Used the lathe for three minutes today

[skotl]

So I've been toying with the idea of getting rid of my 1930s Colchester because it doesn't get much use, it's by far the heaviest bit of kit in the garage, it takes up a fair amount of space and I'm already starting to think about what happens when we downsize (I know... ) in a few years' time.

Then today I wanted to make an adapter for a camera mount and without thinking it was obvious that using the lathe to bore out a tube of aluminium and then grab/pull the 1.4" tap into it was the only way to go.

So I don't use it much but, when it's the best tool for the job, it's the only tool for the job!

(mentally moved the lathe farther down the list of tools to get rid of)

 

[Memmeddu]

So I've been toying with the idea of getting rid of my 1930s Colchester because it doesn't get much use, it's by far the heaviest bit of kit in the garage, it takes up a fair amount of space and I'm already starting to think about what happens when we downsize (I know... ) in a few years' time.

Then today I wanted to make an adapter for a camera mount and without thinking it was obvious that using the lathe to bore out a tube of aluminium and then grab/pull the 1.4" tap into it was the only way to go.

So I don't use it much but, when it's the best tool for the job, it's the only tool for the job!

(mentally moved the lathe farther down the list of tools to get rid of)

A lathe is a great tool to have.
I have one and honestly I've never used it yet since I've got.
That's only because I can't use it.
I don't have a proper at least shed, it lives outside in my property covered in oil and grease to prevent rusting but I've thought many times about making a small shed for it because it would have been useful in countless occasions since I've got it.
There are many tools I have that didn't see a lot of use but as you said when you need a specific tool for a job you can't replace it.
I'd love to have bought a Bridgeport mill when I've got the occasion back then but unfortunately I didn't.

 

[addjunkie]

So I've been toying with the idea of getting rid of my 1930s Colchester because it doesn't get much use, it's by far the heaviest bit of kit in the garage, it takes up a fair amount of space and I'm already starting to think about what happens when we downsize (I know... ) in a few years' time.

Then today I wanted to make an adapter for a camera mount and without thinking it was obvious that using the lathe to bore out a tube of aluminium and then grab/pull the 1.4" tap into it was the only way to go.

So I don't use it much but, when it's the best tool for the job, it's the only tool for the job!

(mentally moved the lathe farther down the list of tools to get rid of)

I have both lathe and mill, dont often get used now. But invaluable when needed. Many tools if you used the “Ive not used it in the last year rule, so get rid” would be missed or re bought when needed.

Stop worrying your still a bit young to start all this Sweedish Death Cleaning malarkey.

 

[Memmeddu]

I have both lathe and mill, dont often get used now. But invaluable when needed. Many tools if you used the “Ive not used it in the last year rule, so get rid” would be missed or re bought when needed.

Stop worrying your still a bit young to start all this Sweedish Death Cleaning malarkey.

The plasma cutter is very likely to be sold honestly used only once in three years worst investment ever done

 

[MattF]

The lathe is definitely a machine I'd feel lost without. Invaluable when you need them, & also relaxing to use simply for pleasure.

 

[Memmeddu]

The lathe is definitely a machine I'd feel lost without. Invaluable when you need them, & also relaxing to use simply for pleasure.

There's another reason why we buy buy tools?
We can buy everything and other people can do what we need.
We buy tools for our own pleasure.

 

[MattF]

We buy tools for our own pleasure.

Absolutely.

 

[Memmeddu]

Absolutely.

I forgot about posting something I couldn't resist.
You just remembered me about that