Unleash the Lathe dogs!!!!!!! who knew?

Yooper

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3901 LA525
May 31, 2015
1,529
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NE Wisconsin
I believe we have the same lathe. The spindle bore is tapered for a number 3 Morse taper. Just make sure the spindle bore is clean before seating the center.
 
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woodman55

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L6060HSTC, RTV 1100
May 15, 2022
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canada
I have often wondered about those types of bits.

The biggest problem I have with them is my "cheapness".

When I got this lathe and tool box combo, it was "chocked full" of HSS blanks.....I probably have 2-300 of them. So I gotta at least try to put a dent in them before I trade-up. (y)
Those replaceable cutters are what the "Howees machine shop" guy was using.
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
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Could just file a flat spot to fit under optic vs. having that gap all the way around now.
That would have been a good idea. (y)

Turning it just popped into my head and sometimes I get "hyper focused" and "getting the job done my way" clouds my thinking.

But, on the other hand, "quality shop time" is rarely a bad thing. (y)
 
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Runs With Scissors

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L2501 TLB , Grappel, Brush Hog, Box Blade, Ballast box, Forks, Tiller, PH digger
Jan 25, 2023
2,441
2,817
113
Michigan
I believe we have the same lathe. The spindle bore is tapered for a number 3 Morse taper. Just make sure the spindle bore is clean before seating the center.
Thanks for the info.(y)

I love that little lathe, but I sure wish it had the "quick change gear box".

They are kinda pricey, but I might try to find one.
 

TheOldHokie

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L3901/LA525, B7200DT/B1630, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
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Myersville, MD
windyridgefarm.us
Those replaceable cutters are what the "Howees machine shop" guy was using.
They are called "inserts" and "indexable tool holders".

Indexable tooling is the current standard in professional shops and industries.

The inserts are most commonly made from carbide but also available in high tech, high performance materials like cermet. Inserts last longer and allow higher cutting speeds and feeds.

Dan
 
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Lil Foot

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1979 B7100DT Gear, Nissan Hanix N150-2 Excavator
May 19, 2011
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Peoria, AZ
Looks like a job for a 5c collet setup.
 

lugbolt

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ZG127S-54
Oct 15, 2015
5,207
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did machining in school, late 1980's and early 90's....thought I wanted to be a machinest, like my dad was (Journeyman, 50 years at the UPRR). Got a job offer at a dealership which was right nextdoor to the machine shop I wanted to work at, liked the faster pace and unpredictableness. Fun job for the first 20 years. Then 8 more, just flies by, good days and bad (mostly good) I got through it. The last 2 years, dealer was bought out by a big company in 2018. New owners were awesome. New boss not so much. Tried for 2 1/2 years to put up with him and couldn't.

That machine shop got hit by a tornado in 1997 as I remember. Didn't hurt the dealership, at all. I watched it all happen out the back door of the shop. The owners sold the land and retired, is now a Honda car dealer.

Anyway, in 2021 I found a guy across the state that had a lathe, older 1980's Atlas 3996. Small, but does everything I want to do with it. If I am bored, which is rare, I'll go to the shop and cut metal. I love especially turning aluminum and titanium, but I don't have any more Ti scraps to play with and they're too expensive to buy. Plenty of aluminum though. Made all kinds of stuff so far, ranging from parts to fix the lathe itself (use the lathe to fix the lathe) to crank seal installers for work, all sorts of stuff. I find it to be fun, relaxing. And productive (most of the time).

guy who sold me the lathe, I think he died in a tornado not long after I bought it from him.
 
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