Machine covers

[zoltan]

I have a mini lathe and a mini mill I want to make covers for to keep the dust off when not is use. I haven't been able to find any pre-made covers, so I'm going to have to make my own. What is the best material to make them out of? I was thinking of using canvas.

 

[deverett]

I have used rip-stop nylon, ex-spinnaker sail. Been OK for the last 15 years.

If you can, use a bolt rope in the hem around the bottom. Heavy string would be good enough. This helps to keep the shape.
Unless the cover is symmetrical, use some sort of logo or other distinguishing mark so that you know readily which is front and which is the back of the cover. Perhaps not so necessary with a mini lathe, but on larger machines, it makes it easier to quickly put the cover on.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[XD351]

Little machine shop used to sell a cover for an X2 size lathe but I'm not sure if they still do or if they do them for mills

 

[GLCarlson]

Harbor Freight silver tarps, cut and resewn into an open box shape. The blue stuff works too though less well.