Now you can buy a lathe for wood and metal to suit every taste (and at any cost). Of course, many of the most modern and additional functions(which most often are not needed).
I don’t argue that a lathe is very necessary and useful thing for the workshop, but in 90% of cases it is not worth the money spent on it.
We want to help you save your finances. Why buy a model with many unnecessary functions if you can make a standard simple model yourself?
Wood lathe materials
The design itself consists of the following parts (see picture)
- The bed is the basis for the machine, usually made of metal and consists of several connected beams.
- Transverse U-shaped beam.
- Electric motor - serves as a power source for proper movement around its axis (single-phase motors with a power of 200-400 Watt are suitable).
- Scroll chuck.
- Tailstock support.
- An element that rotates.
- Support for a workpiece or tool.
- Support for the tool rest.
- Guide beams.
- Angle, post, or support for the tailstock.
- Clip.
- Metal plate for support.
- Cross guide detail.
- Screws for fastening.
- Support axis.
Wood lathe step by step instructions
First of all, you don’t have to buy a new motor, but take a used one; it will cost you much less. 
The elements are fixed to the base (No. 1 according to the figure) 2 U-shaped beams are connected by welding to two transverse ones (No. 2 according to the figure).
The guides on top are additionally fixed with two corners (No. 10 in the figure), which are secured to the main surface.
The engine (No. 3 in the figure) is attached to the side and the headstock is secured. 
As the basis of the tailstock, you should use a rotating center (buy a part from a commercial version), attach it to the support (No. 5 according to the figure) and weld it on the platform (No. 12 according to the figure)
The stop (No. 5) is made from a corner and attached to the support (No. 8), which itself is fixed to the holder. The stop and holder are threaded onto the support axis (No. 15) and then welded to the guide beams. 
The same stop (No. 5) and the rotating element (No. 6) are fixed to metal plates(No. 12) which contain special moving clips (No. 11).
Please note that the stop and tailstock are moving elements that should move along the guides (No. 9) without any problems.
To ensure that the moving elements are well attached to the clips, preliminary holes are made in the clips (No. 14) and the slightest inaccuracy reduces the quality of operation of the entire device. 
The welding itself may lead to deformation of the material - first all materials are held together spot welding, and then carry out the full work.
Wood lathe video
Metal lathe materials
To make such a tool you will need:
- Metal sheet;
- U - shaped metal beams;
- Steel strips;
- Steel corners;
- Electrical engine;
- Transmission mechanism;
- Several nuts and bolts for fastening;
- Bulgarian;
Separately, it is worth mentioning about the engine, it does not have to be new, you can limit yourself to an old or used one, its power should be 2 kW with a number of revolutions per minute within 2000. Although this depends more on the level of your work on this machine.
The more massive the workpieces, the more powerful the engine should be if you want to make a compact machine with low power– even a motor from a washing machine or electric drill will do.
As for the transmission mechanism, you can find it online or buy it from friends old box gears and remove the clutch from the gearbox. Thus, you will get a mechanism that creates several speeds for your machine. And if you install an additional pulley, you can improve the number of revolutions.
Metal lathe step by step instructions
The installation should begin by using steel corners and a U-shaped beam, from which (1 corner and 1 beam) you need to weld a frame for the base.
To do this you need to wedge the base. Guides are assembled from square pipes and steel strips.
In addition to this metal sheet, they make a box for the fist chuck; after installation, adjustable bearings are placed in it.
The tailstock must be welded from a corner and a thick plate, the support of which will be the guides.
The headstock should move easily and freely along the guides. Weld nuts to the top of the headstock (to secure the supporting center).
The sharpened cone should be mounted into the beam, while maintaining maximum accuracy. Such a cone can be made from any bolt that suits your size.
After this, the entire structure is assembled, the spindle is checked for ease of rotation, and the front and rear centers are adjusted to create a level axis.
Now you know that building a machine for wood or metal is quite possible and requires little knowledge and effort from you, and at the same time it will cost you much less (and even if it breaks, you can fix it yourself).
In general, making such a machine will help you even if you do not often do such work; only such mechanisms are very bulky and you need a place to store them (or you can make “pocket” models).
