truckerdave
Member
Can anyone tell me (with pics if possible) how to "drill" on my Jet mini-lathe? What special extra parts do I need? Is it worth the trouble instead of drilling on a drill press?
Dave to me it's easier and quicker to drill on the lathe. I do a lot of segmented work and it's important to drill the center of the blank. This is much easier on the lathe.
All you need is a four jaw chuck(in the headstock) and a Jacobs chuck with a Morse taper(in the tail stock) and your ready to go.
PSI is just coming out with a dedicated lathe chuck for pen turning. I've already put my name on the list for when it hits thier dock. the nice thing iis it work on the same idea as the pen vises and will center odd shaped blocks if I'm looking at it right.
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/pen-blank-drilling-chuck.html
Erik
The pin jaws on this chuck look long enough to hold a blank securely and if your just looking to drill blanks it would work especially if your blank isn't exactly square....However, if you don't already have a chuck and you plan on ever using a chuck for other things consider getting a 4 jaw chuck and a set of pin jaws. It will be a lot more versatile in the long run....YMMV but that's just MHO!
Mick
I'm lucky enough to already have a nice 4jaw chuck. your definitely right that the new chuck has its limitations, but my thought is it would be great to have a dedicated chuck that is for drilling. simple spin on and drill. I looked at the replacement plates but didn't like the idea of having to change each time I want to drill or turn.
Erik
So the drill bit doesn't turn??? The blank does??? And it works better that way??? That seems counter-intuitive. But it looks like I could put my drill press up and have that much more room on my workbench.
So the drill bit doesn't turn??? The blank does??? And it works better that way??? That seems counter-intuitive. But it looks like I could put my drill press up and have that much more room on my workbench.
Gary, I just received this collett chuck system from PSI:
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LCDOWEL.html
Haven't tried it out yet, probably won't get to it before next week at the earliest, since I've been really busy.
Is a 4 jaw better or more accurate than a collet chuck? I know with a collet you have to turn it round first but which is easier/more accurate?