drjerry1st

That makes sense, but turning the mandrel (thanks for the terminology lesson...You will see me make many of those mistakes...entirely new terminology to me) around requires having the lathe set up really well....right? For accuracy? Hey, I'm learning!

And thanks to you and others for that...I love this learning thing,

J

Oh another thing, The original Homier model had a few diffent features than the newer ones...does it really matter? I could wait on one on ebay or just go ahead and make the plunge....your thoughts?

J

DJ,

 

Here's a pic of the large ring mandrel that I made on my mini-lathe.

 

 

As you can see its about 12" long. I don't remember if I used the extension on my ML or not. I don't think so because I think I made it prior to the extension. I also don't remember exactly how I made it - but I can tell I was in a hurry - but there's nothing wrong with it and it works well. Let's see if I can do a little CSI and reconstruct...

 

It's made out of 1.25" aluminum round stock. I'd used this piece for something else because of the large diameter threads, I don't remember exactly what, I think it may have been an optics adapter that didn't work out, or I could have been just practicing cutting threads.

 

The small threaded portion is ~ 1.10" at the peaks of the threads. The more nicely finished shank is 0.7". It screws nicely into a large ring receiver with plenty of room to machine the ring when the unthreaded portion is held by a 4-jaw chuck.

 

This is an example of a crude, but effective tool that can be made on the mini-lathe. This didn't need to be as long as it is, but I suspect that there might be trouble doing it on an 8 x 10. There are ways to work around this, and part of the mini-lathe experience is learning to work around limitations. I would recommend getting an 8 x 12 model, and don't forget that you can upgrade it to 14" ways with a replacement bed.

DJ,

 

Here's a pic of the large ring mandrel that I made on my mini-lathe.

 

 

As you can see its about 12" long. I don't remember if I used the extension on my ML or not. I don't think so because I think I made it prior to the extension. I also don't remember exactly how I made it - but I can tell I was in a hurry - but there's nothing wrong with it and it works well. Let's see if I can do a little CSI and reconstruct...

 

It's made out of 1.25" aluminum round stock. I'd used this piece for something else because of the large diameter threads, I don't remember exactly what, I think it may have been an optics adapter that didn't work out, or I could have been just practicing cutting threads.

 

The small threaded portion is ~ 1.10" at the peaks of the threads. The more nicely finished shank is 0.7". It screws nicely into a large ring receiver with plenty of room to machine the ring when the unthreaded portion is held by a 4-jaw chuck.

 

This is an example of a crude, but effective tool that can be made on the mini-lathe. This didn't need to be as long as it is, but I suspect that there might be trouble doing it on an 8 x 10. There are ways to work around this, and part of the mini-lathe experience is learning to work around limitations. I would recommend getting an 8 x 12 model, and don't forget that you can upgrade it to 14" ways with a replacement bed.

So, using aluminum is possible...kewl as the young folks would say. Reckon there is enough interest for a new category about how to use these little lathes for what we are doing...gun stuff? There seems to be some interest. The cost is probably less than a really nice, well done rifle including all the paraphenalia. I just spent a small fortune outfitting my little nephew with a decent riftle to begin deer hunting with and it was a weatherby vangaurd...it cost a lot to buy a gun, bases, rings, scope, lens covers, sling, ammo and on and on. So buying and outfitting one of these little toys seems to be about the same committment as one decent gun to me. And just thing of the possibilities,

J

How are you guys making the arbor? a rod or round bar large enough won't fit in the spindle and between centers seems to short...and how would you turn it down between centers using a lathe dog?

Now I have exposed my ignorance! It clearly is possible as you guys have done it but I can't figure out how you did it...but then again, I have no lathe or experience and just the faintest glimmer of intelligence...12 hour days, the family home for the holidays, and my first scotch of the evening may have something to do with it! However I await enlightenment, hopefully you will use something other than a BFHammer!

J

That's what I'm talking about!

Can you adapt an arbor from brownell's or midway and work on the actions?

J

sonic1, I'll horn-in for horsefly - they're large ring barrels. They're good ones too, and cheap. The last one I got from Sarco was $35. A bit of external pitting, but mirror bore.

Hey Doble Troble,

I've toying with the idea of getting one of those lathes like yours. I have wondered just how many gun related things were possible with them. Maybe you could share that with us?

J