Metal lathe video
Reading time ≈ 9 minutes
Nowadays, the instrument market offers a wide variety of the most various models and types. But you can’t always afford to buy expensive equipment. Therefore, next we will consider how to buildDIY metal lathe. You just need to purchase materials and allocate time.
Metal lathe - functionality and types
The most primitive lathes appeared many centuries ago and have not lost their position since then. Such machines belong to metal-cutting units. Regardless of the classification, they perform a single task - they process metal workpieces, which are objects of rotation according to the principle of turning or cutting. Both operating principles can be combined in one machine.
The functionality of this equipment is significant, including:
- boring or turning of various rotational bodies (shaped, conical and cylindrical surfaces);
- trimming and processing end sides of parts;
- cutting threads of various shapes and sizes (mostly such machines have a separate name - screw-cutting lathes);
- deployment;
- countersinking;
- drilling and more.
The main element of such equipment is the spindle. It fixes the workpiece material and rotates with the workpiece during operation. At this time, the cutting tool moves along the parallel and transverse axis of movement of the workpiece. The degree of productivity of all equipment in terms of time spent removing metal shavings from the working material directly depends on the power of the structure and the drive motor. This also affects the overall dimensions of the working part that can be processed by the machine.
In fact, there are many parameters by which lathes are classified. But if you want to designhomemade metal lathe with your own hands,you need to decide what you need it for. At home, it can easily perform most turning tasks, and your metal workpieces will acquire the desired size and shape. Since such a machine, even the most simple , is very expensive, it is much easier for home craftsmen to build such equipment on their own. And the time spent will pay off pretty quickly. How to create the most common metal one, like on photo , we’ll talk further on our own.
Construction of a metal lathe
It is worth noting that serial metal cutting machines take up a lot of space and are quite inconvenient for working at home. That's why masters choose them mini - a version that can easily fit in a regular workshop. Ahow to make your own lathe,which can easily cope with standard functions, look further.
What do you need to know to build a conventional lathe?
A standard metal lathe gives you opportunity process necessary preparations different configurations. Plus, it's not that difficult to make.
- Use the drawing to create the machine and ensure its correct and efficient operation.
- Don't have to do it unit completely metal. For example, racks can be made of wood, significantly reducing the cost of the entire structure. For secure attachment to the frame, use bolt fasteners.
- To ensure maximum reliability and strength, the frame is made cast. But you can weld a frame from metal corners using pipes from steel profile. You can also replace them with channels.
If you are making machine, it is best to find everything necessary details and components from the same equipment that was used. But in practice, such luck is rare. Therefore, it is necessary to form the main structural units beyond their own capabilities.
Video: DIY lathe
A power unit must be used as a drive. The best way An asynchronous type electric motor with low speed is suitable. With them, you have almost no risk of breaking the engine in the event of a sharp drop in speed, which cannot be said about commutator engine options.
If you do not intend to process parts whose diameter exceeds 10 cm, then installing electric motor, whose power is 500-1000 W. For parts whose dimensions are more than 10 cm in diameter, you need to use a more powerful option. Minimum power should be 1.5 kW.
Particular attention must be paid to fastening components for connecting the various components of the machine. To create a home machine, use 8mm and 10mm bolts and nuts that have standard metric threads.
In order to make a slide, most often they take parts that are turned from a steel bar. After this, they are hardened. It would be optimal to use shock-absorbing struts from which the guides are formed. You can also take long mechanism shafts industrial use. Such products have good geometry, and the surface of such parts can be easily hardened when used in a factory work process.
If there is no factory tailstock, then it is best to get one to make it profile pipes And a metal sheet with great thickness.
Important: if you have a homemade quill, be sure to lubricate it every time you fix the workpiece. For this you should take solid oil or lithol. If you have a factory center of rotation, then this procedure is not scary for you. So, assessing this indicator, it is better to fork out for such a part and buy a ready-made one.
Preparing to create a device
Next, we’ll take a closer look at how to make a metal lathe with your own hands. First comes the important preparation. To device was done correctly and efficiently, you need to stock up on the necessary tools:
- welding apparatus;
- emery grinding machine;
- Bulgarian;
- set of wrenches;
- marker for marking;
- drill with a set of suitable metal drills;
- ruler (preferably metal);
- calipers;
- taps, as well as dies for cutting threads.
