CQ6230A 12x36 lathe [Archive]

Darren_111

17th March 2011, 02:04 AM

In my quest to pick a new lathe I’ve just noticed that the Gasweld Toolex CQ6230A has dropped in price from $3195 to $2995. It seems like a good price. Spec wise and visually it looks very much like the Hafco AL-335 (with a different gear box) https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=L183#, and the Paramount Browns FI-910SM METAL LATHE & STAND - 910MM BC » Paramount Browns' (http://www.paramountbrowns.com.au/metal-lathe-stand-910mm-bc/). The main problem with the PB machine is a $260 additional cost to ship from Adelaide to Sydney.

Can anyone comment on the quality of the Toolex unit? My local Gasweld store doesn’t have one on display. Is there much difference to the Hafco lathe?

Does the Toolex lathe have power cross feed?

RayG

17th March 2011, 01:16 PM

Hi Darren,

I have that same lathe. Although mine is an earlier CQ6230 model (early 1990's). There are lots of them around, often with different badging, Grizzly, and others have their own badging.

The maker, (although probably not the only one) is Shaoxing
Products - SHAOXING TONGLI MACHINE TOOL COL.,LTD. (http://www.stmtco.com/En/pro.asp?bigid=5)

DaveJ also has the same model, I'm pretty sure his is a Gasweld Toolex as well.

I've done a lot of upgrades to mine, DRO, QCTP, 2HP VFD, and other smaller bits and pieces. I recommend the DRO and QCTP as essential.

I'm happy with mine. :2tsup: and there are lot's of others with the same or very similar lathes who can help if you get into trouble down the track.

Hope that helps

Regards
Ray

Edit: They all have power cross feed as far as I know.

Dave J

17th March 2011, 02:17 PM

Hi Darren,
I have that same lathe and could not speak more highly of it over the H&F's model. The fit and finish is better the accuracy is spot on and it does has powered cross feed. It also has 18 speeds and is a imperial lead screw which I think is better than a metric one's that you have to change the thread dial gears constantly for different pitches.
Reg around the corner from me also bought one.and has a few photos on his site
Reg's Workshop (http://www.oldengine.org/members/randmingold/workshop.htm)
If their is anything you want to know or pictures just let me know.
Here are a few pictures to give you a better look at it.

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164420&stc=1&d=1300331167

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164421&stc=1&d=1300331167

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164422&stc=1&d=1300331167

http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164423&stc=1&d=1300331167

If you are coming up Newcastle way you are welcome to have a look and do some machining on it if you want to.

Dave

Dave J

17th March 2011, 02:25 PM

When I bought mine I used the other suppliers prices to barter them with. I got the lathe, stand and a live centre thrown in for $3000 and the price 7 years ago is what it is now, but the stand was $295 then. From what I have heard on here the guy in Sydney is good to deal with so it would be worth trying to get at least the lathe and stand for $3000.

Dave

Edit
I also found the chucks that came with my machine where back plate mount instead of direct cam lock mount. For the 3 jaw this was good as it gives a little wiggle room to get it running perfectly true, instead of being stuck with a fixed cam lock style. Also new chucks can be fitted to these back plates instead of having to buy a cam lock one.

Darren_111

17th March 2011, 05:30 PM

Ray and Dave,

Thanks very much for your feedback, information, photos, and links. They were all very useful.

I've set aside an additional $400 for some basic tooling and a dial indicator so hopefully I can get a good deal for the lot. I've found that they have one on display in the Penrith Gasweld which is only an hour from campbelltown. I'll go and take a look I think.

What are the DROs you guys have? DRO's are on my wish list but I think beyond my budget for a little while.

Thanks and regards,
Darren

Dave J

17th March 2011, 05:54 PM

Just remember the display one wont look real good as it has been sitting their and will have rust and probably have parts missing pinched of it. The one in the Newcastle store has been their for 10 or more years.
The one you will get will be in a crate with all the rust preservative still on it.
If you can learn to sharpen HSS which is not hard, you can buy sticks for around $8 each and will last a long time. Carbide tooling is good for hard stuff, but you have the money for the spare tip which can be chipped easy.
If you get up around Morriset Mega markets they have 2 tool stores their that are a lot cheaper than the store prices. Also check out CTC tooling because he sells gear direct from over their and most of use on here buy from him. Years ago (before I would buy off the internet) I fell into the trap of buying locally and I now look back and think how much more I could have had buying direct from overseas.Sometimes it is marked up to 500% more here.

