A number of weeks back, I was asking advice for a portable transportable drill based lathe so that I can easily carry it. The normal mini lathe approaching 100 lbs is just too heavy.

I'm not very content with the drill solution. So I'm looking for a light weight but true lathe. This is ONLY for shaping cork so horsepower is really quite irrelevant - as long as it spins smoothly and everything aligns, it should work.

Wondering if anyone know anything about this 45 lbs unit. 45 lbs is definitely a lot more transportable than 100 lbs.

[www.woodstockint.com]

By the way, any other sub 50 lbs suggestion welcome too.

Thanks,
Mo



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2009 03:55PM by Mo Yang.

The problem with very lightweight lathes is that they won't operate as smoothly nor seem to allow for as effortless cutting and shaping as heavier models do.

What you might want to look into, is some sort of portable lathe bench, such as the various ones we've outlined in RodMaker over the years. I currently have a OneWay Lathe and bench that combined weigh about 400 lbs, but with the "wheelbarrow" type system I devised for it, there is really no problem in rolling it outside or anywhere else I might want.

Now if you have to hand carry your lathe or move it up or down stairs, I can see where this won't be an option for you.

................

How long of a grip are you going to turn?. The working distance between centers diminishes quickly depending on your chuck and live center. Also the hole in the head stock is quite small compared to a 2 mt lathe so you are limited there if you want the mandrel to go through the headstock. Look at turncrafter plus from PSI as being similar. I got a Wilton from Amazon a couple of years ago very similar on sale and free shipping.

Thanks Tom and John,

Tom, by portable I really mean portable. I'll be hauling it in and out of my car...:) That's why a 45 lbs weight is so attractive. Asot being effortless, I figure this is just for fast cork shaping so that should be no problem.

John, no longer than 8" grip. Thanks for the suggestions.

Mo

Build or buy the Flex Coat one. Put it on a base and make it adjustable. I built mine similar to it and for shaping cork it works - just fine - I can do any thing with it. Very light and can be carried any ware.

Bill - willierods.com

Mo,
Most of the mini lathes that are in the 100-200 range will meet your weight requirement and still do a good job.
Check out the lathes that are sold by Penn State Industries, They represent a good value, and a couple of them come with bed extensions, if you want to turn longer handles.

Take care
Roger

Mo
I think the small penturning 1MT type lathes will get you an 8 in grip. You need to keep the tailstock small and a small chuck on the headstock. With a little finagling you can easily turn seats as well.

Where would I get the 'smallest' chuck? (Cheap too presumably for a little rig like this.)

Thanks,
Mo

Mo
I looked at the little Wilton I got--model 99177. I think the bed might be a little longer than the turncrafter plus from PSI (Penn state industries pennstateind.com). I would start by looking at PSI and see if the chucks they have would suit your purpose. You want a good holding chuck IMO. If you like to be creative you could use a long 1 MT pen making mandrel close to 1/4 inch and use bushings to hold a larger dia grip. But if you are going to ream anyway the pen mandrel would work. BTW check amazon.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/16/2009 12:09PM by John Kepka.

[www.grizzly.com]

found the following

Grizzly
MODEL G9247 VS MINI WOOD LATHE
Product Dimensions:
Weight....................... 40 lbs.
$149.95