Re: ATM and lathes

["Peter D. Brooks" <pdbrooks@pacbell.net>]

Tom and Beth Simmons wrote:
> 
> Thank you folks for all the replies! No one came right out and said "what a
> stupid idea", 

Er, glad we didn't have to say it.....  :-)  I'd consider graving small parts
on my Taig, but the idea of spinning a 4" block of aluminum on a woodworking
lathe would make me want to check out the  quality of the nearest trauma
center.

Please note that a metal turning lathe is rather servicable for turning wood. 
(It's not necessarily as "artistic" as hand tools, but you can do some nice
work.)  Also, depending on your location, you stand a good chance of finding a
decent metal turning lathe on the used market.  Dave Ficken of Meridian
machinery (www.mermac.com) has a nice tutorial on buying used equipment.

Something that's reasonable (IMHO) is the 12" x 36" Atlas, frequently with a
Craftsman name on it.  Parts are still available from Clausing, and the spindle
is a common threaded one.  (I picked up a faceplate for free from a guy who was
cleaning out his shop--fit perfectly).

It's less than ideal, but you can mill small stuff in the lathe (European
pattern lathes are best for this; they have a bit of a table for the cross
slide) with a vertical work holder.

you all were very kind in that regard! But the bottom line was
> that a wood lathe, especially a lower end one, is NOT going to be suitable
> for working aluminum, and that a small lathe designed to work metals would
> be cheaper in the long run. Not to mention the possible injuries that could
> occur.
> Thanks again!