Just recieved my first lathe.

[Phillyf]

I bought a Record DML24X quite cheaply complete with stand and it was delivered today. It will be mainly for pen work with the odd wizard wand for the kids

I've been working with wood for a few years but mainly with my CNC and Laser Cutter and fancied a change to do something with my hands while the machines make other things

I have a quick question though. The lathe arrived with no faceplate or drive center(I knew about this) but there is a nut on the (spindle?) thread where the drive center would be. What is the nut for? I also need some tools, what is recommended for pen making?

I have sat and read over the last few days around 100 pages of threads so have gained a little knowledge but tools being in imperial has me thrown for a loop

Thanks, Phil

 

[RogerP]

.....there is a nut on the (spindle?) thread where the drive center would be.

It's a "thread protector"

 

[CHJ]

As said it's a thread protector, additionally dependant upon the selection of taper drive centres it is used to aid removal of the centre by jacking the centre out as the nut is removed.

 

[Phillyf]

D'oh, I should have realised really. I have ordered a few bits from TB which will be here soon hopefully and got some blanks from ebay. Anyone sell any here?

Cheers.

 

[gregmcateer]

Exciting times ahead (and a few frustrating ones, if my experience is anything to go by - managed to shape a bowl and finish the outside better than I ever have before and promptly eased the gouge through the bottom from the inside)

Doh!! That'll teach me not to take a depth gauge

 

[RogerP]

......................I also need some tools, what is recommended for pen making?.......

I don't do pens but do turn many small handles. I find just buying 4mm square x 200mm HHS bar blanks and then grinding as appropriate for a particular job is the best and most economical way.

Here's the sort of blanks I buy http://tinyurl.com/oqmontm I've found this seller to be very reliable.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Full sized tools are fine for pen making - I'd start with: a 1/4" spindle gouge, 1/2" oval skew chisel, 1/2" continental spindle gouge ground straight across and used as a roughing gouge and an 1/8" parting tool. You can get by with less tooling if you wish but the four listed will allow you to carry out all types of pen manufacture with ease.
You will also require: a pen mandrel, means to drill the blanks, means to assemble the components, (a vice, drill press or such can be used), and a means to finish the blank ends square to the brass tubes - a sander or purpose designed pen mill.

I'd avoid buying miniature tooling as this will limit other turning options you may wish to take up in the future.

Regards Mick

 

[Phillyf]

Hi

Full sized tools are fine for pen making - I'd start with: a 1/4" spindle gouge, 1/2" oval skew chisel, 1/2" continental spindle gouge ground straight across and used as a roughing gouge and an 1/8" parting tool. You can get by with less tooling if you wish but the four listed will allow you to carry out all types of pen manufacture with ease.
You will also require: a pen mandrel, means to drill the blanks, means to assemble the components, (a vice, drill press or such can be used), and a means to finish the blank ends square to the brass tubes - a sander or purpose designed pen mill.

I'd avoid buying miniature tooling as this will limit other turning options you may wish to take up in the future.

Regards Mick

Hi, thankfully I already have vices, drillpress, grinder etc and in my order from TB is the mandrel and a pen barrel trimmer. Thanks for the tool suggestions, I will keep any eye out!

 

[Phillyf]

Are Record power chisels any good, my tooling fund just dwindled quickly thanks to a broken fridge freezers. So I'm browsing some auction sites now looking for decent second hand tools

 

[JimB]

Are Record power chisels any good, my tooling fund just dwindled quickly thanks to a broken fridge freezers. So I'm browsing some auction sites now looking for decent second hand tools

I use a few of their turning tools and I'm happy with them.

 

[gregmcateer]

......................I also need some tools, what is recommended for pen making?.......

I don't do pens but do turn many small handles. I find just buying 4mm square x 200mm HHS bar blanks and then grinding as appropriate for a particular job is the best and most economical way.

Here's the sort of blanks I buy http://tinyurl.com/oqmontm I've found this seller to be very reliable.

Apologies to the OP if this is hijacking, (though hopefully helpful to him and others).

Roger - when you grind these, do you put a flute in them, or is it not necessary?

TIA

Greg

 

[RogerP]

......................I also need some tools, what is recommended for pen making?.......

I don't do pens but do turn many small handles. I find just buying 4mm square x 200mm HHS bar blanks and then grinding as appropriate for a particular job is the best and most economical way.

Here's the sort of blanks I buy http://tinyurl.com/oqmontm I've found this seller to be very reliable.

Apologies to the OP if this is hijacking, (though hopefully helpful to him and others).

Roger - when you grind these, do you put a flute in them, or is it not necessary?

TIA

Greg

I did at one time but on such tiny things I've not found in really necessary. Bear in mind I'm only using them for quite basic turning.

 

[Spindle]

Are Record power chisels any good

Hi

An employee of Record Power told me that their tool steel blanks are the same as used by Robert Sorby. All of my turning tools are Sorby and I'm very happy with them, so on that basis I suspect the RP ones will be fine.

Regards Mick

 

[RogerP]

Are Record power chisels any good

Hi
An employee of Record Power told me that their tool steel blanks are the same as used by Robert Sorby. All of my turning tools are Sorby and I'm very happy with them, so on that basis I suspect the RP ones will be fine.
Regards Mick

It's probably all M2 high speed steel which is the same stuff I get in blank form. I think some have interchangeable cutting tips from cobalt, tungsten etc.

 

[finneyb]

It may, and probably is, the same tool steel ie HSS M2 as this is pretty standard unless you go for the cryo steels. However what needs looking at is the shape of the flute. I think the cheaper tools have a shallower flute, it takes less work and time to produce and can therefore be sold cheaper.

I have no knowledge about comparing RP or Sorby tools just that the grade of tool steel is not the only criteria to be considered.

Brian

 

[Spindle]

Hi

To be honest I'd be more concerned as to where the steel came from, there's a hell of a variation in tool steels, even if the suppliers do say they are the same :wink:

Regards Mick

 

[midnightlunchbox]

My original turning chisels are Record and are around 20 years old. I use them regularly and find them as good as, if not better than my Sorby chisels, they seem to take a nicer polish on the cutting angle. As with most of today's tools, the steel used will possibly be pretty poor quality such as with planes & chisels. If I'm looking to add chisels I always try and get old ones first as the steel is much harder and longer wearing. But, others may disagree.

 

[JimB]

The first ones I bought came from a second-hand shop. They'd picked them up from the local tech school clearance as it was closing! I paid about $8 each (around four quid). More recently I bought a roughing gouge (1 1/4") new. All good steel and good value.