hi all, i was just wondering just how many of use have a lathe or milling machine to help with the scratchbuilding , i have both a small lathe with a bed of 10 in and a lathe /milling with a bed of 18 inches , cheers ian

Not yet, but I've already placed an order. Hope to get both soon...
Ciao

I have one of the old Sears UNIMAT lathes to aid complicated scratchbuilding tasks. It's probably more of a collector's item now than a high-tech machine. One day soon I'll retire it to the collection corner. It has served me very well over the years...

Gunnie

I have 2 mills, bed lengths over 6' and lathe with about 5' centers. Of course they are outside my office in the pattern shop I supervise here at work. Great for diorama scratchbuilding...

I have combination wood/metal lathe with 24" bed that I inherited from my grandfather. I have not tried my hand at turning my own gun barrel but the potential exists.

What on earth would you need a lathe for neway?

Machu,

First off, welcome aboard.

To answer your question about the lathe, I have used the one I have access to to turn masters for bridge railings, pots, barrels, etc. I haven't used the lathe that much but it has come in handy when I am building a diorama.

Once again, welcome. And, ask away.

Shaun

hi machu , i use it to turn up all, sorts of pieces , gun barrels , tubs , axles , a bell for my new zil 5 russian fire engine 1943 , parts that are badly made or as replacements , i do not buy add on parts i make all my own , cheers ian

Hi Ian,

Wish I knew how to use one. IT's sadly one of the things I never learned over the years as a carpenter is how to use a lathe. can you reccommend any good books on the subject. I like scratching my own stuff and would concider buying a mini lathe.

Josh Weingarten aka shiryon
IDF armour Group Janitorial staff