I did it - I ordered my HF 8X12

[New Lathe Man]

This was a big step for me. I really know nothing about machining but it is something that I have wanted to do for many many years now. I guess that I will have the opportunity now.

I will be using this lathe for mainly making thread adapters (for firearms) and an occasional silencer (when approved by the ATF) and cutting, crowning and threading of various rifle and pistol barrels.

This is what I have on my plate right now.

I need to make a thread adapter to go from M13.5X1 RH to M10X1 LH with an ID of 6.5mm. The purpose of this thread adapter is so I can put my current silencer on a smaller caliber pistol. What type of metal should I use for this and the next item?

I need to make a thread adapter to go from M13.5X1 RH to 1/2 X 28 TPI with an ID of 6.5mm. The purpose of this adapter is so I can put my current silencer on a smaller caliber short barreled rifle.

Both the pistol and rifle use a lesser powder charge than what the silencer was originally designed to muffle so they will operate correctly on the new weapons.

I need to make 2 sleeves .250 in thick with an OD of .520 in and a ID of .370 in. This is for my sons bike so that his new 3/8 in wheel axle can be used on the frame for his bike that is cut to take a 14mm axle. What type of metal should I use?

I have other projects pending but these are my first three projects.

I have also enrolled in a college machining course to get me started with machining. As I already posess a BSCE I feel that this is a good start to continue my education.

Now that I have ordered the lathe, I need to know what type of toolings that I need to get to started off with.

Here is what I am thinking so far:

This kit: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3448

I already have the digital calipers.

What other start-up items will I need? I am extremely limited on funding right now.

TIA

[DonF]

Here is what I am thinking so far:

This kit: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=3448

I already have the digital calipers.

What other start-up items will I need? I am extremely limited on funding right now.

TIA

I wouldnt order that crud...
Looks way cheap and allot looks too small for the 8x
Alot of people will say a QCTP and I agree but only one that will fit without grinding away the compound. I'm doing my own design one of these days the metal for two was about 5 bucks..
I have used the stock tool post for a while I just made up some assortments of tool shims before hand and its not that big of deal and cost almost no $$$
1/2" tools seem to fit the best but still require a little shim.
http://www.shars.com/ is a good place to get items.
Bits, parting tool holder a live center, drill chuck, center drills & I know allot of other items too, that I cant think of have come from there. Allot of what they sell is imported but its good quality compared to HF.. Watch the shipping their site is messed up and over charges for shipping. If you call and ask they will change it saving you a few $$$

Lathemaster I got a four jaw chuck that needs no adapter, and the gear reduction pulley from them.

http://smartflix.com/store/category/12/Lathe - looks promising I want to get the bit grinding video 1st I have been using carbide because I cant grind.

http://www.shinyobjectdesign.com/staff/paul/sbvideo/ is some free help

[juliancrouch]

Yeah, I would not buy that set. If you don't want to spend a ton of money to get started, grizzly sells most of that stuff individually, and will much higher quality than any package bundle of totally different tools.

I am actually in the process of putting together a shop, so here are some accessories you may want that will go far beyond that 30 piece kit.

Live Center
Threading Gauge
Nice Chuck + Arbor (have heard the ones that come with the machines are junk)
Center Drills (they have the 60deg taper for your center, if you don't have em)
Drill Bits (sounds like you may already have them)
Reamers (if you need them)
Tool Bits, HSS and or Carbide Tipped/Indexed
Grinder (for sharpening your bits, most will do HSS just fine, but you will need higher grade wheels for Carbide Tips)
Tap and Drill Chart (they are just nice to have)
Cutting Fluid
Layout Fluid
Combination Square (2,3, or 4 piece)
Telescoping Gauges
Micrometers 0-3 (larger if you need)
Digital Calipers, you said you had.
Obviously a tool post, if it doesn't come with one.

That is roughly what I would call bare essentials, anyone can add to that or correct me if I missed something.

have fun!

[DonF]

Obviously a tool post, if it doesn't come with one.

It does and its beefy, its just not quick!

[tauntdesigns]

I've found that I've spent 3 or more times the lathe cost on tooling.

You'll have a better idea why/what you need or can get by with after you've had a few classes.

Cheers,
Jack
P.S. I didn't add anything new as the others have given good advice.

[New Lathe Man]

Thanks for the information so far.

I am looking at this from Grizzly:

Live Center: http://www.grizzly.com/products/H3408
Cutting Fluid: http://www.grizzly.com/products/H1413
Parting Off Tool: http://www.grizzly.com/products/H7542

$25.85 + $9.90 shipping = $35.75

And this from Wholesale Tools (one near my house):

Drill Chuck Arbor: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...l_Chuck_Arbors
Drill Chuck: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...on_Drill_Chuck
Center Drill Set 5 pc: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...nter_Drill_Set
Tool Bits 38 pc: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...d_Tool_Bit_Set
Precision Tool Kit: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...ision_Tool_Kit
Pump Oiler: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...mp_Type_Oilers
Tap & Drill Chart: http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/p...ill_Wall_Chart

$102.14 + 7%Tax (+$7.15) = $109.29

I did a side by side comparison of both Grizzly and Wholesale Tool and picked the better value of each.

I did not like the threading gauge that Grizzly sold and their Engineering Kit seemed overpriced. WT does not have one in its catalog but I am sure that I can find one at their store someplace.

I have the drill bits, don't need the reamers right away, I have the grinder, could not find the 'Layout Fluid', I have several combination squares (as well as a bunch of other squares), the telescoping gauges are too large for the small inside diameter work that I will be doing (as the largest inside didameter that I can forsee in the near future is 10mm), and from what I understand the tool post is not a Quick Change but will do for a start until I can upgrade it. I will also assume (hate that) that I can get the shims for the tool post at WT supply.

I am sure that there are other itmes that I will want to get sooner or later but for a beginning set up is there anything else that I should consider?

Thanks again.

[tauntdesigns]

Holes too small for telescoping gages can be checked with 'small hole gages' (or pin sets)

Layout fluid- I use 'Dykem' brand

To sharpen carbide you'll need a green wheel for your grinder.

you can find all of the above at WTool

[juliancrouch]

Layout Fluid: http://www.wttool.com/category-exec/category_id/15548

Cheapest Threading Gauge I could find was at Little Machine Shop for $6.95

Everything else looks good, and with a WT next door, if you do a project you need a tool for, or find out a project requires a tool, then your set. Wish I had that luxury!