Newbie- 8x12 first tools? (and other newbie questions)

[xl97]

Hi gang..

this is my first step into this 'arena', and am just starting to gather info..

I actually just ordered my HF 8x12(14) lathe yesterday (after waiting 1.5 months for it to be in the warehouse..yikes!)

On sale for $449 + %20 discount = $359.20! pretty decent price if I do say so.

I have never used a lathe before.. but needed to jump in and get my feet wet.. so if these questions, seem stupid..bear with me.

I have a few questions, and would like some feedback on some tools/accessories I plan on getting..

1.) I am still leery about going with the 8x12 over the 7x12, because of the LACK of variable speed, and the reversible option?.. and also the lack of a quick change gear box... (verse other bigger lathe models).. and having to change gears for threading.. (I dont mind that part to much..but have been told others on bigger lathes only need to flip a lever to thread..which would be nice)

thoughts? no a big concern as Im making out to be? (I know 7x users will say they love these features...but feedback form 8x users is appreciated)


2.) are there mods I can do (Im not rushing to do them immediately, but would like to ease into them after I learn and read more) to add a quick change gear box? or variable speed motor? what level of difficulty are these tasks? and if anyone can provide it.. a rough cost these things amount to?



3.) tools to get

already got a 1/2" drill chuck and some links to some drill bits that should be good for starters..

look at getting:

live center
bullnose live center
boring bar set
HSS 1/4" internal threading tool bit
center drill/counter set
1/2" indexable carbide tool set (pack of replaceable 1/2" shank carbide
inserts
6- piece tool set

steady rest - LMS seems to be more than a HF version, also only see the HF one for 7x12 version lathes..anyone
follower rest - LMS seems to be more than a HF version, also only see the HF one for 7x12 version lathes

anyone know of a place to get an 8x version of these cheaper then LMS?



I'm still, un-educated enough to decide or find a quick change
tool post that will work/fit a 8X12 lathe.. that DOES NOT require any
modifications..

I'd rather not have to SHIM anything either..

so if anyone wants to go another round on that topic.. I'd be more than
happy to read the items you guys offer to buy.

I was looking at getting the: A2Z CNC Quick change tool post set

or even the whole beginner package/kit here:

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...ProductID=3534

thoughts feed back on this list? or the kit from LMS?

I doubt I'll be able to get everything right away..since my tool/accessory budget is only about $200-$250 max. at the moment..


I imagine I'll be working mostly with aluminum... (tube & solid bar)

turning things down in certain sections
threading both internally and externally on the ends
drilling boring on ends 1" diameter 2" deep

and also doing misc motorcycle parts (grips..etc)


Thanks

p.s. DRO'S

I would like to get some sort of CHEAP (and easy) DRO set-up.. id rather not have to count turns to get things right over and over again..
I have been looking at the shumatec DRO.. but seems to be too advanced for me.. all the talk of daugherboards, special/specific scales, and SMD soldering..etc.

I have also looked at using a 'poormans' DRO set-up: (courtesy of Rick Spraber)
http://rick.sparber.org/XaxisDRO.pdf
http://rick.sparber.org/csDRO.pdf

but am not clear on how to mount the scale for the Y axis I guess..

but its cheap..seems cheap & somewhat effective to not have to count turns and be somewhat (close) to being very accurate

lastly I looked at the DRO from LMS:
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...ry=-1536942993

but read this:
Note that the readout on the cross slide prevents full rotation of the compound rest.

and being so new/un-experienced, Im not sure how much of a negative effect that can have/be? not to mention (of course) it seems to ONLY be for the 7x lathes.. (BOOOOOOOOOOOOO)



p.p.s. DIY CNC CONVERSION:

on a side note here.. eventually Id like to convert this to a DIY CNC lathe.. but I have NOT been able to find a 'kit' that is made for the 8x lathes.. I have found only a couple for the 7x's...

Im not worried about the computers or the software portion of this.. but the actual parts that need to be purchased to do such a thing (Id like to also keep manual operation available after the conversion if possible).. anyone wanna help me out here..

Im sure it will take me some time to get a grasp on what is needed and how to go about doing it..so Im trying to start my research and reading now

I have checked out fignoggle.com but saw NO kits or anything.. that was the only 8x DIY CNC kit I had found.. how much do these 'kits' (parts) run in total? a couple hundred?

again..thanks

[dyne]

I just picked up my HF 8x12 today actually (I got the same deal as you and have been waiting just as long for it ), but I can't really offer any advice. I only bought a drill chuck, some square bits, and a bench grinder to go along with it. I think I'm going to make my own QCTP on my mill.

[xl97]

well keep in touch..but if you have a mill, Im betting you have more machinign experience than myself already...! LOL

what mill do you have?.. I'll be in the market soon.. (very much for hobby use of course)..

and am looking for a cheap(er) version one..(not too cheap though)..than can be easily converted to DIY CNC usage...

I know less about mills than I do lathes.. so whatever you got is appreciated on that as well..

</off topic> LOL

[dyne]

Oh I don't really have all that much experience, I only just bought my HF x2 this past christmas. It's just been used for hobby-type stuff.

[xl97]

which one is the x2? the mini drill/mill one? (as stated on the site?) $499 or something?

[dyne]

Yeah that's the one. It was on sale when I bought it for something like $460, then I used the 20% off coupon