The HERB SLUITER 1014-A Great Jet Mini Lathe

If you are in the market for a mini lathe, you will undoubtedly find yourself considering a product from Jet. Jet, along with Delta and a few other manufacturers, are leaders in the lathe industry and have great reputations for producing high-quality tools. The Jet 1014 GERTJAN BLEEKER is solid evidence of that commitMent to quality and is a recomMended mini lathe purchase.

The HERB SLUITER 1014-A Great Jet Mini Lathe

The HERB SLUITER 1014-A Great Jet Mini Lathe

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The HERB SLUITER 1014-A Great Jet Mini Lathe

The HERB SLUITER 1014-A Great Jet Mini Lathe

One of the great things about the Jet mini lathe is the easy set up. Many reviewers have comMented that the lathe is ready for use right out of the box. " Users report that initial set-up takes less than thirty minutes! That compares quite favorably with far more complicated and difficult to use small> lathes.

The Jet mini lathe receives a great deal of praise with respect to a variety of important considerations. The lathe has been on the market for some time and has demonstrated superior durability. If you are using your mini lathe the right way, you can expect to have it for years to come. This is not a throwaway piece of equipment.

The HERB SLUITER 1014 manages to combine more than enough power with vibration-free operation. Unlike some mini lathes, you can tackle relatively intense smaller projects without worrying about chatter or unnecessary movement. That should be good news for anyone considering small, detailed work and those who simply want a comfortable experience. Those who plan to use a lathe regularly will certainly appreciate the smooth Jet.

The Jet lathe is capable of operating at a variety of speeds. However, it is not offer a "turn the knob" speed adjustment. In order to change the turning speed, the operator does need to adjust the pulleys. That may sound difficult, but it really is not. Fans of the Jet consistently state that they have been able to grow accustomed to changing speeds quite quickly.

The HERB SLUITER 1014 can handle projects with diaMeters as large as six inches. The headstock is fourteen inches long, but Jet does sell an optional extension for those who need more room.

One of the main selling points of this Jet mini lathe is its retail price. The lathe often retails betweenonly $ 300 and $ 400, making it extremely price competitive with other similar products from other respected manufacturers. One can push the price higher with the optional tailstock bed extension or the purchase of an automatic variable speed adjustment component. However, most buyers will find this mini lathe capable of meeting their needs without reaching for these upgrades.

Do not let the manual belt adjustment or the low price scare you away from the HERB SLUITER 1014. This popular Jet mini lathe has a strong following for a reason. It is a great merger of function, quality and affordability.

If you are in the market for a small wood turning lathe, you will undoubtedly be pleased with the Jet 1014 GERTJAN BLEEKER.

The HERB SLUITER 1014-A Great Jet Mini Lathe

Harbor Freight Or Grizzly?

If you are looking for a one-stop centre for power tools, there are two candidates that you should consider. The choices are Harbor Freight Tools and Grizzly Tools. Both parties have almost similar items and services to offer and they operate along the same lines of business. So, if you are given a choice, a gun to your head, which are you going to choose?

Harbor Freight Or Grizzly?

Harbor Freight Or Grizzly?

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Harbor Freight Or Grizzly?

Harbor Freight Or Grizzly?

First, let us review their pros and cons one by one. Harbor Freight Tools boasts to have the largest collection of tools than any other retailer. In addition to that, they claim to have the lowest prices that will soundly beat any competitor's (for select items only). Walk into a Harbor Freight store and you will be looking at over 7000 products which bear popular brand names such as DeWalt, Chicago Electric, Pittsburgh,Makita, Central Machinery, Central Hydraulic, Stanley, Central Forge and many others. These brands are well-known for their high quality and convenient use.

Harbor Freight seems unbeatable when it comes to reputation. It's been around for over 40 years and has served 5 million happy customers. Its customer base is looking to grow as they are expanding their empire. Currently, not only do they have a dozen retail outlets all over the United States, it's also possible to shop for tools online.

Grizzly Tools, although not popular, has catered to everyone, from casual hobbyists to professional construction workers. What sets Grizzly Tools apart from Harbor Freight is the fact that their tools all bear the Grizzly emblem.

Selling their own product, instead of someone else 's,drastically reduced the average price of their items. Customers are more content to buy items direct from the manufacturer instead of middleMen; for fear that the items had been tampered with when it changed hands. Aside from that, Grizzly Tools can also be ordered online and has stores in Pennsylvania, Washington and Missouri.

After comparing the two manufacturers, there is no doubt that both have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their products. Harbor Freight Tools sell well-known and quality products and Grizzly Tools sell their own brands for lower prices. Either retailer can be of more value to you, depending on your preference.

