Christian

Super work Brian

Thanks again everyone for the information, my shopping list is getting bigger by the day. I think I know what lathe I want (C3) and I have a good list of what tools I would like to go with it. I am now thinking about the requirements for setting up and adjusting a new lathe. I would order the lathe from Arc Euro Tools and it would be the factory assembled version not the Arc prepared version, I would want to permorm the strip down and rebuild myself and I feel quite confident in doing this. What sort of gear would I need to do this? I read various references to lapping so could some one explain this process and in which aspects it would apply to the C3.

Thanks again for the replies, needless to say my research continues and I have some questions. I have been looking a the various tools and cutters for a mini lathe in particular the parting tool. There are many references to the use of the parting tool in particular the use of the tool cutting from the rear of the piece as well as on the front of the piece to be parted. What is the difference and what are the benefits with the two arrangements? I have also been looking at boring tools and the fitment to the tool post, also a boring head is available what is this? Many of the boring tools available have a cylindrical body so how do these fit in the tool holder on a mini lathe? I have been checking out the many videos on YouTube and such like on metal turning, I have seen some very fine work on round bar where the piece has been fitted to a 3 jaw chuck. It was my understanding that collets would be better for such fine work? Of the many tool bits available most seem to be made from either HSS or carbide what are the benifits of each? I understand the use of dead centres and live centres, but what are half centres used for? No doubt I shall have many more questions but any help would be apprieciated.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread, I have found it very educational and very useful. I see we have some real experts here with a wealth of great information and experience to offer those of us just starting out in the machining world. I have decided this much, I want to get a lathe and I have spent the last few days reading up and looking at what is available. My budget is fairly low, maybe about £500.00 and so far the machine that I keep looking at is the Sieg C3. I would be interested to hear any feedback regarding this machine especially those who have used it.

Yes, I was thinking the very same thing. Great work.

A 7mm Baby Deltic, sounds interesting. I trust photos will follow soon.

The Warship has come to a bit of a standstill, so near yet so far. I had the opertunity to visit 'Onslaught' while it was at the WSR and took loads of close up pictures of the bogies. The DJH/Tower kit has very little detail in the way of brake and handbrake linkages and now I know how it all works and where it all goes I hope to incorporate it all in my model. Apart from the bogies and cab interior it's all but done. Like you I have other builds on the go, Class 60, Class 143, DJH BR Std Class 7 and well as a Class 56 and a Finney A3 waiting to be built. The Finney A3 is realy tempting me to make a start on it but I must finish the Class 60 first.

Super work on the 14xx, the MOK kit is on my list to buy some day.

Hello Mike, I have been keeping up with this build on the on web site, great work and look forward to more.

Hello Richard, Glad to have found you on the new RMweb, I enjoy watching your work. Have to agree with you about the photos, a decent camera and lens show everything up especially when seen on a large display moniter. Out of interest have you made a start on the MOK 4MT yet, an excellent kit by all reports and I look forward to seeing your efforts on this one.