As for the DRO's the Sino one's are good and will cost around $450 for a complete 2 axis which is plenty good enough for a lathe. You can go for a 3 axis (one for the compound like I have done) and it will cost you around $550 but is not really needed.

Dave

PS
I just had a look and CTC can send you a 0.01mm dial indicator for $17.76 all up
DIAL INDICATOR GAUGE #C92 (http://www.ctctools.biz/servlet/the-119/PRECISION-MEASURING-GAUGE/Detail)
PSS
And here is the HSS tool blanks for grinding your own tooling.
HSS TOOL BIT - SQUARE STOCK - LENGTH 100MM (1 PC) #H30 (http://www.ctctools.biz/servlet/the-476/HSS-HIGH-SPEED-STEEL/Detail)

RayG

17th March 2011, 06:31 PM

Hi Darren,

A DRO is one of those things that, once you use it, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

I got one from Meister, and found them excellent to deal with, they will help you with choosing the scale lengths.

eBay Australia Store (http://stores.ebay.com.au/DROStore/Digital-Readout-/_i.html?_fsub=636965016&_sid=86462936&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322)

It's probably going to set you back close on $400 by the time you pay postage and so on.

The other good one, is the Sino that Dave has, with the scale on the compound, which I don't have on mine. There are times when it would be handy.

Dave's pretty much said it already, but I'll add another vote for CTC tools.
CTC Tools Home Page (http://www.ctctools.biz/servlet/StoreFront)

Regards
Ray

Dave J

17th March 2011, 07:28 PM

Another vote for the Meister and it is now cheaper. I have 2 x 3 axis sets and I would have mentioned and recommended them as I think they are the top of the range in the cheaper unit's, but they used to be a lot more expensive.
I find with the Miester you don't have to go into the sub menu like I do on the Sino for some things and the buttons are all in English. Back up service for any questions are first class (in English) even years on. I only had one problem with the 2 sent to me and it one of the cords. It is just a computer power cord but he sent me another one strait away, and when I asked questions about connecting Mitutoyo scales to the unit he sent me all the wiring diagrams and was fully helpful.

Like Ray has said once you have had a DRO you will wonder how you did without it. On a standard lathe you have to count hand wheel revolutions and calculate for radius and diameter. The carriage hand wheel is also course reading, so you end up having to calculate between the carriage and the compound for longer stuff.
With the DRO it is all there in plan English dividing any length moved into 0.005mm (0.001mm optional) increments, and you can select radius/ diameter by the push of a button. It also has a taper function for machining tapers precisely, stored tool off sets and loads more including a calculator. It takes the hard part of using a lathe out of it.
If I bought another lathe it would be the first thing fitted to it, and with the dollar being so high it is a good time to buy.

Thanks for posting that Ray as I had forgot they have brought out some new ones that are even cheaper than the Sino's. When I used to recommend them to people they would question why the where a few hundred dollars dearer than others and also come with no mounting brackets. Even though they are a better DRO it is hard to convince 1st time users to pay a few hundred more for a DRO with less pieces.

At that price it makes me want to buy a head unit for the shaper.lol

Dave

RayG

17th March 2011, 10:25 PM

At that price it makes me want to buy a head unit for the shaper.lol

Dave

Hi Dave,

I'm seriously considering one of these for the mill..

150mm 6" Vertical DRO Digital Readout Quill Milling LCD (eBay item 230527702509 end time 16-Apr-11 16:05:56 AEST) : Industrial (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/150mm-6-Vertical-DRO-Digital-Readout-Quill-Milling-LCD-/230527702509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item35ac8595ed)

Would it be suitable for the shaper, or do you need XY?

Regards
Ray

Darren_111

17th March 2011, 11:29 PM

Dave J

17th March 2011, 11:56 PM

One thing I just remembered about the Sino DRO's is they have a backup battery that if left unpowered for more than a year will need to be replaced by the factory.
I contacted Miester to see if they had a backup battery because it wasn't in the manual, and they have told me that they don't have a battery. So that is another one up for Miester.