To determine the dimensions of the future machine, you need to go out maximum length and the diameter of the parts that will be processed on it. The average parameters of lathes in production with low power are:
- up to 62 cm wide;
- up to 115 cm long;
- axis height – 18 cm.
For home use design This size is quite suitable, and making it larger is impractical. In addition, increasing the parameters may carry the risk of curvature of the overall geometry.
Step-by-step instructions for creating a lathe
It's logical what to submit universal instructions It is impossible to create a metal lathe. After all, each master himself determines its dimensions and features, based on his needs and capabilities. That's why basic The question is the principles and sequence of actions. We will consider them step by step.
1.Frame construction
Making a solid frame from cast iron at home is impossible. Therefore, for these purposes, take channels or profile pipes made of steel. It is necessary to cut them according to the specified sizes.
Using the drawing, you need to weld them together, forming a frame. Remember to keep the right angles straight. This is easy to do with the help of a square, which you can use to measure the evenness during each joint.
It is better to choose a place to work on a solid and flat horizontal slab, which will provide the most flat surface for construction work and minimizes the possibility of distortions.
2. Using a lathe, you need to turn the side posts of the bed.
Side racks
3. Assemble the racks together with the guides.
At this stage, spacer bushings are also installed, which are located between the side elements of the support.
4. Install the bushings that secure the tailstock onto the guides.
The tool holder is also mounted here. They can be different or the same length. In the first case, the long component will perform guiding functions, and the short one will support the moving units. This combination will make the rear center travel larger.
5. Make the platforms that are necessary for attaching the quill and caliper.
They are made from a sheet of steel, the thickness of which is 0.8-1 cm. After that, they are attached to bushings (retaining and guiding). To connect, take bolts 6 mm in diameter. When making holes for them, make precise markings, otherwise you will end up with moving parts of the equipment skewed or jammed.
Creation of sites
6. Installation of the lead screw.
There are two options: make this part on a machine or take necessary part from a regular high chair that can change height. In this case, it is imperative to install bronze or brass anti-friction bushings in the side pillars. A steering wheel with a vernier is mounted on the lead screw.
Main feed screw
7. Assembly of the frame part ends with the installation of the place where the headstock is attached.
8. The next step is to assemble the headstock. Take:
- bearing base;
- ball bearings – 2 pcs.;
- main shaft and pulleys;
- spindle.
Headstock
9. Proceed to assemble the tailstock. Here you need to use:
- long screw;
- bushings that have threads inside;
- metal profile;
- handle.
10. Monitor or adjust the correspondence of the center axes.
11. Assembling the caliper.
The principle of operation at this stage is similar to assembling the frame. It is necessary to attach bushings to the guides, install a vernier with a screw and a small steering wheel.
Caliper assembly and tool holder
12. The creation of a tool holder is made from the following materials:
- bolts with a diameter of 0.8 cm;
- a thick metal plate.
Then you need to mount it on the caliper.
13. Using welding, form a subframe where the engine will be placed.
As a basis, you can take corners or pipes from a profile. note that this element the machine will raise or lower the motor. This is necessary to avoid problems when throwing the belt on the pulleys. This is necessary during the spindle transition from one speed to another.
14. Installation and connection of the electric motor.
After performing this operation, you can do a test switch on.
Engine installation
If everything works perfectly, then all that remains is to paint the metal lathe (including all components) with your own hands. This will protect the machine from the influence of time and corrosion processes and make it more aesthetically attractive. Your brainchild is ready to go!
If you have any questions, you should look at the thematic video
Video: metal lathe
It’s quite easy to make a homemade metal lathe with your own hands, but first you need to understand what this equipment is.
The turning machine was invented many hundreds of years ago. Initially it was manual equipment, but after going through many different upgrades, it has changed and become easier to use.
Today, a lathe is an indispensable device in absolutely any production. Now you can meet various shapes and configurations of this equipment, which are intended for different purposes.
What is it used for?
A lathe can be used in production for various purposes. The main purposes of this equipment include:
- processing of end, internal and external bodies of rotation;
- thread.
