Thread: What size spindle do I have?

Bit hard to be sure as you are using 2 different sides of the tape in each photo, but my best guess is that is a 1 1/2" x 8 tpi thread.

What is the brand on the lathe?

Can you give us an idea of the brand of lathe

Hi Guys, it is a generic Asian jobbie, the part no is MC600. A Google of this shows some lathes from Asia but the spindle as advertised is - 1"8RH thread or other - doesn't make a lot of sense to me and it is definitely bigger than 1", so I must have "or other"

It measures 37mm across (peak of threads) which is about 1.45 "

Looks like an insert to me, you can see the line between the spindle and insert in the first pic.

Yes, I think an insert ..... M40 X 2 ? Phil

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

Looks like an insert to me, you can see the line between the spindle and insert in the first pic.

Yep.

Sooo, what does this mean for this newbie lathe user? Do I try and find a 1 1/2" x 8 or do I remove insert (ha, if I can work out which bit is the insert). Basically what do I need to do to attach a faceplate so I can turn some wood?

As DJ has noticed yes and insert on the spindle.

If it is 37mm then a good chance a nova insert

There may be a marking on the insert which will indicate the spindle thread size.

Very observant DJ, I think you hit the nail on the head.

Soredust, an insert is an adapter made by the chuck manufacturer to enable his chucks to be used on diferent size spindles. It appears that someone removed (unscrewed) the chuck from your lathe leaving the insert/adapter on you lathe spindle.

You will need to unscrew this insert/adapter, using the 2 flats machined on it and finding a way to stop the spindle from turning.

Once you have done that you will then be able to determine the spindle size and thread pitch of your lathe spindle.

As Jim said, that information is usually stamped on the insert.

Fair dinkum, you blokes are worth more money. Put a set of vice grips on the spindle shaft and a huge monkey wrench on the insert, well it's on the outside so it's probably a collar...no? Anyway, got all pumped up to overcome the corrosion and the fact it has probably been on there for ever and ....plop, no effort at all. Now the face plate I have, with a 1" bore, screws on nicely.

These forums are brilliant, thanks lads.

I would suggest that it would be prudent to join a club or get some tuition.

Nah, I'm a big fan of teaching myself, I have lots of texts and of course there is always. It was just if you haven't been exposed to inserts or adapters...how ya gonna know?

Do your self a good deed and join a club as suggested. You will learn more in theory and hands on, than you will ever learn from books or from the web.
The wealth of knowledge available thru the members of clubs, you will never find in any books or media.

Originally Posted by Soredust

Nah, I'm a big fan of teaching myself, I have lots of texts and of course there is always. It was just if you haven't been exposed to inserts or adapters...how ya gonna know?

If ya havent't been exposed to a whack in the head ..... "how ya gonna know." I think was being a bit out of character - polite that is.