16-03-2021, 01:45 AM
Strongly recommend books aimed at the amateur. Model Engineering have published in recent times. Other books are aimed at efficient metal rmoval rates not applicable to light amateur lathes and one off work.
Although with imagination much can be done with a robust drilling machine I dont know how persons acheive restorations without a lathe. It is not so much for precison parts which are difficult and tedious for the amateur (ie bearing houses to .0005") but for washers, spacers, jigs etc. Most amateurs have one or two carbide tools but HSS are more forgiving of technique.
Some years ago I read about a working rotary earo engine made entirely by an amteur in OZ who had never been involved in such work prior to retirement. Old Drummond adverts carried a similar engine made entirely on a very basic round bed lathe. Lathes even new are very modestly priced today. In the early 30s an amateur lathe without motor or chucks was typically L25. Near 2 months tradesmans pay. Now a fortnight complete. And here lathes have about trebled since 1970s whereas wages have increased 20 times and much more. Mine new eons ago not the investment I thought but better than a Pentax!
Although with imagination much can be done with a robust drilling machine I dont know how persons acheive restorations without a lathe. It is not so much for precison parts which are difficult and tedious for the amateur (ie bearing houses to .0005") but for washers, spacers, jigs etc. Most amateurs have one or two carbide tools but HSS are more forgiving of technique.
Some years ago I read about a working rotary earo engine made entirely by an amteur in OZ who had never been involved in such work prior to retirement. Old Drummond adverts carried a similar engine made entirely on a very basic round bed lathe. Lathes even new are very modestly priced today. In the early 30s an amateur lathe without motor or chucks was typically L25. Near 2 months tradesmans pay. Now a fortnight complete. And here lathes have about trebled since 1970s whereas wages have increased 20 times and much more. Mine new eons ago not the investment I thought but better than a Pentax!