Turning using a lathe is the most common method for producing various rotating bodies, such as disks, shafts or nuts. At this time, a change in the shape and size of the workpiece occurs due to the removal of the allowance. The machinability of a material depends on its structure, as well as physical and chemical properties.
Thread cutting on a lathe is done using a cutter. This tool is usually divided by specialists into 3 types:
- prismatic;
- rod;
- round.
But it is important to remember that threads can also be made on a lathe using taps and dies. The former help in the production of metric internal thread. And the latter are used for carving the outside of bolts and studs. The speed of performing this type of work using dies for steel products is less than five minutes.
Device
The lathe has a rather difficult structure. Its main element is the spindle. This is what experts usually call a hollow shaft made of steel, which has a cone-shaped hole. It is thanks to the latter that the installation of various tools and mandrels is carried out.
The spindle has a special thread, which is primarily intended for attaching a faceplate for a lathe to it. Some types of this equipment have a special groove on this main element. It is with its help that such a danger as uncontrolled curling of the cartridge is eliminated.
The spindle is the main component of any lathe precisely because only thanks to it is it really possible high-quality processing any detail. Therefore, it is important to remember that the assembly in the radial and axial direction did not have any play, that is, a gap or gap between the mating parts.
The power of the lathe also depends on the spindle. The performance of this unit will be higher if its main element has a high power drive motor.
Another important component of a lathe is the support. It is this element that provides fixation cutting tool and its movement in different directions. There is a tool holder on it, which is also called the cutting head.
Do it yourself
Despite the fact that the lathe has sufficient complex structure, you can make a lightweight version of it yourself without spending a lot of time and effort on it. It is also important that large material costs are not required.
Main components of the turning unit:
- headstocks (front and back);
- frame;
- drive unit;
- centers
- stop for cutting tool.
Note: You can avoid vibrations while working on the machine if you place the centers of the device on the same axis.
When creating a machine, it is important to know what cannot be used for it electric drive collector type. This is strictly prohibited precisely because it is too powerful for a home device, and during its use the element being processed may simply fly out of the clamps. This threatens to damage the device and can lead to various injuries.
Best for home machine An asynchronous drive is suitable. Its main advantage is that its rotation speed remains unchanged.
Caliper
As mentioned earlier, the lathe support is one of the components of this unit. It is used to fix the cutting tool, and a tool holder must also be installed on it.
Due to the wide variety of different electric motors today, it is quite difficult to choose the one that is exactly right. All drives are divided according to their power. For a homemade machine, as mentioned above, the best option there will be an asynchronous electric motor, since it is it that does not change the rotation speed.
Drill machine
There are many in various ways self-creation lathe. Some people make this unit with their own hands from a drill. It is perfect for light turning work at home.
In order for this machine to more effectively perform its main tasks, it is necessary to secure the drill to the frame using a vice and a clamp that is fixed on the neck.
Important to remember: The frame of such a device must be heavy and have high strength.
To summarize, I would like to note that a home lathe can perform simple functions no worse than the one used in production, and its production will not require too much cost.
How to make a lathe with your own hands, see the following video:
A homemade metal lathe with your own hands often becomes a worthy alternative to factory equipment. If you need to spend in your garage minor work for metal, great solution will make the machine with his own hands. Some parts will have to be purchased, but in general you can deservedly consider the resulting unit a homemade device.
Photo of a homemade metal lathe
Both factory and homemade machine serves for processing metal blanks, which rotate while doing work.
- The cutting tool acts on a rotating metal workpiece, changing its shape, configuration, and dimensions;
- When processing metal, a significant role is played by the cutters and the position of the workpiece relative to the axis of rotation;
- This predetermines the choice of machine operating mode;
- The simplest variations of homemade metal lathes can be made from a drill and its chuck. Such elementary structures, assembled with your own hands, allow you to process products without complex shapes. The workpieces do not move during operation.
Using desktop turning devices, you can create products of complex shapes - cylinders, cones, spheres, etc. If you provide the device with the ability to change the position of the workpiece relative to the axis of rotation, the machine will turn into more functional equipment. It will be possible to manufacture elements of furniture, decor, interior design, etc.