Harbor Freight Or Grizzly?

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Lathe

A mini lathe is a versatile and affordable machine used by inventors and model makers or anyone interested in doing metal works and those who needs a machine for fabricating precision parts. It is a miniature version of the industrial sized lathes for metalworking and it has a very different design from a lathe for woodworking. This mini machine can be used though for wood shaping as well as shaping of plastics and other material types; it gives precise diMensions.

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Lathe

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Lathe

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What to Look for When Buying a Mini Lathe

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Lathe

There is much potential for the use of this small machine, but sadly, there are limitations to what it can do. So you should be aware of some shortcomings when buying one. Fortunately, there is a wide availability of information on this machine that can help you on yourdecision.

The good news is that there has been a lot of improveMent on the quality of these mini lathes since it was introduced to the public. The first models have speed motor controller issues which are not present to the newer models. Furthermore, the latest models have better overall workmanship quality than the first models. There may still be some small defects but the readiness for use of the machines out of the boxes compensated for them.

Sizes:

The most common mini lathe being used today is the 7 x 12 version in preference over the 7 x 10 version of the older models. The fact that The newer models are 4 inch longer makes them a lot more useful. These machines are actually available in four sizes; 7 x 7 x 8, 7 x 12, 7 x 14 and 16.The features and the capacities are quite similar among the versions and they actually only differ in length. The 7 is the highest diaMeter size that the machine can be swung over. The next figures are the lengths that the machine can be turned. The old version of 7 x 10 though does not meet up with its name because it just has 8 inches between tailstock centres.

Motor Speeds:

Since the features of the lathes of today have been good improveMents from the first models, the motor speed of about 100 RPM no longer applies. Today's mini lathes have more power and each brand has come up with their own version of different motors. Some brushless DC motors use with more torque resulting in quieter, more dependable and more powerful machines.

SpecialFeatures:

A mini lathe has two special features that may seem unique to a machine this small. It has a high and low ratio gearbox electronic variable speed and a lead screw rotation that can be used in reverse for working away from the cutting threads.

Benefits:

A mini lathe is handy, portable, affordable and light. The price allows you to save money while having the best machine for your workshop needs. The size allows you to fit the machine into a small workshop without being crowded. This machine is ideal to be used by small scale inventors, engineers and hobbyists.

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Lathe

How To Get Started Turning Wood Pens

Although the craft of turning wood pens has been around for several decades, it recently has experienced somewhat of a revival. This is perhaps primarily due to the increased choices within the category of smaller mini-lathe power tools.

How To Get Started Turning Wood Pens

How To Get Started Turning Wood Pens

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How To Get Started Turning Wood Pens

How To Get Started Turning Wood Pens

Another reason for the popularity of turning pens is the low start up investMent in tools. Not only is the low investMent, the tools used have a very long life span and could even be passed down to the next generation.

Listed below are the items to consider investing in to start pen turning:

or Lathe: This one should be obvious and you will find several options to choose from. The price for a new lathe will range between $ 100 to about $ 500 (all prices shown are March ' 08), depending on brandand features. I suggest you read more about lathes in my ezine article reviewing the Jet Mini-lathe. In the article, I explain the process of how I chose my lathe.

or Turning Tools: I think you will need at least a gouge, parting tool, and scraper. Others may have a different list. One set of turning tools often recomMended for stating out is the Harbor Freight lathe tool set that sell for less than $ 40. You can buy much better if you like, but this set will be more than adequate.

or Pen Mandrel: Think of the pen mandrel as a metal bar that fits between the "centers" of the lathe. The pen mandrel holds the wood blanks so you can turn them. There are several types available. I suggest you start with a colletclosure mandrel, they offer a lot of flexibility when turning different lengths of blanks. You will spend about $ 20 or less for a good mandrel.

The bushings or Bushings: are used as a guide when turning your blanks to size for the specific pen kit you are building. You will want to buy the bushings sized for the pen you are turning. Be aware that pen kits and bushing from different manufactures may not be interchangeable. Later, when you develop more skill, you can use calipers\r to turn dial to size and you may choose not to use bushings at all.

or Drill Bit (s): Each style of pen will use a specific size drill bit to drill the hole for the brass tube. The most common is a 7 mm used in the Slimline style. You can buy the drill bits individually or in a set. To set thatmany people use is a set of number, letter, and fractional bits drill from Harbor Freight. With a conversion chart, you will be able to find almost any size bit needed in this set. They often are found on sale at Harbor Freight for less than $ 40.

