Mini Lathe

What was on the package:

7x12" mini lathe with chip tray
3" - 3 jaws self centering chuck
3" - 4 jaws self centering chuck
125mm faceplate
MT2 dead center
MT2 live center

Steady rest
Change gears set for metric

 

Mini-lathe mods and lathe tools projects

Purchased the 7x12 mini-lathe on January 2007. It is a nice tool within the size limits for my projects and, for a first time lathe owner, it is definitively the nicest machine on the home workshop. Within the first few months I had test a lot and pointed modifications to do. These small lathes can be improved as much as you like or need. Some mods and fixes are very popular among mini-lathe owners, others are more specific to the work one use the lathe for. 

This one is a Einhell mini-lathe, manufactured in China by Real Bull, and some mods may not work the same way with a Sieg mini-lathe. Take a look at what is already done.


Mini lathe saddle

Mini-lathe saddle

Fitting the saddle to bed

Mini lathe carriage  lock

Carriage lock

for the Mini-lathe

Mini lathe apron

Mini-lathe Apron mods

and disengageable handwheel

Mini lathe chucks

Repair lathe chucks

someday will re-check it

Mini lathe bed

Mini-lathe bed

preparation and mods

Mini lathe headstock 4

Mini-lathe headstock mods

100mm / 4" spinde upgrade

Mini lathe motor  speed reducer jack shaft

Jack shaft motor speed reducer

work in progress

Mini lathe steady  rest

Lathe steady rest

ball bearings mod and a

quick-lock clamping plate

Making a QCTP for the lathe

A Norman Patent toolpost

A QCTP from 1925
Making a wrench for the  spindle nuts

Spindle nuts wrench set

made on the lathe
MT2 spring loaded  center

Wiggler / Center finder

Also used for tapping
Mini-lathe  spindle cleaning tool

Spindle cleaning tool

to clean the MT3 bore
Drawbars for the mini-lathe spindle

Lathe drawbars

for tooling and work-holding
Parting toolholder with back rake

Parting toolholder

for parting with back rake angle
Mini-lathe cross slide extension

Cross slide extension

plus thrust bearing and lock-nut mod