Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Engineering Techniques and Materials. => Topic started by: spike on January 28, 2016, 08:36:43 pm

Title: mini lathes
Post by: spike on January 28, 2016, 08:36:43 pm
hi has anyone got the mini lathe that is on e-bay it £95 and its from Germany  thanks
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 28, 2016, 09:34:27 pm
if its like this one


(http://www.thecooltool.com/uploads/pics/classic-drehb_01.jpg)


I have one and its not bad
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Nemo on January 28, 2016, 09:47:21 pm
I was considering one of these 'Unimat 6 in 1 tool' including lathe, but when I read the laughable 'Chinglish' safety instructions it put me right off. But then, what do I know of its capabilities. O0
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 28, 2016, 09:57:26 pm
I've had one for about 5 years, its OK for plastics, wood and soft metals


If you take the time to ensure it is correctly setup and aligned it can be fairly accurate.
Look for the earlier version by a company called Cool-Tool rather than the copies offered by the likes of Banggood and ebay
Its about double the price as the copy but 3 times the quality
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: grendel on January 29, 2016, 12:47:20 pm
I have the bigger and sturdier Unimat 3
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 29, 2016, 02:39:17 pm

 My original Unimat 1 was useless, "lathe" in name only!  :((
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: tsenecal on January 29, 2016, 04:21:47 pm
I have had a taig mini lathe now for about 10 years.  it does everything i ask of it.  mostly resin, brass, aluminum, stainless steel.
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Dave Cook on January 29, 2016, 07:39:45 pm
These Lathes are so poor quality , you you be better looking on e,bay for a boxford.
Dave :((
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: essex2visuvesi on January 29, 2016, 08:20:47 pm
These Lathes are so poor quality , you you be better looking on e,bay for a boxford.
Dave :((


I must have got the only good one then... mine works fine
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Jerry C on January 29, 2016, 08:22:10 pm
This is what you can do with a Taig lathe but not very safe. Right on the lathes limit. I wore a full face crash hat and a moggy minor hubcap down me trousers!!
Jerry

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=46477.0;attach=135158;image (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=46477.0;attach=135158;image)
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Tug Chief on January 29, 2016, 09:01:45 pm
Workman & Tools?

I have a little cheapo Chinese toolmakers lathe and it works the dogs dangles?

Cheap as chips (<300E) in the box and has not let me down as of yet!

Darren.
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: ballastanksian on January 29, 2016, 09:56:48 pm
This is what you can do with a Taig lathe but not very safe. Right on the lathes limit. I wore a full face crash hat and a moggy minor hubcap down me trousers!!
Jerry

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=46477.0;attach=135158;image (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=46477.0;attach=135158;image)

That would have been a sight to behold!

Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Geoff on August 05, 2016, 02:00:40 pm
I have a Peatol which is the UK version of the Taig lathe and have found it absolutely invaluable as a tool. The Peatol has a proper steel base and is belt driven so is very quiet in operation. It was some years ago since I purchased mine but I think for about £250 all in you would probably still get a proper lathe. Its never let me down. You invariably start to purchase other bits and from my memory they all seem to be or were (about £40/£50 each).


Milling attachment (fits on the cross side - has about 3" of movement
4 jaw chuck - not self centering which is the point.
Angle slide - fits on the cross slide and lets you turn 3" tapers at any angle
Tail stock - fits at the end to both hold the work piece and insert a drill


Whilst this all kind of adds up its all a very worthwhile investment. I built a double acting V4 oscillating steam engine on mine (designed by Peter Arnot some years ago).


I now look out for chunks of metal and plastic at boot sails


Enjoy


Regards


Geoff
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: tsenecal on August 05, 2016, 03:36:43 pm
My Taig Lathe has the following additions:

angle slide
live tail stock
drill chuck tail stock
riser blocks

taig tools website:
http://www.taigtools.com/ (http://www.taigtools.com/)
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: Subculture on August 05, 2016, 06:35:13 pm
The best buys are usually to be found in decent secondhand lathes, as they generally come with a good set of accessories, which can easily double the cost of a new machine.

Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: dave301bounty on August 05, 2016, 07:31:53 pm
there are watchmakers lathes on e bay ,will do you ,great workmanship ,quite cheap tooo
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: StarLocAdhesives/FiveStar on August 06, 2016, 09:51:57 am
The Peatol is a great lathe, the same as a Taig but its in the UK, Ive been using mine since 1988 and its still working fine just like new, i


This is the websiste


http://www.peatol.com/





Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: ballastanksian on August 06, 2016, 08:14:57 pm
I agree about second hand lathes especially as they are worn in and often come with a box full of useful stuff that you would have to buy as extras.

But, Always have a play with the slides and handwheels etc to make sure there is no excessive play in the bearings. Slides can be adjusted to reduce play, but worn bearings may be a costly job to replace so conduct due dilligence to get best value for money.
Title: Re: mini lathes
Post by: grendel on August 07, 2016, 10:08:07 am
just bought 2 like the little unimat 1, for £20 at the boot fair.