I'd appreciate some mini lathe advice, thanks

[g3n3r1c]

I traded for a used Clarke BT1028, I have a few basic tools, just a few standard bits.
I've used it enough to turn a 18650 sized tube out of 6016 aluminum a rudimentary genesis atty and a few track wheels out of delrin for a folding door in need of repair. I really want to learn how to use this thing but really don't know all the tools I need to make mods and atties, which is what I'd really like to do with it

Just wanted to see if any of you would point me in the right direction.
Here's a couple pics, I need to clean it up a bit, haven't played around with it since winter hit.

 

[asdaq]

You might want to have a look at ukvapers 'today I built a repairable tank atty', quite a thread and Jim has all sorts of advice throughout and plenty of tooling tips. Nice lathe BTW.

 

[gsa]

SmartFlix, the Web's Biggest How-To DVD Rental Store

 

[Java_Az]

First off if you ever need a replacement part this site has pretty much everything Tooling, parts, and accessories for bench top machinists - LittleMachineShop.com
They also have a lot of tooling. You for sure want to get you a good parting tool makes life much easier. Also if your going to cut threads a threading cutting tool would also come in handy. Boring bars and a holder might also come in handy. Also you might want to think about a quick change although it is more a time saver then something you absolutely need. They make a aluminum one which i would stay away from the steel ones are much better and will last a lot longer.

they are a bit pricey though. This place here has the set 30 bucks cheaper the little machine shop. Mini Quick Change Tool Post & Holder Set OXA 0XA Series
Other then that a good bench grinder with some norton white aluminum oxide wheels and you can sharpen and even make your own cutting tools.


As far as the machine goes there are a ton of mods you can do to it . I have added Dro's ( digital readouts ) to mine. saddle lock , added a 14 inch bed . A 5c collet chuck. Put tapered bearings in the head stock . Added a metric lead screw so i can cut metric threads. Made a cam lock for the tail stock. Really none of this is really needed just time savers and accuracy mods. Here is a site with a lot of info on the lathe and mods. mini-lathe.com home page
Here is a pic of my lathe that very dirty at the moment

As far as you main question as to how to use it , You tube videos might be a good place to start. I went to a machinist school so that is where i learned. If there is something you have in mind and cant find any info on it you can message me and I will try to help.

 

[g3n3r1c]

wow, thanks for all the info, I'll be looking for awhile.
parting tool, boring bar, and thread cutting tool, afaik mine will only cut standard threads, I thought that would be ok for the time being, at least until I have some more exp
Thanks for the links!

 

[bapgood]

I agree with Java.....little machine shop, you tube, etc....a quick change tool post will change your lathing life