Newbie needs opinions Lathemaster mil/lathe

[Marc G]

Hello everyone,

I haven't hung around here that much but I have refered to the forums now and again and have liked what I have seen. I'm an amateur woodworker with a lust for fine tools that has brought me to wanting to make them (want to make everything I can think of anyway so what the heck).

I'm going to order the Lathemaster mill and 9" X 30" lathe soon and have a few questions. (Please be nice to the newbie)

I've been offered with my machines 250$ worth of tools to start with, namely:

Lathe items:
7pc lathe tool set
live center
1/2" drill chuck with mt2 arbor

Milling items:
4" Quick vise
R8 collet set
20pc. end mill set
5/8" Keyless drill chuck R8

Here are the questions, considering the fact that I'm just starting out are these tools adequate, what else would I need (within reason, the budjet is strained as it is) and for "metrology" (dial guages, calipers, angle blocs etc.) can I make do with the cheaper stuff or do I absolutely need to purchase "NEW" Starrett or Mitutoyo stuff right now and what are the basic needs to start?

(IS THIS GUY DONE YET?!!)

Yep that's all.
Thanks in advance for any help

[jeep534]

A axa quick change tool post is the first thing that comes to mind. also look at this site very close http://www.finelinehair.com/home/index.htm dig all the way through it. there is an awsum amount of info for the newbe.

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

[ViperTX]

Well Mitutoyo will last a life time....bought some calipers in 1992 ($129) and 1 battery later they are still working great. Bought a $40 ENCO 0-1" micrometer....well 6 months later not even a new battery would make it come back to life.

Regarding tooling the Quick Change Toolpost is definitely worth it. Also get a carbide tool set from Lathemaster. I have the 8"x14" lathe and it's the best.

You need at least an test indicator to center a piece in the 3 or 4 jaw chucks. I would go with the 0.0005 indicator if you only can afford to get one.