Ray
That would be a good idea for the quill, I see a lot of people have been fitting that type and are happy with them. If you have the quill clamp made for your CNC you could attach it to that, or if you haven't made it you could maybe make a provision for it in the pattern. Just be careful if you are drilling into the bottom of the front of the head because the spindle lock hole is close as I found that out when drilling the first mill.:doh:

I have a 150mm glass scale for the quill that I had on the old mill but haven't got around to putting it on this one. I got it out of the cupboard a few weeks ago to re fit to this mill, but that is as far as it got. All the brackets and quill clamp are made I just have to drill the line it up and drill the holes.
It is surprising how much you miss it after you have had it before. My technique for putting the depth of cut has always been to get the knee close then use the quill to put on the last 10-20mm. Without having the scale on the quill I have been using the knee which is a pain in the neck.

For the shaper I am not sure, but I have been thinking of using a scale like you posted for the down feed on the clapper. I think a glass scale on the ram would not only be vulnerable, but would take a beating with vibration and the cable would get a real workout going back and forward so many times.
When I was looking last year there was a ebay shop in the US selling those scales cheap and the postage was a good price. I will try to track it down for you.

I have some new Mitutoyo glass scales that I picked up on ebay cheap for the X and Y for the Douglas shaper and have the spare Miester DRO with 3 scales off the old mill for the Alba, so I have been thinking of sharing the read out between shapers. I could always make a switch up instead of having to unplug them all the time.

Dave

Dave J

18th March 2011, 12:19 AM

I forgot to mention earlier, that the Meister 2 axis DRO that Ray linked to is $340 AU and $70 postage. So at $410 posted it would be about the cheapest readout I have seen and you get a good quality unit as well.
It also now comes with a mounting bracket, a back plate for the cross slide scale and plastic end plates for the scale covers, they didn't come with any of this before.
Meister ARC2 digital readout DRO Scale 500~ 900mm Lathe (eBay item 330505568855 end time 06-Apr-11 18:42:14 AEST) : Industrial (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Meister-ARC2-digital-readout-DRO-Scale-500-900mm-Lathe-/330505568855?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4cf3aac257)

Dave

Dave J

18th March 2011, 12:45 AM

Hi Ray,
I think this is the guy, I know I had to ask for the postage price which was reasonable. At that price it might make it worth while to get a couple to save on postage.
I just remembered I have one on my 15 inch timber thicknesser I could use, but a dedicated one would be better.
6"/ 150mm VERT DIGITAL QUILL DRO KIT-BRIDGEPORT READOUT (eBay item 310200431330 end time 09-Apr-11 04:46:30 AEST) : Business Industrial (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/6-150mm-VERT-DIGITAL-QUILL-DRO-KIT-BRIDGEPORT-READOUT-/310200431330?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483962f2e2)

Dave

RayG

18th March 2011, 01:09 AM

Hi Dave,

Thanks for that link, I'll have a closer look at it, first impression is it looks like the one that came on my thicknesser as well.
I think that it's a smaller display size than the meister, but still, at that price. :)

Regards
Ray

Dave J

18th March 2011, 01:52 AM

You could always borrow the thicknesor one for now.:D
I never noticed the smaller screen. though it would be only a foot away from your eyes, so I think it would be easy enough to read.

There was a guy on US ebay selling a unusual 3 axis DRO with one scale being digital vernier type for around the same price as a 3 glass scale unit.. It had a unit that went between the scale and DRO to convert it's signal.
Here is a link to the auction
3 AXIS DRO MILL LATHE PACKAGE LINEAR DIGITAL SCALES NEW - eBay (item 330521809815 end time Jan-23-11 16:16:23 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=330521809815&si=vQ3HZZCjIv8oJwbypLbyupdDTG4%253D&viewitem)=
And here is a better picture of the insides of the unit in post 9
The Home Machinist! • View topic - DRO Suggestions (http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=88994&hilit=dro)

Dave

Stustoys

18th March 2011, 04:31 PM

3 AXIS DRO MILL LATHE PACKAGE LINEAR DIGITAL SCALES NEW - eBay (item 330521809815 end time Jan-23-11 16:16:23 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=330521809815&si=vQ3HZZCjIv8oJwbypLbyupdDTG4%253D&viewitem)=

Down near the bottom he has one on a lathe tail stock. Now I want one of those!

