Taig headstock options

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J

jdef

Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2026
Messages
3
Location
USA
Hi everyone,

I'm considering buying a small lathe so I can make pens out of brass and aluminum. After much rumination about space and weight, I am zeroing in on a Taig micro lathe. They have 3 options for the head stock: 5C, ER16, and the Standard Threaded Headstock (3/4″-16 TPI). The 5C option is significantly more expensive than the others but it looks like it would be worthwhile because it would allow me to pass bars up to an inch wide through the spindle so they are supported well for deep drilling operations and they don't take up the limited length of the lathe.

Is the 5C option a worthwhile buy?

John
 
+1 for the through hole spindle.

I have no personal experience with 5C, but I have fitted my machine with an ER40 collet chuck and the through hole spindle allows me to work with longer stock. The other day I made a few mandrels and was using 3/4" 12L14 steel that started at 36" long. With a spindle spider (Thanks for pointing me there @rherrell) I was able to chuck the rod into the collet chuck, support it out the back end of the spindle with the spindle spider (that I designed in Fusion and 3D printed), complete my work and then part off.

For actual pen making, an example is that I like to chuck the cap piece all the way in when cutting the threads. The materials like to flex under when being threaded with a tap which can result in tight threads. When chucked all the way into the collet, they have nowhere to go.

Have fun!

David
 
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