Home Setups

Hey all, let's use this thread to share what you have at home.

Post a photo of your home setup as well as including details of what make, model machines you have and any add ons you've got, as well as tools you think are absolutely indispensable.

Thanks :)

Ok Ray, nothing special on my side: the lathe is a Einhell MTB 3000 and for what I'll see it's the same owned by Steve branded Clarks (but I'll be in error), the mill is a little Roxxon MF70, it's a little great machine good for our little jobs but have the limitation of the Z axix (so hard to mount a rotating table over a cross table), I own also a couple of rotating tables. I own a couple of blade sets for the lathe, one in hard metal and one with Vidia inserts, blus some HSS bars to do my own tools.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5535.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5654.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5656.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5657.jpg

There are also some special places ;) the Hiro avenue (ok TBH I have 4-5 box more now LOL)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5533.jpg

The stash

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5653.jpg

The smell area :D

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5658.jpg

And the AF browsing station :D

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5530.jpg

Heres my setup:

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6585/img0707kr9.jpg

Last year I added the milling conversion to my shop. Dont have pics of that right now. I use a very special Sherline lathe that has a lot of history, and am honored to have it.

Here's my setup:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb112/andrejmiller/workbench.jpg

Sherline 'longbed' lathe, with milling attachment and rotary table. It's pretty modest sizewise, but it's more than sufficient for modeling use. A Sherline XY milling base would give me a much bigger working envelope, but I don't really have the space for it right now.

It doesn't usually look like this- I tend to keep it all under a 2.000" deep layer of insulative aluminum and plastic swarf. :grinyes: But since you guys have such nice looking workspaces, I decided to clean up a bit.

The tackle box contains the associated odds and ends- end mills and lathe cutting bits, measuring tools, edge finders, a sensitive drilling attachment, a set of milling parallels, lathe chuck, holddowns, and on and on.

Not pictured is the band saw- which is another crucial piece of gear. I have a POS from Harbour Fright, but it suits my needs. I also want a small drill press- but it hasn't been critical enough to buy yet. The mill will do much of the function of a drill press, but it's much slower to use this way.

I use a very special Sherline lathe that has a lot of history, and am honored to have it.
You should be. Augie was a terrific guy, and he continues to inspire.

Hey Andy, how's that rotary table working out for you on the lathe cross-slide? I've been wanting to get one but wasnt sure if it would work very well on the lathe.

No problems- the lathe and milling column give me plenty of space to work with the rotaty table. Idealy I'd like it more if the milling column were behind the rotary table instead of to the left side, but mostly that would be a matter of being able to see the work piece a bit better.

I would definately say that the lack of a dedicated milling base is no reason not to get a rotary table. I use my equipment now much more than double as much as I did before getting the table. There's almost nothing I can't do with it now (at least in small scale), and always plenty I want to do with it.

my little setup...

same lathe as gionic a EINHELL 3000MTB. I added only added a QCTP and a digital read out set and of course I donr many many adjustments since these lathes are "horrible" right out of the box...

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/88/52588/3532636635333433.jpg
http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/88/52588/3032633532303363.jpg

And some work in progress :licka:
http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/88/52588/3763396164346638.jpg

these lathes are "horrible" right out of the box...

What does that mean exactly? I've read similar things in many places but I don't actually understand what that means. What's wrong? what do you need to do to you new machine? etc.

Illumination greatly appreciated :)

What does that mean exactly? I've read similar things in many places but I don't actually understand what that means. What's wrong? what do you need to do to you new machine? etc.

Illumination greatly appreciated :)

Talk to Gio. Theres a lot of slop, and play in the parts. A lot of movement that shouldnt be there. They take forever to align and make accurate enough for scale work.

The general theme I am picking up here is that Sherline are the only way to go if you're looking to be serious.

Any pointers on good retailers and also on what to pick up right away with the initial purchase?

I guess we will need to go over gear selection somewhere in this forum, won't we?

For modeling work, Sherline may not be the only choice, but it is undoubtably one of the very best. Sherline equipment is sometimes berated by 'full size' machinists because it is size limited- however given that obvious fact, in every other way it is truely excellent gear. It would be very difficult to find gear that is better in any meaningful way at all. Quality is absolutely top notch, their customer service is spectacular (I've delt with them once or twice, and they certainly exceeded my expectations), and they have a terrificly complete line of accessories to support their machines.

Sherline (http://www.sherline.com/) has a great website, and on it is a list of dealers (http://www.sherline.com/dealers.htm). Some of these dealers do sell at less than list prices. This is one (http://www.discountcampus.com/cgi-bin/webc.exe/store/st_main.html?catid=12) I've had good experinces with.

Package deals can be a good place to start. But the best deal going is to get a lathe, and then get a milling column and a (handfull of accesories). It gives you true milling and turning capability at a little over the cost of one machine. Obviously size is limited, but it's what both Mike and I are running. Certainly for 1/24 (and 1/12) work, it's plenty big enough. And of course when you're ready to have a dedicated mill as well, you can by the components you need to put it together- the milling column will transfer over.

