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Jonitus:
Good morning.  Long time lurker that has decided to become a member.  I've enjoyed looking over the threads on these forums and gleaning what info I can.  There are some very talented folks here.

I've recently acquired a 7x12 mini lathe and hope to be able to use it in my hobby pursuit.  I build replica sci-fi props.  You can see a few of them at http://workshop.judgesabersmith.com

With any luck in getting the lathe tuned in and running right, I hope to be able to start making some of my own parts to specification rather than accepting what I can buy from stores or find in scrap piles to use in my builds.  I'm trying to sort out a chuck that doesn't run true, excessive backlash in the cross slide, compound and carriage and also the handwheels not turning smoothly.  It'll be a project getting the lathe up and running before I can begin making parts on it.

Not much else to tell right now.  I'm going to dig through some of the threads on here and see what else I can find to look at.

Brass_Machine:
Hi Jon,

Welcome to the collective :borg:!

Interesting stuff building sci/fi props. I have a bunch of pictures/plans/etc saved to build a lightsaber one of these days.

You should consider posting up a running project log as you get your lathe to spec. I am sure there is a bunch of people on here that can help you get through the tough stuff. It may even help a few in your situation as well.

Looking forward to your posts.

Eric

sorveltaja:
Jonitus, I guess, that cross-slide backlash is quite a common problem on used lathes. For example, my lathe has a horrible cross-slide backlash, but during the years, I've got used to it, so it's not a problem.

What comes to that chuck problem, I can't help, but if my memory serves, there is a thread about that subject either on this forum, or on HMEM.

Jonitus:
(un)fortunately, the lathe is brand new, which is why the excessive backlash kind of upsets me.  I cleaned the lathe thoroughly, but I am thinking perhaps I should have done a better job and torn it down more.  I'm thinking of removing the carriage and cross slide tonight to make sure I have all the grit and grime removed.  I might take the opportunity to lap the gibs while I have it apart.

I may take the advice and start a project log of getting the lathe up and running and dialed in.

Brass_Machine:

--- Quote from: Jonitus on May 05, 2010, 02:58:42 PM ---(un)fortunately, the lathe is brand new, which is why the excessive backlash kind of upsets me.  I cleaned the lathe thoroughly, but I am thinking perhaps I should have done a better job and torn it down more.  I'm thinking of removing the carriage and cross slide tonight to make sure I have all the grit and grime removed.  I might take the opportunity to lap the gibs while I have it apart.

I may take the advice and start a project log of getting the lathe up and running and dialed in.

--- End quote ---

The new Chinese lathes (and mills) unfortunately for the most part are "kits" that require feddling and tweaking to get to a point of reasonable accuracy. I think a project log (with pictures ofc) will help immensely with your goals. Many of us have been (or like me, are) where you are at now. I am gearing up to dissemble my lathe and get it to where I am happy. To that end, I will be replacing the bearings, etc...

Eric

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