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Lathe newbie

Lathe newbie (post #154756)

frisb714 on Sun, 07/25/2010 - 20:15 (updated 07/25/10 - 07:52)

Turning and Carving

Want to know what indexing the spindle means like in "24 index positions". Would also like to buy a used lathe if possible. Specs are as follows:

If possible;

Electronic Variable Speed - 0 or close to 3400 or 4000rpm w/ dial

1hp or higher (110v, 115v or 120v ) single phase w/ reverse

12" - 16" Swing over bed

20" Between centers

1-1/4" Head stock spindle

12" - 14" Tool rest

Stephen Boeker

Indexing is not used when the (post #154756, reply #1 of 6)

by hammer1 in reply to frisb714 [original] on Mon, 07/26/2010 - 04:52

Indexing is not used when the lathe is turning. Its a a method of locking the work in fixed positions so you can do things like reeding, fluting or other work that needs to be equally spaced around the circumference of the work piece. Typically, there are index holes or notches on the headstock pulley that a pin fits in. 20" between centers is pretty short for spindle work, things like staircase ballusters or furniture columns are often 30" or more. If you want to turn plates and bowls, the "swing" is twice the distance from the center of the drive to the top of the bed. Its the maximum diameter you can turn over the bed. Some lathes will allow you to do such work on the outboard end of the headstock, not over the bed. A lathe may have a swing around tool rest for outboard work, others require a separate stand.

Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

Danger Danger (post #154756, reply #2 of 6)

by BruceS in reply to frisb714 [original] on Sun, 08/01/2010 - 19:38

Forgive me !! BUT !! The work place is no place for tikes. One pull on that saw cord and you know the drill.

Sorry, but I just had to mention the potential dangers.

Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

Bruce S.

Hey I work with that guy . . . (post #154756, reply #3 of 6)

by roc in reply to BruceS [original] on Mon, 08/30/2010 - 22:55

No. Relax; it's OK I work with that guy. He is 23. Just a little short. Stunted growth from being a vegetarian. B12 deficiency I think it is. He's calling out dimensions from memory for the other guy to layout. Brilliant guy ! Photographic memory or some such. That's the short guy's saw on the table so no problem.

: )

roc

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

Too many years (post #154756, reply #4 of 6)

by BruceS in reply to roc [original] on Tue, 08/31/2010 - 06:08

I had too many years in an Electric Power Plant, and more safety training than you could shake a "power cord" at !!!

I hope he got the message!!!

Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

Bruce S.

I hope he got the message!!! (post #154756, reply #5 of 6)

by swenson in reply to BruceS [original] on Tue, 08/31/2010 - 06:45

I was going to post a warning but then I thought, "I'm going to sound like such a pill." Glad that you did it. To paraphraise an old saying "For bad things to happen, you only need good men to say nothing."

That said, I did get a laugh out of roc post.