I guess we will need to go over gear selection somewhere in this forum, won't we?

Guess we should work on an FAQ from the advice we've offered Gio and Murray?

I'll bet the questions are the same from many people. If you need help with the 'questions' part of the faq, let me know...

Murray

Guess we should work on an FAQ from the advice we've offered Gio and Murray?
Defiantely. I think we're going to need a decent FAQ, a How-to/tutorial area, and a gallery.

I wouldn't call myself an expert on machining (or on running a forum! :grinno:), so I'm going to hope for and appreciate help from everyone.

But you're right that the PMs we've written out would be a good start. Maybe we can post most or all of them into a thread, and then work on putting together an organized FAQ.

I'll bet the questions are the same from many people. If you need help with the 'questions' part of the faq, let me know...
Yeah, I think you're right. Hopefully this forum will be perfect for you as you're starting out. Questions will be great- the more you ask, the more all of us will learn.

Wow, imagine that. You folks have more machinig equipment at your homes than I do at work (Army)!

[QUOTE=gionc]

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/CIMG5535.jpg

QUOTE]

Nice workspace G! Are you a fan of Ettore Sottsass by per chance?:)

Too ashamed to show my hovel of a garage.

[quote=gionc]QUOTE]

Nice workspace G! Are you a fan of Ettore Sottsass by per chance?:)

Too ashamed to show my hovel of a garage.
LOL yep, not of the postmodern movement but I loved his job: too bad I done university at venice with Aldo Rossi and other "guys" and Sottsass teached at Milan , anyway I had to study his "coloured block" style ;)

Guys I'm pleased: ther's life in this planet, too bad we can't see last replies from the home page...

What does that mean exactly? I've read similar things in many places but I don't actually understand what that means. What's wrong? what do you need to do to you new machine? etc.

Illumination greatly appreciated :)

Talk to Gio. Theres a lot of slop, and play in the parts. A lot of movement that shouldnt be there. They take forever to align and make accurate enough for scale work.

Yes what Mike said :smooch:. The thing is you basicly have to take the whole machine apart before you do one single part. There's play everywhere, the screws are not tightened properly, the gear are not perfectly adjusted and the most important part you have to add grease everywhere :grinyes:

But as soon as you figured everything out it's quite a nice machine... and more than enough for me (I'm only doing model parts). There's also a good DVD about mini lathes from Jose Rodriguez, where he explains the basic operations on a mini lathe. Really good for beginners, it helped me a lot because it's just easier to see someone make it then just reading text or looking at pictures!

There's also a good DVD about mini lathes from Jose Rodriguez, where he explains the basic operations on a mini lathe. Really good for beginners, it helped me a lot because it's just easier to see someone make it then just reading text or looking at pictures!

Couldn't agree more. I read a lot of books about machining before I started but things become so much clearer when watching him work. Gives a good indication of the quality and range of work possible on the "cheap' lathes too!:wink:

Anyone feel like sending me a copy of this DVD? :D

Here's my setup for machining and I use the area on the left for painting also.

My workbench is pretty crowded with equipment, but its adequate. I have a tool grinder, but, as you can see, no room for it.
http://images29.fotki.com/v321/photos/8/829155/5514124/workshop01a-vi.jpg

Here's my chinese lathe. I have an assortment of cutting tools and measuring devices. I modified the tailstock - see below.
http://images30.fotki.com/v477/photos/8/829155/5514124/workshop02a-vi.jpg

My chinese mill, screwless machining vise, and a drill press with an X-Y table. The hammer is for fine adjustments. :grinyes:
I have a nice rotary table from LittleMachineShop, and it was cheap (relatively).

http://images28.fotki.com/v986/photos/8/829155/5514124/workshop03a-vi.jpg

I did a couple modifications to the tail stock - necessary, IMHO. The dial indicator lets me know how deep the tool is going into the workpiece, and I made a cam release for the tailstock.
http://images29.fotki.com/v334/photos/8/829155/5514124/workshop04a-vi.jpg

I got the modification ideas from mini-lathe.com. A few other things I find very useful - commercially made carbide cutters, set of parallels, calipers, dial indicators with mounting devices, set of drill bits (get some good ones - the cheap ones aren't even straight and scar up the hole you're drilling).

That's the nickel tour.

Cool little set-up there Ken. Do you have any pictures of the tool grinder? Also do you find you use the belt sander for machining? Great job on the tailstock, I am in the process of designing something similar for mine. Good tip on the drill bits too, I learned the hard way.

Mike

Anyone feel like sending me a copy of this DVD? :D
X2 I've seen the retail price and can't seem to buy the DVD for $79.00.

Mike

mikemechanic - I dont have any pics of the tool grinder. It's still in the box. I looks like a bench grinder, but it has angle-adjustable tables on the front and sides of the grinding wheels. The Dremel belt sander is one of the more useful items. I dont use it much with the machining operations, but I do use it on styrene and resin parts regularly to make 'adjustments'.

Here's mine ...

first, there was nothing! :rolleyes:

I first bought the lathe. It is a Sherline 4100 model with DRO. I added the power feed. The necessary accessories have been ordered from the first time althoug the thread cutting gears and 4 point check came later.

