A run down, dirty, no good bench top lathe needs some love. Can it reach it’s full potential? Why do this? Cost. This was the least expensive platorm available. All the materials are within reach of a micro budget. My time is valuable, however, since I'm learning and the fun factor, the cost is acceptable. In a year, probably wouldn't repeat. When I outgrow this setup I will sell and upgrade, or maybe it'll work so nicely that I'll keep. We'll see.
- Axa tool post
- TouchDRO - 2 axis with quadratic tach, iGaging scales and swarf covers
- Cross slide lock
- Apron lock
- Cross slide 4 bolt upgrade
- Solid tool post compound slide replacement
- Buck chuck 6 jaw backplate
- Tailstock stop
- Spindle bearing preload locknut upgrade
Resources
- Bedair Machine - https://bedair.org/9x20.html
- CNC - https://www.cnczone.com/forums/mini-lathe/37656-alans-grizzly-9x19-cnc-c...
- 3D Stl - https://www.stlfinder.com/3dmodels/9x20-lathe-mods/
- 20 Mini Lathe Upgrades - https://youtu.be/YVkWQLbPo60
- Google Groups ( aka Yahoo ) https://groups.io/g/9x20lathe/topics
- Moglice - Not needed for this project, but useful information
Videos are a mix of my progress and resources. My stuff is graded with Noir Tri-X for no particular reason.
Project Notes:
- 22dec2021 - 1 Thousandth [ .001in .0254mm ] wiggle in spindle. Need CLA ( Clean Lube Adjust ) on spindle. Hopefully, bearings are ok. Surprisingly, the rest of the lathe sets up with acceptable tolerance. It was very rough when I brought it home. The 303 Stainless video shows the stock I’m using to make some gate parts and suss out the machine.
- 14jan2022 - After further basic adjustments now able to hold 7/10ths [ .007in .1778mm ] over 6 inches [ 152mm ]. Still too much vibration. Going to lube the bearings 2x a day. Hopefully, ( yeah I know, hope is not a strategy ) it'll smooth out and I can avoid pulling hedstock apart.
- 10dec2023 - Tapped a proper hole in the cross slide for the qctp mounting stud. The adapter method from LittleMachineShop.com failed after 25 hours of use. The original stud failed, not the adapter, making the post unable to hold under load. I'm suprised the hinky arrangement lasted as long as it did. Works better now.
- 15dec2023 - Switched to metric threading drive. Also, punch tightened the drive pulley for the lowest speed ( 160 RPM ). It was wobbly and loud. https://faf.social/notice/Achv72aEi8hMI9cDNQ. I have some odd inside metric trapezoidal threads to machine. Gonna leave it setup for metric. No, I'm not replacing the lead screw with metric. Using the interrupted reverse thread dial method for keeping starting point. Video on metric threading with inch leadscrew below.