Prime Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 I need a bit of help. I'm planning on buying this lathe. I have never used a lathe. I would like to make my own 1/24 scale wheels. Can anyone tell me which turning tools I should buy with this lathe. Center drills and cutting bits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Joseph Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Hi William; I've been using a small Taig lathe for a few years and I absolutely love it. With a small lathe like this you can easily make certain kinds of wheels with just the basic left/right cutting tools. You should get a set of center drills just because they are handy, but most hole-making operations are done with a boring bar. For the past couple of days I have been trying to figure out how to reproduce a Shelby Vector wheel in 1/24 scale using my lathe to make the basic shape and then adding the fins with styrene. I have an index wheel on my lathe that allows me to lock the spindle at different positions; I use it in conjunction with a Dremel tool mounted in the toolpost to drill holes and mill flutes/slots/whatever around the workpiece at precise intervals. For instance, the lug holes on a wheel can be drilled with perfect accuracy with the workpiece still mounted on the lathe. Some more complex work on the wheels just can't be easily done on a lathe, like cutting spokes. That kind of work usually requires a mill and some fairly costly items like a rotary table. These days, real wheels are designed in 3D with a computer and cut out with a CNC mill, which is sort of out of the scope of what you probably want to do. I'd be happy to help you with any other questions you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicroNitro Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 That is a great little lathe I have three and just ordered a fourth yesterday. You may want to get the 4500A as it comes with a chuck and tail chuck that you will need. I would not get any bits or cutting tools from Sherline they sell some real junk bits. A2Z has much better bits. You will need a left and right hand tool and a cut off tool. Good luck I have been machining for almost forty years and still enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 I don't do it as often as I used to, but I have a Sherline, both the lathe and the mill, and I love them. I wish I could tuck them both under my pillow at night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixx Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 That is a great little lathe I have three and just ordered a fourth yesterday. You may want to get the 4500A as it comes with a chuck and tail chuck that you will need. I would not get any bits or cutting tools from Sherline they sell some real junk bits. A2Z has much better bits. You will need a left and right hand tool and a cut off tool. Good luck I have been machining for almost forty years and still enjoy it. Jim has got some AWESOME wheels!!!!!!! I've got several sets. Right now I'm using a set under my slot car bodies for pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Derrick, you have a link? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Posted December 2, 2011 Author Share Posted December 2, 2011 Thanks to everyone for the responce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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