Stuart

Sterob

18th March 2011, 06:44 PM

Down near the bottom he has one on a lathe tail stock. Now I want one of those!

Stuart

LOL...me too!!!

Darren_111

21st March 2011, 12:59 AM

LOL - OK, I don't even have a lathe yet, but I'm already planning my 4-axis DRO... Longitudinal and cross feed axes plus digital scales on both the compound slide and on the tailstock and a switch to select which one gets displayed on the third display readout. Hmmm, maybe I could put a rotary encoder on the compound slide rotation.....

Gavin Newman

21st March 2011, 01:09 PM

Dave J

21st March 2011, 01:11 PM

Thanks guys. I'll enjoy looking into both the Meister and Sino DROs.
I've had a look at the CTC site and I'll have another good long look tomorrow. It looks great. I've bought electronics from HK in the past and come out way in front.

Its been many years since I did metalwork in high school. I've just bought the TAFE fitting and machining book to help me back into it. I had planned to buy a pile of carbide tools now and learn how to grind HSS tools later... but I might bring the HSS tools forward and save my carbide money for a DRO system. Mild steel will be the hardest thing I'm likely to use in the near future.

Tomorrow I'll have a look at QCTPs.

Darren.

HSS will be fine for mild steel, do you have a grinder? A 6 inch one will do.

There is a good thread on QC tool posts here http://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/quick-change-toolpost-better-123112/ ,
some preferred the AXA and others the BXA. The wedge type tool post seems to be the most favored over the piston type. The holders can be had from CDCO for the BXA at around $9 - $10 each and you can fit around 14 in a flat rate box for around $45 and around 18 AXA one's.

Dave.

Darren_111

21st March 2011, 07:24 PM

Gavin, hehe yep, I put the strain gauges on the list ;-)
How about an infra-red thermometer pointing at the tool tip too :q

Dave, there's some good reading in that QCTP thread, thanks, I'm working through it.

Darren_111

23rd March 2011, 03:26 PM

From reading the QCTP thread and other comments it seems that both the CDCO AXA and BXA models are good value and suit my general purpose needs on a 12x36 lathe (probably the toolex CQ6230A).
It looks like the current prices are ‘sale’ prices to the end of March – eg the BXA kit for $89 and the AXA kit for $78. Are these things always on ‘sale’ at CDCO or should I get my but in gear and make a final decision and order before March ends. (I realise there’s a limited number of crystal balls out there, just wondering what’s typical for this company.)

Dave: Forgot to say before, yep I have a trusty old 6" bench grinder and I’m keen to give HSS tool grinding a try.

Dave J

23rd March 2011, 06:17 PM

For 12 months or more those sale prices just keep getting moved to a new date but could change at any time.. I have been thinking of buying a BXA set and 20 or so holders and know with my luck if I don't get it soon the sale will be gone.

My advice is if you want one and have the money get it now so you don't miss out. He will work with you to fill a flat rate box, so you could fill the rest of the box with more holders or other gear. I have 6 holders for my H&F's Dickson style and it's not enough, 10 would be good. Some guys in the US have 100-150 holders which be nice but is an over kill.

Dave

Darren_111

24th March 2011, 04:33 PM

While the Toolex CQ6230A was my much preferred 12x36 option over the H&F AL335, now I have to factor in the AL336 as a possibility given the current sale price of $3179. It has the same 18 speed range but also adds a coolant system and a foot brake. Its very tempting.
The Toolex CQ6230A is $2995 without stand (may be possible to do some haggling there).

What do people think given these new prices?

I’m going to Penrith Gasweld tomorrow with the H&F sale pamphlet to see what they will do.

Dave J

24th March 2011, 04:40 PM

I have been down to H&F's a fair few times looking at the lathes, and the fit and finish is not as good as the Toolex lathe. Have a look yourself and I think you will agree.
The foot brake would be handy, but is not really needed.

