Member postings for James Bennet

Thanks, will give Draftsight a go.

(for windows is fine, but bonus points if it runs on linux too)

How easy is SolidWorks and AutoCad to pick up for 2d stuff?

Edited By James Bennet on 28/08/2015 15:40:56

While waiting on my mini lathe to arrive, I was wondering what CAD software people used for drawings - I just want to do some working drawings of the parts I intend to machine, and if you could recommend a free (or sub 30 quid) offering, and your experiences with it, that would be great. I'm good with computers, and used ProDesktop a bit in school 15 years ago or so.

Thanks! Ive just ordered the following books from TEE.

Workshop Practice 43 The Mini Lathe, and Workshop Practice 48 Mini-Lathe Tools and Projects, By David Fenner

Workshop Practice 45 Basic Lathework, and The Compact Lathe, By Stan Bray

Workshop Practice 34 Lathework. A Complete Course, By Harold Hall.

Should be sufficient reading until I get an actual machine to have a bash on!

Ive got a spare room which is a bit of a hackspace, laminate floor. So sweeping is OK,

Budgeted 75-100 quid for the bits and bobs on top already, looking at the same place that looks no problem.

A shed is next on my list for when we move

Thanks for your comments, guys, and also for the book suggestion.

I already have a wraparound face shield with brim from another DIY project, which I was intending to use (safety specs tend not to really work for me as I have prescription glasses). Besides the usual no jewelry or long sleeves, that should be sufficient PPE, right?

You are right that 35kg sounds OK for me to move, my day job sometimes involves lifting servers of similar weight. I didn't see the mention that in the description earlier!

Ill also try not to get Gear Acquisition Syndrome. What did you mean when you said "and a tail stock", I was under the impression it came with one? - I was indeed thinking about picking up a small selection of HSS tools , a live (revolving) centre, to start, then maybe later a drill chuck/arbor and centre drill, more tools etc... (oh and of course some aluminium bar - 6061?).

Are any of the addons like quick change tool posts worth it at this stage?

Never ground before, so a little unsure about that, so ill need to do some reading on that too!

Two major questions before I buy:

Finally, I can just plug it into a normal plug right (no three phase inverter nonsense?), and secondly, Metric or Imperial? - I don't need to machine any specific threads to fit anything, so I guess I can just pick whichever?

I would like to learn how to turn metal on the lathe. I would be interested in turning small things like razor handles, chess pieces, torch bodies, in aluminium. I've never used one before except an old Myford 7 in school 15+ years ago.

Which mini-lathes are any good? I have been looking at the Warco ones?

i.e. http://www.warco.co.uk/metal-lathes-metalworking-lathe-machine/302983-mini-lathe-hobby-lathes.html

a) Is that any good for me

b) what else do I need in terms of tools

c) what can I do in terms of training materials

d) how man portable is that, its just me and I live in a flat