Elements of a homemade machine
Drawing of a homemade lathe for metal
If you decide to make a machine from a drill or other source device, you need to have drawings and visual videos in front of you. With the help of photo and video instructions based on the drawings you have chosen, you will be able to more easily achieve the desired result.
It should be understood that manufacturing such a machine is not an easy task. Therefore, carefully study the drawings, determine which components you can make yourself, and which are better to purchase or order from specialists.
The list of required components of the future design includes:
- Bed. This is the basis of your machine, the equipment body on which all the main components will be located. Decide immediately on the location method - tabletop or floor-standing.
- The front headstock of the machine. It is also a spindle head, which provides fixation of workpieces and changes the position of the product relative to the axis of rotation.
- Lathe support. With their help, rotational motion is transmitted from the electric motor to the workpiece.
- Guides. Correctly made guides allow for the most accurate feeding hardware to the incisors. This way the processing turns out to be of higher quality.
- Tailstock of the machine. It is required in case you need to fix the workpieces on both sides.
- Carriage. The cutters are attached using the lower carriage.
- Using the slide, you can change the distance between the tailstock and the front (spindle) headstock.
- Control block. It may include several types of gears that provide changes in spindle rotation modes and displacement of the workpiece relative to the cutting tool.
Some craftsmen immediately create a multifunctional home turning tool. A popular solution is the drill function on the machine. To achieve the desired effect, special cartridges are used. This chuck is changed on the unit, as a result of which you can not only sharpen, but also drill workpieces on one machine.
Choosing a cartridge or making one is a rather serious question. If you are a true DIYer, making your own chucks won't be that difficult. But it is better for novice turners to purchase ready-made factory chucks and change them as needed.
Manufacturing stages
When you decide to make equipment, be sure to use the drawings. Relying on detailed instructions, even beginners can make an excellent quality machine. Whether it will be able to change cartridges and work in drill mode or not depends on you.
- First decide on the choice of electric motor. Some use motors from a drill, as well as its cartridges. But that's not always the case optimal solution. Experts advise choosing asynchronous electric motors of sufficient power. They will be able to satisfy your do-it-yourself metal processing needs, and will also serve for a long time without breakdowns.
- The next point is the transmission of torque from the electric motor to the spindle head. There are two solutions here. First, the headstock is installed directly on the shaft of your electric motor. The second, more rational option is to use intermediate pulley units that have different diameters. This option is attractive because it provides the ability to regulate the rotation speed of the workpiece.
- Experts advise solving the issue of changing the distance between the headstocks using a worm shaft. Choose a device whose turns pitch is minimal.
- The spindle headstock is heavy in self-production. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but to purchase a headstock from the manufacturer. It has the necessary functional set, plus you don’t have to worry about the reliability of the device.
- You can fix the incisors with homemade devices. Just when making latches, be sure to make sure that they will be adjustable in two planes - vertical and horizontal.
- Fastening to the table. Having provided special mounting holes on the future machine, you will be able to securely fix it on the table. This will avoid vibrations and ensure high accuracy processing of workpieces.
- Incisors. Some turners make cutters on their own, and they are rarely inferior in quality to factory-made products. For rough processing, homemade cutters are quite suitable, but for more delicate operations, we would still advise buying a set of factory tools. By inserting various attachments into the chuck, you can perform all kinds of operations on processing metal workpieces.
Homemade machines are good in many ways. At the same time, it is important to understand that in terms of reliability, safety and functionality they are not capable of reaching the level of factory models. Because if you need turning equipment in the long term, it is better not to take risks, not to experiment, but to buy a good, proven unit from a leading manufacturer.
It's all about money. Metal lathes are very, very expensive things, this applies to even the simplest models.
Making this kind of machine with your own hands is something anyone can do, which is why many home and handicraft craftsmen build these devices on their own and are very successful.
A lathe is an ancient device; it is an early device for processing a wide variety of parts from a wide variety of materials - from metal to wood, etc.
Processing is primarily turning surfaces both inside and outside, drilling and boring holes different diameters, thread cutting, formation of surface relief using knurling.
Speaking of turning metal parts, then industrial turning devices produced by different factories are expensive and massive units, which are very difficult to operate.