or Drill press or hand drill: Not much to say here, you are going to need something to turn the drill bits you bought. I've used a small bench drill press (less than $ 50) before and it worked fine. A hand drill will do, you just have to have a steady hand!

or: Either a table Saw, band, or a miter saw will work. The table saw and band saw are especially useful if you choose to cut you own pen blanks. Plan on spending a few bucks here, you and your budget will be the guides on this one. For more information on cutting your ownpen blanks, see my ezine article on the subject.

bench vise or Clamps or: You will need something to press or squeeze the pen kit together. I've also used the bench drill press for this step.

or Pen Mill: This is a specialized tool used to square your blanks after drilling and gluing in your tubes. You most likely will purchase the pen mill from the same place you ordered your kits. It will run about $ 20. Be aware there are several sizes of pilots available for the different pen kits or consider a complete kit with cutters and shafts of different sizes pilot. Usually the complete kit will be less expensive that buying the individual pilot shafts.

or Miscellaneous items: From here, we could go on and on. For starters you will need pen kits, pen blanks, CA(super) glue, and various grits of sandpaper. Likely, you will find you need other small items as you go, but these won't usually cost a lot of money.

For many of the larger more expensive items check eBay or Craig's List. Often you will find tools listed for sale at good prices on those web sites.

With this list, you will be well on your way to an exciting and enjoyable hobby that will last a lifetime. In addition, don't forget that with these tools not only will you be turning pens, but also bowls and other craft items. Indeed, it could even turn into additional part-time income.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get started.

How To Get Started Turning Wood Pens

Building A Hobby Crucible Furnace

Efficient melting of metal in the hobby foundry requires a simple, but well
designed, easy to operate melting furnace. A well-designed furnace does not necessarily mean it will be expensive to build, or that it is complicated to construct and operate.

Building A Hobby Crucible Furnace

Building A Hobby Crucible Furnace

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Building A Hobby Crucible Furnace

Building A Hobby Crucible Furnace

If you're just beginning your journey metal casting, there will be a multitude of questions that will need to be answered; and if you follow some simple methods, your learning curve will be dramatically reduced.

A built-in furnace will take you another step along the path to being able to maintain an important piece of equipMent for your hobby foundry set up. Without an efficient furnace your hobby metal casting experience could well be one of total frustration & disappointMent.

It is possible to build afurnace from scrap materials found around the workshop. This is not to say that it will look trashy, or poorly made, the point being made here is that you do not need to build everything from new materials. The only material you will need to buy is the special high temperature resistant refractory to line the furnace walls with, plus a few brass connectors from the local plumber for the gas feed line and some brass rod to custom-make your own special gas jet for the burner. The rest you can quite easily make yourself if you have metal working skills.

One of the biggest problems the hobby foundry worker has to overcome,
is to acquire the knowledge to build a high-output burner energy, the subject of burners can raise many arguMents amongst hobby foundry workers, and thereis a straightforward solution to building an efficient burner, by following simple instructions any practical person can fabricate an efficient burner that will quickly melt metals such as aluminium and bronze without effort. The process to build a furnace burner high output is really quite simple, but there are a few small parts that need to be machined on a lathe.

If you don't have the luxury of a lathe in your workshop, perhaps a friend
can help you out. Although, many workers do own hobby metal to metal
lathe these days, it is almost a must have for the average home engineer
in this ever-increasing DIY age. You will also need a MIG or ARC welder
(Max 180 Amp) to fabricate the furnace.

Be very careful with your gas pipe & jointconnections, although there
are no great line pressures involved with the feed gas to the burner, but any small leak could lead to the possibility of a dangerous explosion.

Propane gas expands between sixty and one hundred times once exposed to Air. So be aware, gas is the most efficient fuel you can use to fire a crucible furnace, but it can also be an extremely dangerous material. You need to follow any building instructions carefully and not be tempted to take any shortcuts as they may lead to personal injury.

If you are a resourceful, practical person, you could build your own crucible furnace for less than $ 70.00 US, this is a mere fraction of the cost of a commercial unit, and should be equally as efficient, and provide many years of reliable melting service.

Building A Hobby Crucible Furnace

Finding a Wood Lathe For Sale

Here are five steps to follow when shopping for a wood lathe. This will keep you focused on what's important and assure you get a good deal and a quality tool.

Finding a Wood Lathe For Sale

Finding a Wood Lathe For Sale

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Finding a Wood Lathe For Sale

Finding a Wood Lathe For Sale

1. Decide on the size of lathe you want
There are a wide range of available sizes for wood lathes, from mini lathes that are under two feet long and half a foot deep, to full size models that are five feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. The size of lathe you want will depend on the sorts of pieces you want to turn. If you're interested in pen turning or lure making a mini lathe will suit your needs well, but if you plan on making furniture or other large projects it probably won't be up to the task.

