tool and chuck advice required.

[radicalwood]

Hi All.

Just bought a Union Jubilee Lathe .
Did not come with any tools or a chuck .
Any advice on tools and chucks would be appreciated.
Never tried turning so a complete novice.

All the best
Neil

 

[Argee]

First of all, congrats on the purchase - if it's in good nick it'll last for ever. You don't say what size it is, but a little research shows that "the 3/8" bore, No. 1 Morse taper spindle carried a 1" x 10 tpi thread and ran in ball races." This will need confirming in order to get the correct insert for a chuck.

If you're not aware, you can get chucks that will fit a specific spindle thread size, but it's better IMO to get a chuck that will accept a variety of inserts (think of them as adapters). This way, if you ever upgrade/change your lathe, you don't have to re-equip, just get the relevant new insert for the chuck and away you go.

Chucks can be a little like 35mm cameras used to be - almost identical specifications, but some small, almost cosmetic differences that attract a variety of opinions - many firmly held! I've got an Axminster Super Precision and I love it. Others on this Forum will have their own recommendations that will differ from mine, no doubt, but you should aim for a good quality scroll chuck that accepts a range of interchangable jaws.

Regarding tools, a basic set would include a roughing gouge (for turning square stock into a cylinder swiftly for turning spindles, etc. between centres), a spindle gouge (beads, coves, curves, finials, etc), a parting tool (to cut to a specific dimension, or to part the piece completely off the lathe), a bowl gouge (self-explanatory, if you intend to turn bowls) and possibly a skew chisel (for planing cuts when turning between centres).

Again, you will get differing recommendations regarding these tool sizes, but I would start with the following:

Roughing gouge - 3/4"
Spindle gouge - 3/8"
Parting tool - 1/8"
Bowl gouge - 3/8"
Skew chisel - 3/4"

You could look for a "starter set" which will probably include all of the above, although individual sizes may differ. Such sets will get you started, but remember that the sweetest cuts are made with sharp tools, so a sharpening system also needs thinking about. Of the above tools, only the parting tool and possibly the skew (if you get a flat stock, rather than an oval one) will be able to be sharpened conventionally - the other gouges will need a wheel at least.

Enough rambling - hope that gives you some idea. It's addictive, don't say you weren't warned!

Ray.

 

[radicalwood]

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the advice, yes you are correct with the spindle size of 1" x 10tpi. The machine looks a little rough around the edges but it is only cosmetic. Started my working life building Denford wood and metal lathes. there is not much to go wrong with it really. Going to retro fit a speed controller and possibly a digital rev counter.
The lathe is really for my partner but she may let me use it once in a while :wink:.

Only picked the lathe up on Sunday, my partner has just headed to India for a couple of weeks so thought I might get some bits for it and convert it while she was away.

Any recommendations on manufactures for the tools?

All the best
Neil

 

[Argee]

Any recommendations on manufactures for the tools?l

You nearly always get what you pay for, so good quality HSS tools by a reputable name will be OK. Sorby, Taylor and Crown are three that spring to mind. Have a look on t'Internet - here's a start for you.

Ray.

 

[Horst Hohoff]

Hello,
I think HAMLET is a name that should not be forgotten, IMO.
They offer high quality for low prices.

 

[Slim]

Hi Neil,

I too have a union jubilee lathe. The first thing i want to purchase is the Axminster presision chuck. It seems to get outstanding reviews on this forum.

The package that Axminster do for £149.00 (including step jaws, accessory mounting jaws, A jaws and a shiny case) doesn't seem to be supplied with the back plate needed for the jubilee lathe. However it might be worth ringing to see if they would supply this instead of the ones that come a standard.

Rather strangly, the super precision chuck on its own with the correct back plate is £184.95

As for tools, the Dakota set on rutlands got a few decent reviews, and at £69.95 is affordable. I think that these tools are made by Record, so the record set though identical is a thought (as Rutlands usually never have anything in stock).

Interesting thought about retro fitting a speed control, which unit were you thinking of using for this. It would save a lot of fiddly belt changes.

Its a great lathe though, congrats

 

[radicalwood]

Hi slimjim.

Thinking of using a power regulator from united automation CSR2-SERIES.
one of the electrical guys at work has knocked me one up. Its a bit like an industrial dimmer switch. Will give it a try over the next few days when I get time to fit it.

Thanks every one for the information.

Cheers Neil

 

[La Truciolara]

Any recommendations on manufactures for the tools?

All the best
Neil

Hamlet would certainly be my choice...
but Crown, Sorby, etc... all from sheffield are more than OK

 

[doctorc]

Hi, like you I have also just acquired an old Jubilee. I am in the process of renovating it, including fitting new bearings which are available from www.MidlandBearings.com should you need them. I have already got a Super Precision chuck from Axminster. I bought the package for my old lathe and I am very happy with it. However I will need to get a new backplate for it, although at £58 it will need to wait until I have sold The Record!
I would recommend a set of small or micro chisels if you are going to do any fine or small work. Happy turning.

Chris.

 

[joekid]

the dakota range of chucks are made by the same factory who supply/make the record chucks only difference is the lower price on the dakota ,for the record 4000 chuck is£ 150 ish, the identical dakota xt700 is £99 all the jaws fit each other the dakota does three jaw sets, seems limiting but over lap most sizes / then the record does the full range plus specialist jaws,so i can imagine record is going to get something out of it which ever chuck you choose,both funnily enough have a five year guarantee.try stiles and bates for the dakota jaws but quote ,theyre for the record 4000 chuck,as mentioned above the rutlands catalogue (dakota) doesnt stock the record jaws,just as the stiles and bates catalogue doesnt stock the dakota jaws??? hope this is of some help,this is my choice ,just got to wait another 2 weeks for my birthday,Happy new year folks,