Entry/hobby level equipment

KissedOut

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
If I wanted to learn how to replace tips and do shaft maintenance on a lathe, strictly as a hobby with no ventures into making cues or even doing joint or ferrule work, what would I be looking at in the way of entry level cost for a minimally adequate lathe and accompanying equipment? And any specific recommendations as to lathe and equipment?

Thanks.
 
Just a few days ago, there was a thread about mini metal lathes from Grizzly, Sieg and other companies, who have about the same design on their machine.
Those lathes are great for doing tips and ferrules.
For shaft work, you need to look at something with alot more distance between the centers.
Todd has some great equipment at reasonable prices.
Here is a couple of links:
http://www.midamericapool.com/index_files/Page301.htm
http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-X-14-Variable-Speed-Benchtop-Lathe/G0765?utm_campaign=zPage

You will need some tools, driver pins, bits and bobs. You can get that stuff here:
https://www.cuestik.com/
 
Just a few days ago, there was a thread about mini metal lathes from Grizzly, Sieg and other companies, who have about the same design on their machine.
Those lathes are great for doing tips and ferrules.
For shaft work, you need to look at something with alot more distance between the centers.
Todd has some great equipment at reasonable prices.
Here is a couple of links:
http://www.midamericapool.com/index_files/Page301.htm
http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-X-14-Variable-Speed-Benchtop-Lathe/G0765?utm_campaign=zPage

You will need some tools, driver pins, bits and bobs. You can get that stuff here:
https://www.cuestik.com/

DO NOT get the one with the little sewing machine motor............. it really sucks

Kim
 
DO NOT get the one with the little sewing machine motor............. it really sucks

Kim

Hi Kim,

Why does it suck? The motor or the lathe sucks? Are you an owner of his lathe? Todd has a 1/2 HP motor as an upgrade. What if the basic lathe is upgraded with the powerful 1/2 HP motor, would it still sucks? I'm thinking about getting this lathe.. Need your comments..
 
I think he meant that the motor is kinda weak, upgrade to the 1/2 HP unit :)
 
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also upgrade to the large bore headstock.

The OP clearly stated he only wanted to replace tips and do shaft maintenance.

Why would recommend a large bore headstock when he clearly has no need for one?

Dale
 
The OP clearly stated he only wanted to replace tips and do shaft maintenance.

Why would recommend a large bore headstock when he clearly has no need for one?

Dale

Dale, I don't like driven my work from the rear.( only for cleanings) I find more accuracy from the better 4 jaw large bore headstock. For the price difference in the better motor and large headstock he will be more then happy. Ask anyone after 6 months of the basic lathe would of they upgraded. I own 3 of Todd's lathes and am very pleased.
Frank
 
Hi Kim,

Why does it suck? The motor or the lathe sucks? Are you an owner of his lathe? Todd has a 1/2 HP motor as an upgrade. What if the basic lathe is upgraded with the powerful 1/2 HP motor, would it still sucks? I'm thinking about getting this lathe.. Need your comments..

The work station is just fine......... just get the bigger DC motor...


Kim
 
The OP clearly stated he only wanted to replace tips and do shaft maintenance.

Why would recommend a large bore headstock when he clearly has no need for one?

Dale

Always.................. Always get more than you need............ or you will be sorry later.

Kim
 
The OP clearly stated he only wanted to replace tips and do shaft maintenance.

Why would recommend a large bore headstock when he clearly has no need for one?

Dale

Dale,

I think in the Cue Biz as a general rule, nothing stays the same. If the OP finds he does not like doing it the want and resale value of a full bore chuck will give him a bigger bang for his buck when sold. If like many he catches the bug he has the start to add to without having to replace the chuck. Nothing ever seems to stay the same.
 
Dale,

I think in the Cue Biz as a general rule, nothing stays the same. If the OP finds he does not like doing it the want and resale value of a full bore chuck will give him a bigger bang for his buck when sold. If like many he catches the bug he has the start to add to without having to replace the chuck. Nothing ever seems to stay the same.

Tom, that's another good point.
 
So, you ALL think when the OP said he only wants to do tips as a hobby, he was lying
just to mess with you.

Dale

Dale,

No, I believe that is his initial intent and will do as he wants but as a forum he might read others opinions and say to himself, Hmm I did not think of that.
 
Dale,

No, I believe that is his initial intent and will do as he wants but as a forum he might read others opinions and say to himself, Hmm I did not think of that.

His question was specific enough, and contained additional background information enough
to make me ASSUME he was aware of the typical response given to such inquiries,
ie, go buy a hightower deluxe immediately because you will soon be investing
thousands of dollars and all available time in cuemaking... just like I did.

We get some version of this question a dozen or so times a year - and the resulting
commentary approaches boiler plate in its consistency.

IMHO - most people have free will and know their own minds.

There is no sin in offering extented info and alternate choices... unless you do
it instead of answering the question actually asked.

Dale(who would recommend a 7 x 10 mini with an extra bed)
 
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