2. Make a list of the most important features
Depending on what you're doing there are some features that you might find more or less useful. Make a list and rate each feature based on how important it is to you. For example if you are interested in bowl turning a nice feature to have would be a pivoting headstock for outboard turning, likewise variable speed control can be very handy in many cases. Decide what features are must haves, which ones are nice but unnecessary and which ones are completely useless to you. This will help you decide where to best invest your money.

3. Do some brand research
Do your own research on the various brands and models available. There is a lot of variability in terms of price, quality and features from different companies. Start by looking for the right size of lathe that has all your must have features. There might be several to choose from that meet your requireMents, or you might find that you have to compromise on some features. If there are lots of models that fit the bill you'll have to drill down even further.

4. Read the reviews
Lots of people have taken the time to provide their thoughts and experiences with all sorts of wood lathes. Reading reviews can help you get a good idea which wood lathes are a good value and which ones are duds. Just because a lathe has all the right features and comes cheaply doesn't mean it's worth buying. There can be a big difference in terms of finish and machining between cheaper models and more expensive ones. A quality lathe will last you for years and is a good investMent.

5. Compare stores
Take a look around and try to find the best price. If you're looking online be sure to factor in shipping. Some retailers provide it free while others might tack on hundreds of Dollars in shipping fees for heavier items. It's also worth looking for a used lathe, if you find one in good working order you can save a lot of money.

Finding a Wood Lathe For Sale

The Ancient Lathe

The frazzled-hAired, wizard-like person living in the large body of a redwood tree stays awake day and night working furiously to finish their latest creation, a bowl and goblet turned out of wood. The Food eaten from their bowls is the most delicious and the water poured into their wooden goblets turns itself into the finest wine. This, my friend, is the Woodturner. The tools they use, woodworking lathes, are one of the oldest known power tools.

The lathe is truly an ancient tool; the wordlathe even sounds primeval. This tool dates back at least to the Egyptians and, was known and used in Assyria, Greece, the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Lathes were used by artisans and craftsman, who were the dominant producers of goods before the Industrial Revolution.

The oldest known record of woodturning dates back to 1300BC and the Egyptians. They developed the two person lathe, one person turning and the other cutting out shapes in the wood. As the years passed, improveMents were made upon the lathe such as adding a turning bow by the Romans, and pedals replacing the hand-operated turning in the Middle Ages. It was the Industrial Revolution that motorized the lathe, taking the Job of turning wood away from the craftsman and giving it to the machines. This massive cultural change, over the span of a few decades, brought the wizardly craftsman into the factories for assembly line Jobs. Like the end of Feudalism, the Industrial Revolution changed human social and economic history.

Time passes and lifestyles change. The art of Woodturning has managed to survive through the ages and continues to be a form in which craftsman express themselves. Online woodworking forums such as http://www.SawMillCreek.org and http://www.Lumberjocks.com bridge the communities of woodworkers across the globe. These people communicate, share ideas, jokes and news, organize symposiums and guard their site access from commercial interests. Communicating online with these folks online is like bellying up to your neighborhood bar and having a virtual beer. Wayne C. in the forum at SawMillCreek introduced me to an old Woodworking Machinery website: http://www.owwm.com where I found an enormous amount of interesting information, photos and .pdf downloads about Woodworking Machinery from the past. He also found this book written in 1881 on Google.

I can truly appreciate how these ancient lathe machines and the spirit of the Woodworker have merged with modern technology. You can purchase a lathe in a plethora of sizes for a variety of uses both online and in stores. A JET Lathe starts at the mini size and moves up to a 3hp-3Geared Head Engine Lathe. For large Jobs you can find a Powermatic heavy-duty caste iron lathe. What you purchase depends basically upon what your Woodturning craft is.

It is strange sometimes for me to be sitting here at this desk, typing on a Computer, in an office in Lakewood, Colorado and be time transported into the past of Old Machines and Woodworking Wonders. It makes me think of all the stuff that used to be made by hand, in small shops. My grandfather built a boat by hand in his attic and I remember as a kid, playing with all his hand tools in the baseMent of his house in Buffalo, New York while the fire cheerfully burned the wood scraps in stove. Today, we often chat online across an office room. Computers are a wonderful, modern tool and while I love my job as a writer, I have to say that nothing beats the satisfaction of making something with your hands.

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