Want to build a monstrous lathe?

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Dario

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NOTE: This is not mine...just sharing the photos and link. Wish I can weld and make one though.

This may be worth looking at...

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=26160

Lathe1.jpg


Lathe2.jpg
 
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Dario,
Thought for a minute this was another gloat and you have been limited to only 2 per year. LOL [}:)]

Pretty cool though.. I put a piece of wood on my Ridgid the other day that wasn't really well balanced, thought the lathe was going to dance out the door before I could shut it off... this might have handled it... Just need some extra "I" beams and angle iron. I already have a 2 hp spare motor from my DC.
 
Neat!!!! My only concern would be accuracy. For making bowls and stuff, it's probably not a big deal if has a few tenths of an inch in run-out.
 
A major congratulations for your accomplishment. Shows what ingenuity and determination can do.
I'm dissapointed at the comment about accuracy. It is obvious, both with the lathe and your previous work, you don't do anything sloppy. Next, maybe add a 3 hp variable speed motor to bring it down real slow for those really honkin' big, out of balance, bowl blanks.
 
Frank,
Thanks, I should clarify my comment...if <b><u>I</u></b> were to build such a thing, I'd be LUCKY to only have a little run-out, and to have the head and tailstock come even close to lining up! I in no way meant to disparage Dario or his work!
 
Jim,

Alignment can be easily addressed if it is done properly before the final welding. Run off or wobble will be another story. In this case since he used a headstock from an old lathe, it should not be a problem.

I think this is designed to be a bowl lathe. If you look at the picture, there is no tailstock on it. While you can have one (and it is better to have one), it is not necessary. This lathe configuration does provide for an optional tailstock. Otherwise, a free standing structure (no bed) is better w/ a floor supported toolrest. IMHO
 
Originally posted by JimGo
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Originally posted by Dario
...If you look at the picture, there is no tailstock on it...
Click to expand...

Well, in that case, maybe I <u>could</u> build one! [:D]
Click to expand...
Jim - I'm sure it would fit real well in you big shop. Go for it, and if you run out of room, I'll be glad to store it for you.
 
Interesting.. A bowl lathe is fairly easy, heck.. if you wanted you could use a car as a bowl lathe! The trick would be to mate a tail stock. It is nice to see that the headstock is holding in there. I am in the planning stages for 1.5" riser blocks for my Delta to bring it up to 14" I just have to bring the tailstock with me to the metal shop so they guy can measure the block.
 
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