Dave

Darren_111

25th March 2011, 04:49 PM

I went out to Penrith Gasweld today and had a look at their Toolex CQ6230A. I agree that its better finished than the H&F AL335 and AL336. Gasweld were not interested in competing for business though. They agreed to drop the $3200 store price down to their own $3000 internet price but that was as far as they went. I found it a bit surprising. :? I showed the guy the H&F specials.

So we have Gasweld Toolex CQ6230A $3400 ($400 for stand)
H&F AL336 $3179 including stand, foot break, coolant system

I’d be happy to pay the $220 more for the better finish of the Toolex unit. I don’t think I can do that on top of losing the brake and the coolant system to boot. As well as doing threading to a shoulder I see the footbrake as a very nice safety feature for a beginner.

Dave, would you mind measuring the height of your stand. I might be able to use a heavy duty bench I have that can be bolted to the floor.

Dave J

25th March 2011, 05:08 PM

I have just range up for you and spoke to Steve the manager I know up in the Newcastle store. He said he should be able to do $3000 or match the H&F's price with stand for you out of Blacktown in Sydney, as they own that one as well. He will let me know Monday as the big boss is at the GP, but said they usually do match the price.

I will measure the stand when I go down the shed tonight. I am 180 cm tall and had to raise the standard stand around 150mm to be a comfortable height.

Dave

Darren_111

25th March 2011, 05:31 PM

Wow, that was great of you to do that Dave, thanks!
Well I'm 194cm. I'll definitely have to raise the standard stand :B

azzrock

25th March 2011, 05:54 PM

this machine doesnt seem to have a brake. id rather buy a second hand machine with one than a $3000 new machine with out one.

Dave J

25th March 2011, 06:01 PM

Will the Blacktown store suit you? Thinking about he said they match the H&F's price so you may end up with it for $2959
He was grateful for sending them the business and said Penrith Gasweld is a privet franchise and nothing to do with them. He was quiet amazed at the way you where treated their though.
The lathe could be delivered to Blacktown store where they would load it onto your ute/trailer.

Dave

Darren_111

25th March 2011, 06:20 PM

azzrock: yes you're right, no foot brake on the CQ6230A. Do you have one - how often would you use it?

Dave: Blacktown is not far at all from me, only about 35 mins. Campbelltown is my nearest store at about 10 mins away, so it makes very little difference to me.

Com_VC

25th March 2011, 07:41 PM

How do these lathes achieve the 18 speeds as opposed to the 9 speeds of similar lathes. Is it a 2 speed motor?

Stustoys

25th March 2011, 08:31 PM

How do these lathes achieve the 18 speeds as opposed to the 9 speeds of similar lathes. Is it a 2 speed motor?
Two sizes of Vee belt pulleys.
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/viewImage.php?id=1261&imageNumber=5

Com_VC

25th March 2011, 08:44 PM

ahh cheers, makes sence now :)

azzrock

25th March 2011, 09:08 PM

darren. my machine at home. a hercus 9c does not. i like the foot brake a lot. most macines ive used over the years have them. there grate for thread cutting and very handy once u get used to them.

Dave J

25th March 2011, 09:59 PM

Darren,
I have gone 6 - 7 years without a brake and haven't missed it. Just recently I got a set of 100mm brake pads so I am going to fit a brake, not because I need it, just because it's another accessory I can add.:D The lathes come ready for a brake even the inside of my pulley is machined for it, it just needs a set of shoes and a few bits of flat/round bar to add one.

The old saying of quality before quantity and I think getting a better finished/quality lathe over not getting brake is a small price to pay. I was thinking of up grading to a CL38 from H&F's and after seeing it in person was not impressed, it just looked really rough. Also I never got any swarf or shaving out of the gear box like I have heard others have had with different brand lathes.

I just measured and the standard lathe stand is 600mm high and I added 150mm with channel and adjustable feet. (Picture below)

Also below are a few pictures of a brake set up of a lathe this size. They are only a basic set up.

Com VC
You can see the pulley setup in the pictures. I leave mine in the low speed range pretty well all the time and it gives a max speed of 1200 rpm.

