The Home Machinist!

The 0.001 cut seems suspect to me. I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around 0.004 taper when taking a 0.001 cut. Either you're taking multiple passes with the piece deflecting until you move closer to the collet or something is seriously out of square. I can't think of any tool other than a shear cu...

Steve is having problems with his brandy new import machine.....say it ain't so. Pretty soon it will be banished like the dreaded Clausing.

It basically comes down to this. If it's the machine that you want and everything is in good shape, it's probably not a bad deal. It sounds like it has a couple of minor mechanical issues that could be used as bargaining points. I personally wouldn't pay that much for it but I already have a 10L so ...

That seems kinda strange. I have never had to manually spin one up whether powered with a phase converter or vfd. I'm not saying it's a major issue, but it's not right.

Depending on how bad the tailstock quill is scarred, you may be able to clean it up with a reamer. You don't mention what the damage on the crosslide amounts to, but I have yet to buy a used lathe that doesn't have some scars on the compound. I would inspect all of the gears closely. I bought a lath...

Pete, Didn't mean to steer you away from the proper lubricant...you're subject says "slideway oil or something similar". I guess I was under the mistaken impression that you had actually made an attempt to find way oil and none was available. I personally have a five of Vactra that I use l...

If you can't find way oil, I've been told chainsaw bar oil is the next best choice. Should b r available in small quantities.

That looks pretty useful. If I understand what you saying....the jaws came with the vise and are fastened permanently to that vise? Or is it something that you slip between the existing jaws to "fixture" an odd part?

Ok....I'll bite. What are these magical jaws and how do they work?

Sorry Mike. That was pretty callous of me. I just got caught up thinking about somebody having a good idea and before he even gets distribution set up they are being sold by the shipload from China. It happens a lot to motorcycle parts guys. They design and build a nice accessory that most can't aff...

"Dang. Why not support people when they come up with a good idea? Thirty bucks won't bankrupt anyone."

They won't be happy until the Chinese start making knockoff copies for 3 bucks.

I'm not familiar with the brand names, but regardless I wouldn't pay anywhere near that much for them. If you need hss blanks buy a few to get by and then watch garage sales, craigslist, ect. for more. Before you know it you'll have a drawer full of hss bits like everyone else here. Use the money yo...