New to this section

[builder77]

Hello everyone.

I purchased the Taig Mini Lathe II

Starter Package 3

http://www.taigtools.com/starter.html

I have been through all the other posts but is there anything else I need to get right away to start making parts?

Also, I was wondering if all of the 7 X 10 parts I see on all the forums will work on this.

Thanks for any advice.

Chris

[MPWR]

Welcome to the hobby!

You'll need some metal stock. But that should get you started. Most of the parts I make start off as 1/4" aluminum rod. You should be able to get 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 at Home Depot or Lowe's.

It would be a bit of a hike for you, but there's a hobby machinist convention next weekend you might consider going to in York PA. Cabin Fever is the single best machinist event on the east coast. The dealer area alone is worth an annual pilgrimage. It is a FANTASTIC opportunity to buy accessories. And a great place to get inspiration for projects.

[builder77]

MPWR - Thanks for the information.
I cant make it up to the convention but if you go please take pictures!
I have been looking through you old posts and trying to learn from some of your work.
Any advice on the method to even plan to make the parts?
Chris

[MPWR]

Really the best way to learn much of this stuff is by doing. You'll quickly learn that the majority of machining is in fact thinking. But you'll train yourself pretty quickly on how to approach tasks by practicing. Start simple, and you'll figure out how to move onto the more complex. It's not had, but it is a form of 'mental training'- the sort of thinking that you just don't use unless you've done it. But it's alot of fun- challenging, rewarding, and satisfying. So give it a try. You'll be surprised how quickly you pick it up.

[MPWR]

So do you have it yet? Tried it out? Any pics? Tell us about it!!!

[builder77]

Sorry I missed this post!
I will take pictures tonight and post them.

I have done a few pieces on the lathe and was very impressed with how simple it is after you get the right thought process down.
I still have a lot to learn but I feel that over time I'll get the hang of it!

Chris

[Decs0105]

Originally Posted by builder77

Sorry I missed this post!
I will take pictures tonight and post them.

I have done a few pieces on the lathe and was very impressed with how simple it is after you get the right thought process down.
I still have a lot to learn but I feel that over time I'll get the hang of it!

Chris

cool can't wait to see some pics of your setup!

Yes the best way to learn it is simply trying it out and then with more practice your parts get better and better.

[builder77]

Do I have this hooked up correctly?



And how does this work with the base?

[MPWR]

Nice setup.

Yes, it looks like you've got it hooked up right. If the spindle/chuck turns in the right direction (counterclockwise when viewed face on), you've got it right.

The dial indicator should fit onto the arm of the stand, but it's hard to be more specific. The dial indicator is most useful for measuring/copying tapers, and for centering stock in 4 jaw non-self centering chucks. If you have a self centering chuck (very highly recommended!), you won't be using the dial indicator much.

So, what are you planning to make?

[builder77]

MPWR
Thanks for the feedback.
It does turn counterclockwise so that's good to hear.
I have dont a few test runs so far and have been successful at making some exhaust tips for a Ferrari 250 GTO.
I'll take pictures tonight and post them.
I can already see the need for the mill attachement to get me through till I can buy a seperate mill.
Thanks again for the help.
Chris

[Decs0105]

Nice setup, I guess you will be spending most of your modeling time doing awesome little parts now that can't be seen on a finished model... like the rest of us

Originally Posted by builder77

...I can already see the need for the mill attachment to get me through till I can buy a seperate mill...

That is the same thing that I thought but in the end I decided against a mill attachment and rather saved that money to get a "real" mill. And I finally bought a mini mill yesterday, can't wait to try that out. It should be delivered next week...

[builder77]

Ah yes I would LOVE to join the group of hidden details!
Here is the headlight I made for the 250.


Now I need to see if I can make a second exactly the same!

This is a lot of fun.

Chris

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by builder77

Ah yes I would LOVE to join the group of hidden details!

And you are well on your way!

Here is the headlight I made for the 250.

Looks like a great start. Do you have a cutoff tool?

Now I need to see if I can make a second exactly the same!

That's certainly good practice.

This is a lot of fun.

And that's really the important part.