They in no way relate to desktop devices; these are serious industrial units that, in principle, are not suitable for handicraft work. Therefore, a homemade lathe, - great idea for all reasons.
Drawing of a lathe.
You can, for example, make it in the form of a mini version, which will be quite enough for processing both metal parts and workpieces made of any other materials.
There are certain limitations when using homemade mini-machines: they are designed mainly for working with round parts, with sections such as axles, handles for tools, wheels, etc.
In mini-machines, parts need to be fixed only in a horizontal position for their rotational movements. Excess material during turning is removed by cutters, which are fixed in the support of the lathe.
Components of a mini metal lathe
The composition of any turning device is traditional; all of the following elements are present regardless of how it is made - manually at home or industrially.
The devices consist of the following components:
bed
The main load-bearing element of the entire structure, giving it rigidity and strength. The bed of a homemade lathe is made from wooden beam or metal blanks in the form of finished corners.
The main requirement for the bed is the necessary strength, since the structure of the machine is exposed to strong vibration during the processing process.
Drive unit
The main element of the part responsible for the power of work. The drive must be selected very correctly based on the power required. This is not an easy task and one that needs to be thought through carefully.
A used drive from washing machine, a construction mixer, or anything else if you are making a lightweight machine for metal work.
The number of revolutions with such drives is about 1500 rpm, and the power is 200 W or slightly higher.
- Tailstock.
This is a special steel plate to which a steel corner is also welded. It is needed for tight fixation of the workpiece to the bed for high-quality processing. - Headstock.
This is the same part as the tailstock, but unlike the front one, it is fixed on the movable frame of the device. - Front and back centers.
- Caliper.
This is one of key factors for the working elements of the device, information about which can be found below.
How is rotation done?
The device of a lathe.
Torque is generated in the machine different ways. You can install the working part on the rotary shaft of the electric motor directly. This approach will save a lot of things: both space and money for spare parts.
Unfortunately, such an arrangement is not always possible, so the so-called gears are appointed as the main executor of the rotational movement. They come in chain, belt and friction types.
Each type of transmission has its pros and cons:
Belting
Most a budget option motor transmissions with many advantages. The main one is reliability. Making a belt drive is simple: most often craftsmen take one from other devices.
There is also a drawback - this is its fragility, since the belts wear out quickly. You will have to change them quite often.
Chain and friction transmission
A chain drive is not cheap, and it is also much more bulky than a belt drive. But such a transmission will last much longer, so you will get “strategic” cost savings. The friction drive is located exactly in the middle between the belt and chain drives.
Main components of the device
The final quality of the processed part depends on the support. The effort, time and all other resources invested in the process can go down the drain without a well-established support. This part is located on special “sleds” moving along the frame along guide vectors.
The movement of the caliper can occur in the following directions:
- Longitudinal movement in which the working element of the device moves along the part being connected. This direction is performed when turning a circular thread or to remove the surface layer of paint or something else from the workpiece being processed.
- The transverse movement of the caliper is perpendicular to the axis of the part. With the help of this movement, holes and recesses are made.
- The inclined movement can be carried out at various angles of inclination, it is used to produce surface recesses of various configurations.
It should be remembered that the caliper, as the most active and moving part of the device, is the most worn.
Elements of a lathe.
Rapid wear is explained by the action of constant and serious vibration, which results in loosening of the fasteners and subsequent backlash, which always affects the quality of turning work in one form or another. Such a disaster can be avoided; this requires constant adjustment and adjustment of the caliper.
The caliper can be adjusted in different ways. If the backlash is adjusted, it is eliminated using a screw. Gaps can be eliminated using special inserts between the carriage and the guides.
Gaps appear when the screw, which controls longitudinal and transverse movements in planes, wears out. Oil seals can also wear out. In this case, they are washed and lubricated until completely saturated. machine oil. Sometimes they just need to be replaced with new ones.
Stages of assembling a lathe
The power level of the motor must be calculated depending on the planned work - the size of the metal parts that you are going to work with on your new unit.