Dave

Darren_111

26th March 2011, 06:47 PM

Dave,
I had started thinking of the possibility of adding a brake to the Toolex machine… partly for the benefits of being able to use it, and also as a nice project in its own right! Its very encouraging to hear that its feasible. I’m happy to invest a bit of time, effort, and money in a project like that. I certainly agree that its much less feasible to improve the ‘general quality’ of a machine. Thanks for the brake images and diagrams. The principle is fairly straight forward.

Thanks for the stand information. I like the use of channel.
Darren

Darren_111

29th March 2011, 02:59 PM

Hi Dave,

Did you here anything back from your friend at Newcastle Gasweld?

Thanks,
Darren

Dave J

29th March 2011, 04:50 PM

PM sent

Dave

Dave J

30th March 2011, 01:44 PM

I sent Darren a PM earlier today.
For anyone else watching or wanting one, Gasweld Newcastle will do it for $2949 including stand to match the H&F's sale at the moment, and they have plenty in stock.
For people not around here, you would have to ring them to see about a store in your area, but they can have it delivered to the Blacktown branch if your down that way as they own that one as well.
The person to contact is Steve the manager of Newcastle on 0249067777

Darren
The internet price seems to have come down more because it is now at $2895
https://www.gasweld.com.au/products/580713
But the stand still adds $299 to that price
https://www.gasweld.com.au/products/580714

Dave

Darren_111

30th March 2011, 03:21 PM

Hi Dave,

Many thanks for your efforts and your time on this.
I spoke to Steve a little while ago and placed my order. It should arrive in Blacktown early next week. Steve is a very nice guy and he had a real genuine manner. It was a pleasure to deal with him. I'll follow up when I take delivery.

I noticed the internet price drop. Its great to see the competition!

Best regards,
Darren

Dave J

30th March 2011, 03:57 PM

No problem, good to hear it's all worked out for you.
I have known Steve for around 20 or more years that he has worked their, and he has always been the same. Sometime he forgets thing and needs a reminder, but I think they rely on him a lot in their for almost everything there. The son just bought a $3000 -$4000 Sidechrome tool kit off him on Friday which he knocked down to $2600.

Will be looking forward to your delivery/setup thread.

Dave

RayG

30th March 2011, 06:40 PM

Hi Darren,

You've made a good choice there, it's probably the best value for money, in a new lathe that you would find at the moment.

Congratulations on the purchase..:2tsup:

Regards
Ray

Darren_111

4th May 2011, 03:27 PM

Well, its taken a while but the Toolex CQ6230A lathe its up and running. Everything seems OK so far.
It was an interesting exercise to winch the thing up my 20 degree driveway into the garage. I wish I’d taken some video of it sailing up the huge slope strapped to the base of base of my engine crane.
I’ve mounted my AXA sized QCTP from CDCO. I’m very happy with it given its low price.
I’ve manage to grind some HSS tools that work OK. I’m doing some web research to improve my results.
When I worked out a comfortable working height I needed to raise the lathe 250mm above Chinese height (I’m 195cm tall). So I’m currently using a bench instead of the proper stand. I’m still deciding if I’ll boost the proper stand or not… no rush on that one.
I’ve shimmed the legs to get it as level as I can tell with my carpenter’s level – I’ll see how I go with that for the moment.

I’d like to set up a way of locking the carriage without using the leadscrew. I’ll start researching that over the next couple of days.

Gavin Newman

4th May 2011, 03:46 PM

I’d like to set up a way of locking the carriage without using the leadscrew. I’ll start researching that over the next couple of days.

Have a look behind the front of the carriage at either end to see if there's a small block that fits loosely underneath the front of the ways. Most of the lathes of this size that I've looked at have such a block connected to a capscrew that sits in the top of the saddle - that's the carriage lock. That's how it works on the AL960B and AL320G lathes as well as a number of others I've looked at. Generally you then replace that capscrew with a t-bar to make it easier to use.

Dave J

4th May 2011, 03:47 PM

Hi Darren,
Good to see your up and running and happy with it.

