MachinistBlog.com » Lathe Mods

New V-belt makes speed changes easier

Rob — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:29:32 +0000

Changing the spindle speed of your Harbor Freight 8×12 or Lathemaster 8×14 lathe will probably be easier if you replace the factory belt with a size 3L300, which you can buy at most auto parts stores for about $5. The original is so tight that changing the spindle speed by moving it to a different

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Carriage Lock Modification for 8×12 or 8×14 Lathe

TheSteamshipCo — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:43:49 +0000

This is Steve Shyver’s carriage lock modification for a Harbor Freight 8×12 or Lathemaster 8×14 lathe (both lathes are the same size if measured the same way). His handle replaces the easy-to-misplace hex wrench that comes with the lathe. Its longer length also makes it easier to turn.

Steve made

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Snub’s ball turning tool

Rob — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:56:16 +0000

I think this is a brilliant idea. “Snub” made a ball turning tool and used a 4-jaw chuck as the base. He says it works perfectly and leaves an almost perfect finish. I don’t doubt him because of the weight and rigidity of the chuck and the large bearing he used as a

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Inexpensive DIY tachometer for a mill or lathe

Rob — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:25:03 +0000

It looks like Adam mounted the sensor in the spindle cap and is using putty to hold the magnet on the spindle. I would have done it a little differently.

Here’s an idea I haven’t seen before. Adam made a very inexpensive tachometer for his variable speed X2 mini-mill using a cyclometer (bicycle

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A Homemade DRO for the 7x Mini-Lathe

Rob — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:53:33 +0000

The DRO uses an inexpensive digital dial indicator that's held in place on the apron with powerful rare-earth magents. The stop clamps to the top of the cross-slide and presses against the indicator's plunger, which measures the movement of the cutting bit.

This article describes how I added an easy-to-make DRO (Digital

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Free Plans: Quick-Release Lathe Mounted Dial Indicator Holder

Rob — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:19:21 +0000

SwarfRat Enterprises has a set of free plans for a quick-release dial indicator holder that mounts on the front of a mini-lathe. The holder is made from a 5-inch long piece of .875-inch square aluminum stock. It also uses a quick-release lever from a bicycle seat or wheel that can be purchased inexpensively or salvaged

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