If you plan to work with small parts, a motor with a power of about 1 kW will be sufficient. Such motors are available on sewing machines or other household electrical appliances. If your future parts are larger, choose a motor with a power of 1.5 to 2.0 kW.
The power also depends on the material you are going to work with. If, for example, your material is wood, then DIY wood lathes, including a homemade wood lathe cutter, will not require much power.
The most important issue is reliable insulation of all electrical components. The most the best option will consult a specialist. Confidence in the safety of the device and the professional reliability of the design will not hurt you: after all, you are going to work with electricity and metals. And they don't joke with them.
Making a machine from a drill
The drill will look great as a drive to a lathe.
This elegant solution will save you a lot of money and make your life much easier because it has a number of great benefits:
- The modularity of the device: it is simply assembled and disassembled. The drill can be detached from the frame and reattached without any difficulty.
- This model is very transportable, you can work with it anywhere - even in the country, even in the garage.
- Significant cost savings: no need to purchase additional replacement attachments or belt drive.
To assemble a device from a drill, you will need almost the same parts as for a regular device. Only two things will not be needed: an electric motor and a headstock, and these are the most important and most expensive structural elements.
Because the lightweight machine and compact, there is no need to build a stable frame; a workbench or table will be enough. The drill is fixed using a clamp and a clamp.
Design and dimensions of a lathe.
Expanding the functions of a turning device from a drill can be done using additional attachments and other devices. You can make some great homemade woodworking machines.
There are, of course, disadvantages. You will not be able to process large parts with a drill machine. We can try to improve the model in this direction. For example, add a belt drive to increase the speed.
But the game is not worth the trouble: it will lose its main advantages in the form of simplicity and ease. Thus, homemade apparatus using a drill only makes sense in cases where you are working with small parts.
A lathe made from a drill is capable of many things: it can not only process parts. But also work with paints - apply them to the workpiece while it is rotating. This is also a homemade wood cutting machine.
Winding wire around a transformer and applying various types of notches on the surfaces of parts are just some examples of using a multifunctional machine consisting of a drill and a metal lathe.
And now the simplest machine
Today there are a huge number of drawings, instructions and videos on the Internet on the topic “how to make a homemade lathe”, with the help of which independent work making a lathe is quite realistic and can be done by almost anyone.
You can, of course, aim for a mini-machine with program control. Or you can stop right there simple version, which will work perfectly at low cost on a wide variety of parts of various configurations.
Wooden posts are attached to the frame using bolts. The frame must be reliable, so it is made of steel corners. In extreme cases, it can be made from bars.
The device of a wood lathe.
The cutting element is fixed on a knot from the tool rest, and it will move along it. A sheet of metal should be tightly fixed on the moving surface to protect the structure from deformation. In addition, this will help position the metal turning tool exactly to the part that needs to be machined.
To make the headstock and tailstock, suitable metal cylinders with the appropriate diameter are selected. They are housed in bearing assemblies that are pre-positioned in wooden posts.
The rotational movement is transmitted through the front center, connected to the motor using a belt drive. The part is fixed between the front and rear sections and processed with a cutter from a tool rest.
There are no problems with finding and choosing an electric motor for a mini-lathe.
We have already written that a low-power motor can be found on any household electrical device, any used home appliance is quite suitable for this task. Can be used as a drive grinding machines or drill.
Safety precautions
Because the we're talking about about working with metals, the requirements for compliance with safety regulations will be clear and strict, from which there is no escape. The first step is to check the functionality of the new machine immediately after its manufacture.
How to check the performance of the machine: the spindle should rotate without the slightest difficulty. It is necessary to measure the coincidence of the axis of rotation of the parts in the machine with the center of symmetry of the same part. The common axis should be visible at the front and rear centers.
Elements of the design of a lathe.
The electric motor is always covered with a special casing, which protects the motor from dirt and metal particles, as well as the machine operator himself. If your device is made from a drill, no casing is needed.
If you decide to equip your homemade lathe with a powerful motor, be sure to test it in your home network– is it enough for your powerful motor? In general, it is better to adhere to established traditions and use old friends - electric motors from household appliances.
Making a homemade lathe is an excellent and elegant solution from all points of view. Ease of execution, cost savings, efficient processing parts - all this is about homemade lathes.