There is a carriage lock on it on the right hand side of the cross slide on the carriage. It is a square bolt from memory as i have modified mine with a handle shown below. One of the spanners you got with it will fit.
There is also a cross slide lock which is a grub screw in the centre of the right side of the cross slide.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=168907&stc=1&d=1304484233

Dave

Dave J

4th May 2011, 03:52 PM

Thinking about it, it might have been a countersunk Allen head bolt.

Dave

Stustoys

4th May 2011, 04:08 PM

Greens nice.
Congrads Darren.

Stuart

azzrock

4th May 2011, 06:26 PM

well very nice. are you a sparky?

Darren_111

4th May 2011, 08:58 PM

Thanks Gavin and Dave, yep found the Allen head lock bolt :doh:

Azzrock:
Nope, not a sparky. I've done so many things I'm not sure what I am anymore :roll: Currently I write embedded software and make prototype embedded systems. The cable rack represent about 20 years of projects, hobbies, and my favorite - scrounging and bargain hunting.

Gavin Newman

4th May 2011, 09:58 PM

Thanks Gavin and Dave, yep found the Allen head lock

So now the first thing you can make on the lathe is a replacement for the capscrew, a tee-bar like this makes the saddle lock a lot more convenient to use.
168942168943

RayG

4th May 2011, 11:11 PM

<snip>
It was an interesting exercise to winch the thing up my 20 degree driveway into the garage. I wish I’d taken some video of it sailing up the huge slope strapped to the base of base of my engine crane.
<snip>

Hi Darren,

Congratulations on getting it up the driveway successfully, not an easy task, especially up a steep slope. Must have been a heartstopper.

Looks good in it's new home. When you get to levelling it up, see if you can get a machinists level. One of these would do the trick.

12" MASTER PRECISION LEVEL FOR MACHINIST TOOL NEW .0005 | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/12-MASTER-PRECISION-LEVEL-MACHINIST-TOOL-NEW-0005-/350389852563?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5194dcd993)

Edit: Deleted link to the Starret ..I thought that was cheap for a Starret, the auction was for the box only!

Currently I write embedded software and make prototype embedded systems.Snap.. what processors? I'm mostly Pic with a bit of Atmel, doing some work on a ATmega based carwash system as we speak...

Regards
Ray

Dave J

4th May 2011, 11:44 PM

Here is 10inch one a little cheaper for $75 delivered.
MACHINIST PRECISION LEVEL #G70 (http://www.ctctools.biz/servlet/the-403/PRECISION-LEVELLING-OF-MACHINE/Detail)
I bought one and am happy with it, and 10inch is long enough to do a lathe.

Dave

Stustoys

4th May 2011, 11:55 PM

You'll also need some parallels or 1,2,3 blocks if you don't already have some. For setting the level above the pyramid way then leveling front to back.

Stuart

pipeclay

5th May 2011, 12:52 AM

Or use tool steel if you dont have the parallels or blocks.

Darren_111

5th May 2011, 12:33 PM

Gavin: Yeah, I’ll definitely be making a new lock handle soon. Thanks for the pics.

Dave: I’m currently putting together a CTC order so I’ve put the machinists level on the list.

Ray:
Yep, the driveway was a bit stressful.
I’ve written TI C5000 series and Motorola 56K series software for other peoples hardware; written software for SBCs using Intel PXA arms and Atmel arms, and double snap… my main current project is on an ATmega 2560. Its an OEM satellite terminal I’m writing some software for.
I bought a couple of Pic development boards and books and I’ve done a bit of research but its all sitting in a box waiting for some spare time. Also sitting in a box is some TI MSP430 low power LaunchPad kits also waiting for some time, these things are a bargain (if I ever get to turn them on that is).

Stuart & pipeclay: I’ll start with the tool blanks as parallels and see how I go. My mic says mine are good to 0.01mm… and I’ll keep a lookout for bargains on the right gear.

Stustoys

5th May 2011, 12:52 PM

Darren,
If you keep one blank for the front way and one for the back, it won't matter if they aren't spot on anyway. Still you'll be able to reverse them and check.

