The Lathe Question Thread

[Humphrey]

Ok, so I got my lathe, and I discovered that I'm clueless.

So, my first question is, do i need a cutting lubricant?

Also, how do you get the three jaw chuck to fit a yoyo?

More questions will come along I'm sure, but these are just some starters.

Thanks!

Humphrey

[Kaz]

I've never cut metal with a lathe but I have cut metal with saws and using wd40 worked fine as a lubricant. Its actually even listed here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutting_fluid

ABout the chuck, I'm not too sure what you mean exactly.. Should just fit in there?

[Humphrey]

the jaws don't expand large enough to hold a yoyo. I was thinking hat I needed to cut steps in them but I wasn't sure.

[Kaz]

I thought that might be it(wasnt goin to suggest it though because I dont wanna be responsible for screwin up your new lathe ), I remember reading a post about that somewhere on this forum. You could probably find it if you cross referenced the right words. "chuck jaw cut" stuff like that.

[Kyo]

wd40 works great for cutting aluminum.. for plastics you won't need anything.

If you have a taig lathe, the jaws are aluminum and are designed to be cut to hold whatever piece you have.. in this case a yo-yo.

Clamp the jaws down on something that fits in them as-is (they typically ship the lathe with a washer or something for this purpose) ..then cut the jaws to whatever diameter you need.

The reason for this system is that scroll chucks (aka self-centering chucks) aren't perfectly true at all points.. by cutting them at the diameter you are going to be using them, you ensure that it will run true at that diameter. It doesn't have to be exact, and you can certainly use one set of jaws for many different diameters, but close is good.

Kyle

[Humphrey]

Thanks a bunch!

here's my setup if you cared to look:

[Yoking]

Oh neat! Congrats man you're gonna have some FUN times ahead of ya =). PM me your address I'm gonna send you something

[Humphrey]

Thank you so much!

So, I tried my first cut on the fh2 shown in the picture.

I melted it. XD

[Kaz]

For some reason I cant see your pics =\

As for the fh2, slow and steady!

[jhb8426]

They're in one of his albums in his profile.
For some reason profile album pix links in a post never show up for me either.

[Durfee]

Let's see some pics of the recess man!

I've been considering getting a lathe for a while now. I think when the next game systems come out, I'll get a lathe instead of a console.

[jhb8426]

Let's see some pics of the recess man!

I don't think he can...

So, I tried my first cut on the fh2 shown in the picture.

I melted it. XD

[Humphrey]

Lol ya it got melted.

Alright so the next problem I am having is that the black part that holds the chuck keeps sliding off of the bed when I try to cut the jaws on the chuck.

Also I'm having a hard time adjusting the belt to get the correct rpms. Do you have any tips for that?

Thanks!

[jhb8426]

Chuck mount sliding off: Maybe you have to tighten the lockdown screws a bit more. Just a WAG on my part, as I don't have one.

[Humphrey]

Chuck mount sliding off: Maybe you have to tighten the lockdown screws a bit more. Just a WAG on my part, as I don't have one.

tried that, it didn't work.

I honestly have no idea what to do.

[Durfee]

tried that, it didn't work.

I honestly have no idea what to do.

Don't worry, Kyo will be in here eventually to answer both questions for you.

[Kyo]

Yea, it's Christmas and I have to do two of them at once.. so slow replies today :)

The headstock sliding or moving at all is a huge problem.. that shouldn't happen, ever. There is a bolt on back that works on an allen key.. tighten that. If that doesn't work, there is a bigger problem.. it's a pretty simple attachment system so I can't imagine something preventing it from tightening.

It's possible there is a bent thread on the bolt somewhere that is making it 'feel' like it is tight when it really isn't. Don't force it too much, but you might try taking the bolt out and examining it for any obvious damage.

If nothing seems to work, shoot me a PM and I'll help you get it worked out, or get you in contact with Nick Carter (cartertools.com) or Taig directly.
_______

As for the RPM, it's pretty simple.. assuming the lathe is assembled correctly.

The motor typically sits directly behind the lathe, with the pulley drive facing to the left, and in line with the pulley that is on the headstock.

The pulleys have to be mounted opposite directions.. typically the headstock pully has the largest diameter on the left, the motor pulley has the largest on the right.

By moving down these steps you change the rpm.. 525,825,1300,2100,3350,5300 ..if you are having trouble figuring out which way to go.. move all the way to the left or right and it should be very obvious :)

Now, the motor should be on its mount, which isn't firmly attached to the board. The motor should sit so that the mount is sort of 'raised' from the board slightly, allowing the entire motor and mount to tilt backwards away from the lathe. To attach the belt, you should have to lift the motor slightly back towards the lathe.. this way when you release it, it uses its weight to apply a small amount of tension to the belt.

Kyle

[Humphrey]

Thanks a bunch!

I think that the threads on the screw are damaged... I'm gonna email mr. carter.

[Humphrey]

so, the threads weren't damaged.

I took off the headstock and reattached it, and it works better, but it still slides a little.

[Kyo]

It's a mechanical connection, there really isn't anything to go wrong.. screw hits metal, metal can't move.. the only variable is how tight the screw is really.

I guess maybe check to make sure the metal doesn't have any oil or anything on it in that spot? Other than that just tighten it more?

Kyle