") diameter cut fly cutter from a 40x40mm square bar, at 40 rpm, I skimmed a cast iron surface plate with it! I used a high-speed steel tool that I ground for my shaper!
Cheers, Matthew
Thanks for all the replies, I found this, which has a 7year warranty, includes the foot pedal and from what I can see, has a good reputation!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324097032298
Cheers, Matthew
Thanks for your feedback, there's no duty for me as it's inside Europe and I live in France, so far, I've heard good things about Vervor stuff, but I was hopeing for a first hand experiences!
Cheers, Matthew
Yes it's 380volts, that isn't a problem, that won't make any difference, the star point is buried in the motor, if you can find it, and wire it for 220/240 three phase, you can run it on a VFD!
Cheers, Matthew
How do you get on with melting down Al chips? I gave up, it would come out like porridge, the Al oxide melts at a much higher temperature, leaving little bags, oxide skin around molten Al!
Cheers, Matthew
That's a very interesting set up! I understand why you made it, but can't help thinking that the wire system could be made "non slip" with a simple clamping screw in the middle, several coils of wire would allow sufficient travel!!
All the best, Matthew
I've had problems buying from UK buyers since Brexit, it is going to get worse when the Brexit changes kick in! I've found that I am now better off buying inside the EU.
Cheers Matthew