Stuart

RayG

5th May 2011, 10:50 PM

<snip>
Ray:
Yep, the driveway was a bit stressful.
I’ve written TI C5000 series and Motorola 56K series software for other peoples hardware; written software for SBCs using Intel PXA arms and Atmel arms, and double snap… my main current project is on an ATmega 2560. Its an OEM satellite terminal I’m writing some software for.
I bought a couple of Pic development boards and books and I’ve done a bit of research but its all sitting in a box waiting for some spare time. Also sitting in a box is some TI MSP430 low power LaunchPad kits also waiting for some time, these things are a bargain (if I ever get to turn them on that is).

Hi Darren,
We should compare notes one day, I prefer to do both the hardware and software, rather than work with someone else's hardware, but lately I've been doing some embedded linux using the TS7800 and TS7400 arm systems, ARM Single Board Computers for Embedded Systems (http://www.embeddedarm.com/products/arm-sbc.php#ts-7800-500mhz-series) But, mostly it's Pic18's, recently I did one using the 18F97J60 with embedded ethernet, and embedded web server for configuration and status monitoring.

Interested in what you think of the MPS430, it looks like it would be nice for battery powered applications.

Regards
Ray

pipeclay

5th May 2011, 10:57 PM

What part of this lathe are you talking about?

RayG

5th May 2011, 11:53 PM

What part of this lathe are you talking about?

Hi Pipeclay,

Ok, point taken. Darren, you should perhaps reply by PM. :rolleyes:

Regards
Ray

Dave J

6th May 2011, 02:26 AM

Theres one of these lathes in the for sale section at the moment with a AXA quick change tool post, and it looks like it comes with a heap of tooling.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f223/lathe-full-tools-kit-134561/

Sorry to see a member have to sell his lathe. Pity it wasn't getting sold a bit earlier for you Darren, still a bargain for someone though.

Ray,
If the OP goes off topic I don't usually worry about it as it's his thread. Some of the threads in the past month have gone way off topic.

Dave

Jekyll and Hyde

6th May 2011, 08:07 PM

pipeclay

6th May 2011, 08:54 PM

Its NOT in a state.

Jekyll and Hyde

6th May 2011, 09:08 PM

Its NOT in a state.

Oh for **** sake. I'm terribly sorry, it is in a territory which is too far geographically removed from my location.

Incidentally, you are missing an apostrophe from your statement. Yes, I can be a pedantic pain in the ass too.

pipeclay

6th May 2011, 09:15 PM

Sorry for any confusion,but I have not attempted to be a pain in the ass.

Dave J

6th May 2011, 09:56 PM

Jekyll and Hyde

6th May 2011, 10:59 PM

It's a shame because they are a good lathe and it seems like it comes well tooled up.
I don't think freight would be that expensive, but it would have to be off the stand and on a pallet so it wouldn't get damaged, even then some of these truck drivers have no idea and don't really care.

Dave

A shade under $400 is the best I can come up with so far (using only the 450kg weight of the lathe, I'm guessing the stand is another 100kg?), which really puts the overall cost outside my current resources (already spending the tax return!). Unless someone wanted to pay me a bit of money to drag something they wanted from Melbourne to Canberra on a trailer :U

Dave J

6th May 2011, 11:25 PM

The stands would only weigh around 20-30 kg as their only sheet metal.
I brought mine home in a standard box trailer no problems. You could always take the wife on a holiday for the weekend up that way.:D That always wins them over.LOL

Dave

eskimo

7th May 2011, 10:32 AM

Its NOT in a state.

well what condition is it in?..good is a state...bad is a state:D

Darren_111

8th May 2011, 02:58 AM

Hopefully someone can get a good deal on the Canberra lathe. $400 shipping will kill it for most people I think.

My lathe has done its first job OK in spite of my lack of experience. I’m happy with the results even though there’s a lot of room for improvement.
It’s a pivot for my simple telescope mount with a hole in the end for a digital rotary encoder. I didn’t have a piece of steel to make the thing out of in one piece, so I welded a piece of plate (the flange) onto a separate shaft. The chamfered section is the turned down weld. If you look closely you can see some pits where the weld wasn’t quite big enough… I need some welding practice, the weld originally looked like someone threw dog turds at a wall. The thread is M12 and the flange is 50mm diameter to set the scale.

Ray: I’ll PM you re the other conversation.