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I've recently acquired a Craftex CT039 9x19 lathe that I'd like to fit with a better 4 jaw independent chuck. My question is - what diameter? Web searches show a number of people going with 6 inch chucks and a few going with 5 inch chucks. For hobby use have users found that one works better...

I've just (finally!) managed to acquire a 9x20 lathe that is about 5 years old. It is in very good condition and only lightly used. It doesn't need paint but I'm not fond of Busy Bee's (Canada) corporate colors - dark green and yellow. Before I start using the lathe 'd like to repaint it. Any...

I will be going to see a lathe for sale this weekend (claimed to be new) and wonder if anyone here has had experience or knowledge of the following company and lathe model; DM Italia S.r.l. Model Bench lathe BV20L1 560mm between centers...

I am considering buying a USED lathe - larger than my Taig - but one that weighs only as much as I can manhandle with the fewest of mechanical aids. It will be used in an apartment in all likelihood, no shop. As much as I'd like a new BusyBee 10x18 (Canada), realistically I'm faced with looking...

I've started to accumulate more toolbits for the lathe than my memory can deal with :big:. Some for brass, stainless, hard steel, special uses etc. How do you mark 1/4" bits permanently or at least until you've used them enough to know what they are for? Permanent ink markers are useless - how...

I've ordered a boring bar that accepts square and round toolbit blanks (holding them at either 45 or 90 degrees) to allow me to complete internal boring of cylinders. I want to insert short portions of standard toolbit blanks but have never attempted to cut thru one. I suspect a zip disc will do...

Hello everyone; I want to Blue - using heat in the way that tmuir does "Blue Screws" - some 12L14 air cooled finned cylinders (approx 1.5" dia, 2.0" long) for an Upshur engine. I've never done this and I'm not sure if it is possible with this size of part. Not looking for show class uniformity...

I'm about to order some gears for the Upshur and Hoglet from Stock Drive Products. In searching online I notice they sell what they refer to as "Pinion Wire" - an extruded gear stock sold by the foot in brass or steel. Can anyone comment on the suitability of this product compared to buying...

Well I've managed to complete aluminum pistons for two Upshur engines on my Taig lathe using 1/8" and 1/4" HSS boring bits - the 1/8" work was fun, fortunately I only had to bore to a 1/2" depth. I'm limited by the Taig's 1/4" tailstock chuck capacity for the size of the starting hole. Now comes...

I have a few questions regarding the selection of grades of cast iron used for IC engine piston rings - before I order some material stock. Although the engine plans I've seen state cast iron; none specify the grade of cast iron - other than some saying close grain centrifugally cast. I may...

While I'm waiting for my first order of 12L14 steel to arrive I've been reading anything I had on how HSS toolbits should be ground for this material. The references I have contend that side and end reliefs should be about 10 degrees, but side rake is in the range of 10 to 22 degrees for free...

I'm looking for ways to reduce the amount of boring when making cylinder liners (nominally 0.75 in ID; 1.00 in OD) and 2.0 to 3.0 inches long on my Taig lathe. I have easy access to chrome moly tubing 4130 that I'd like to try. So two questions; a. how easily does 4130 machine with HSS...

Has anyone had experience with using 1045 steel in small model IC engines for things like cylinder liners, cranks, cams and gears? What does it machine and perform like when machined on small lathe and mill (ie Taig)? The reason for the question is that I've encountered difficulty locating small...

Hello everyone; I'm new to this hobby and have picked up a Taig lathe, I've contented myself with using 1/4" HSS toolbits made in China versions while I learn to grind the proper angles. I'm planning on purchasing better quality HSS bits but have encountered suppliers selling HSS with Cobalt...

Hello everyone; I'm new to this hobby but have an engineering background - so pardon my stupidity!! I'm in the process (slow process) of building an Upshur horizontal twin using aluminum piston, Viton o-ring and steel cylinder sleeve. I've read a fair amount of info on how people finish the...

Another new member, also new to model engineering. Trying to re-learn what few skills I picked up in university on the lathe and mill. I've found a used Taig lathe and hope to find a used Taig mill (all manual not CNC). My interest is mainly in building small IC engines, scale models of...