Recent content by maverick54

Thanks guys, Microcrystalline does appear expensive just checked it out, what acrylic would you suggest Mick, its going onto ebony. Would french polish maybe do the job? Was hoping for wax as I thought there would be less chance of me cocking it up.

Got a snooker cue butt that I have sanded on my lathe and I would like if possible to finnish it with a wax finnish. Ive been told that 100% beeswax is no good as it goes sticky after about 10mts use. So bearing in mind this item will need to be handled on a regular basis can any one recommend a...

Thanks Richard, was thinking of having a go at walking canes after ive finished my first couple of projects. Have you posted any pics of any of your work. Would love to see some. Regards John

Thanks Mick much apprieciated.

Hi folks, got some large dowels that measure 300mm long x 40mm in diameter. Think they are made of Beech but definatley hardwood. They are already smooth, but need to reduce the diameter to 30mm turning them between centres. What would be the best chisel to use for a beginner with no...

Thanks guys much wiser now and it all makes sense.

After reading the 2 posts above I'm obviously thinking this wrong. The reason I was going to use a screw chuck is I thought it would make less mess in the end as this will be on show for what I'm doing. I thought I'd just add a bit of filler to the screw hole after. If I used a drive spur I...

Thanks guys, and yes its for spindle work. Just wondered if I needed a particular type of screw or if a normal wood screw would do the job. £32 to buy one on ebay - lot of money for a screw.

After viewing the price of screw chucks I've decided to make my own. I'm thinking (but probably wrongly) that if I screw a piece of wood to my face plate and drill a hole in the middle I can then take it off again and simply put a screw in through the rear. Is it that simple and if so what...

Thats great. Thanks a lot.

Hi guys just bought the above lathe and been hunting for a manual in PDF format to download. Amazed I couldn't find one bearing in mind how popular these are. Anyone got a link to a download please? Thanks

Thanks. Not that long ago then.

Anyone know when Axminster rebranded their hobby lathes from the white to the red colour?

Just read and article that states variable speed lathes can be switched on and off as many times an hour as is needed, but a lathe with set speeds can only be switched on and off so many times an hour. Is this correct?

Thats a great idea thanks. Sewing machines are often available cheap. Might give that a try.