A couple of months later, I ordered the 8100 mill with DRO. Accessories there were devider head, angle mounting support for the devider, ...

The wole thing is installed on an RVS table. This would have been expensive ... but Ikea saved my life (and wallet).
The drawers are also from Ikea. Cheap and everything can be stored nicely.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/danice2003/P1010006.jpg

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/danice2003/P1010007.jpg

On the other side of the room, there's my modeling table. The spraybooth is on the table now, but will move this weekend to another place as it is still under construction.
Same setup here with the Ikea cabinets.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/danice2003/P1010009.jpg

This is my lathe and something of my machining stuff .
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7858/dscn1976mbo1.jpg

Hello,
Received my Lathe today......!!!!
Proxxon PD230/E with accessories, .....Yes!
Pictures soon.....when I have cleaned the mess in my garage......!

Cheers

Jamme

Hello,
Received my Lathe today......!!!!
Proxxon PD230/E with accessories, .....Yes!
Pictures soon.....when I have cleaned the mess in my garage......!

Cheers

Jamme

LOL! ...and I got my milling machine today. :smokin:

Cleaning my garage out too - bl**dy cold though!

Congratulations! Now your awesome builds will be mega-awesome :lol:

Pictures soon.....when I have cleaned the mess in my garage......!
dépêche-toi!! :D

LOL! ...and I got my milling machine today. :smokin:
:lol:Congratulations to you also then ;)

Congrats to both of you (see Klutz that fits in one post :evillol: :evillol: :evillol: )

Cingster please make sure to post lots of pics to show me that I have to get a X2 too :iceslolan

Congrats to both of you (see Klutz that fits in one post :evillol: :evillol: :evillol: )

Cingster please make sure to post lots of pics to show me that I have to get a X2 too :iceslolan

Will do Dennis...got to get the Porsche Spyder body shaped up first though, then I've got to get my head around this very first project:

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb224/cinqster-photo/RS60drum.jpg

Do I pick them or what!:screwy: :icon16:

My God John: wanna start easy uh?

Andy done something like this "ventilated" drum (isn't that?) for his 911's boxer. I see well it as a PE origami, but you know guys that I'm PE diseased LOL.

My God John: wanna start easy uh?

Andy done something like this "ventilated" drum (isn't that?) for his 911's boxer. I see well it as a PE origami, but you know guys that I'm PE diseased LOL.

G'man, it's worse than that...can you believe that over 40 years ago Porsche decided to make them handed - yes, the left drum fins go the other way, so I'm going to have to make two! Really I need to make all four because the rear drums are indentical to the front apart from not having the five ribs in the centre. I'm going to make two different centres with an interference fit that I can switch with the two outer drum parts - this should give me the combination to cast 4 different drums from!

Easy eh! :naughty:

Well that's a fun little shape, isn't it? Looks like you'll need at least a rotary table and a slitting saw. I wouldn't even care to guess accurately how many of those fins there are. :uhoh:

I'll be fascinated to see how you go about it, and/or happy to offer thoughts for how to possibly try it.

I finally got around to clearing the garage out and made myself some workspace. I'm going to mount the grinder on some wood so that I can clamp it in the benchvise which will free me up some more room. The mill is still awaiting a good clean and tear down!

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb224/cinqster-photo/Workshop-1.jpg

...I see some beautiful cars...

...I see some beautiful cars...

LOL! Cheers Mike - there's a motorcycle in there for company too! :eek:

LOL! Cheers Mike - there's a motorcycle in there for company too! :eek:
Pics of the cars and the bike please. This isn't the modeling forum so you can show 1:1 stuff you know. Lathe and mill looks great, did you do a tear down of the lathe?

Mike

....did you do a tear down of the lathe?

Mike

Doubt it needed it, it's a Clarke after all :iceslolan

@J: damn for few moments I dreamed about your vintage bike, old Norton or worst an awesome Indian..... than I checked your profile...... ROFL I'm jocking :D

G, I can't think why you would think I'm an Indian fan!:licka:

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb224/cinqster-photo/Drifter.jpg

Mike, I've some pics of the Spyder completed in my profile - will try to update it at some point as I've got some frightening build shots with some of the body cut into very small pieces when I was 'correcting' the shape of it.

The lathe rebuild was more of a clean-up, regrease and readjust process - I've still not lapped the jibs, though to be honest it doesn't seem to need it. The X2 Mill clean up will be a similar process as a lot of the componants are the same as the lathe. I'll shoot a photo session of the process when I do it.

Here it is, my setup (small but ok 4 me)

"workspace"

http://its-not-unusual.de/room1n.jpg

drill press (Proxxon) + x-y table

http://its-not-unusual.de/room1na.jpg

my old Emco

http://its-not-unusual.de/room1nb.jpg

end mills etc.

http://its-not-unusual.de/room1nc.jpg

cutting tools

http://its-not-unusual.de/room1nd.jpg

Aleks :smile:

http://www.its-not-unusual.de