fun basic lathe projects?

From Sparber's website, my next project will likely be "A Different Kind of Screw Vise", under 8. Bench Work.
 
I think "How to Run a Lathe 1958" is a nice little book downloadable as a pdf

I find the tool shape photos helpful


Depends what you want to do with it.

I like the little steam engines and stuff."Elmer's engines" will get you a bunch of free little engine plans

http://www.john-tom.com/html/ElmersEngines.html


http://www.john-tom.com/html/SteamPlans.html


Balls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGLL7cMdHk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4pwUw0G3RQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbA0mNMNzs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypqdtqd8ODE&feature=related

lots more of those videos many different styles




I tried to send you an email, let me know if you get it or not.
 
Last edited:
Alot depends on the tooling you have or are willing to buy. I never used a mini before but have made alot of small stuff for personal use, on the lathes at work that should fit easily into a mini. Alot also depends on your interest. Next time you need something roundish, look real good at how it can be made. This little projects can teach you alot.
One really simple project was a cigarette snuffer (for lack of a better name). It's one of those little things they used to sell for snuffing out your smokes. If I remember correctly from one of your vids, you smoke. All I did was take a peice of ~7/8 dia alum and face it to .750. Drill it thru at 11/32. Done. set in ash tray and when you want to put a smoke out just stuff it in the hole. Out and cold in a few seconds, no wafting smoke as crushed embers finally die. I find that a half smoked cig doesn't carry that re-lit taste either. don't get much simpler than that.
For a little more challange, design and build a syringe for oiling those hard to get to places in guns or what ever. If you are into reloading an "M" die is a useful tool. Knobs for just about anything (drawers, doors, fishing reels ect.), knurled knobs too, shafts and wheels for grinders, a sunshade for your favorite scoped rifle. The list could go on and on, but you get the picture.
 
I like projects where you make things that you can't readily buy in stores. Lots of things come to mind. O ring seal wine bottle corks, paper towel dispensers, firearm suppressors, titanium rings, double headed trick coins. Lots of stuff.
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
I like projects where you make things that you can't readily buy in stores. Lots of things come to mind. O ring seal wine bottle corks, paper towel dispensers, firearm suppressors, titanium rings, double headed trick coins. Lots of stuff.
Click to expand...
Firearm suppressors,:D isn't it great to be a machinist :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
My Dad told me they made ball peen hammers as a first lathe project in metalshop, sounds fun and useful to me. Salvati ball peen! :cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top