Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).

Take a look at the bearings on the spindle and compare them to those
supplied on bigger machines which are designed for the loads you'd like
to turn. Then look at the headstock, tailstock, and banjo castings and
see how much extra strength and rigidity have been built into them.
Consider the banjo and tailstock locks -- how much stress are they able
to absorb?

The project sounds like fun but I personally don't think it makes much
sense. I'd rather see you build a bowl lathe from scratch with a proper
spindle, some big bearings and such.

Bill


Moshe Eshel wrote:
Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).

Hi Moshe, You have a fine mini lathe. Don't ruin it by trying to convert
it to a maxi lathe. Then it will be neither a good mini nor an adequate
maxi. There are hundreds of these Jets in use. Your idea isn't crazy,
but with respect, it isn't feasible. If so, I'm sure someone would have
tried this successfully before you.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

"Moshe Eshel" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).
=============================
Moshe,

You can upgrade your existing lathe using Standard Jet parts by buying their
bed extension. While this won't give you the ability to do platters, you can
at least do longer spindle work than at present. Then you could look at the
feasibility of putting risers unsder the head and tailstock. Google RCW
archives, using "Spy in Hawaii", "lathe", and "riser" as search criteria. A
few years back, Spy put 4 inch risers in his Harbor Freight Jet 1236 clone.
That gave him a 20 inch swing, but he was still limited by the existing
motor and bearings. Not ideal, but it will give you some insight on
expanding. Hope it helps.

Ken Moon
Webberville, TX.

Hi Moshe

We have a turner in our wood turning group that has a General
International mini lathe, similar to your Jet, and he went ahead and
put 4" risers under his head and tail stock,made from laminated wood
blocks, and it is just no good, the small bearings and the short
spacing between the bearings are the weak point in all those mini
lathes, as is the high minimum speed, trying to turn larger platters
give you so much movement at the outside edge that it shatters at all
times, and the underpowered motor wants to stall if you try to cut the
least aggressive , also the link belt would not work on the standard
mini lathe pulleys, but you might be able to get the micro V-belt in
the right length.

Moshe like Arch said you have a pretty good mini, and I say don't screw
it up.

Keep on turning and keep on wishing/dreaming then you have something to
work towards.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo




Moshe Eshel wrote:
Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).

On 6 Aug 2006 15:23:17 -0700, "Moshe Eshel" wrote:

I think you'll regret changing the mini... it's been refined over the years to
do a great job with the 1/4 hp and small bearings that it has, but it's NOT
built for heavier pieces of stock or more side pressure, IMHO...

What you might try is removing the head stock and reversing it on the bed for
out board turning.. this would also involve taking the lower pulley off the
motor and reversing it, also... not sure it would be worth the trouble and
possible damage to the motor and bearings..

It does sound like you have some of the components for building a new lathe
though... I like Leo's idea of a bowl lathe... pretty much a motor and headstock
mounted on a bench...
You could use your scrap metal for mounting brackets, free standing tool rest,
etc.


Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).

Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

Thank you all for your help on this question! I found your input very
informative, and you managed to convince me that it would not be a good
idea.

My original idea wasn't to turn the Mini into a VB36 :-) I know the
bearings can't stand more load, they strain even now with the heavier
stuff. I was planing on enlarging capacity mainly for avoiding the
obvious discomforts of a small lathe (say you want to turn a small
platter your starting blank should be less than 10" in diameter - it
comes out to be a mini platter).

My changed plan (back to the original) is to build a nice stand for the
lathe, and maybe stock up on metal for future projects, problem is my
SWMBO who doesn't mind me buying things, minds very much about what she
calls garbage piles - mind you, very usefull and not even close to junk
status :-). I know where the person lives so it won't be a problem to
get more (as long as his house building business continues)

BTW you can see some pictures of my new house and my new daughter he
http://picasaweb.google.com/meshel/Mia2Months

Thanks again, for the caring as well as the help, I hope things will
turn to the better around here soon, though it is hard to believe that
it will happen fast.
Moshe

On 8 Aug 2006 03:35:36 -0700, "Moshe Eshel" wrote:

Nice home, nicer daughter.... enjoy both..

From my experience, you're going to have a little less shop time and a lot of
dad time for the next few years.. *g*

Thanks for sharing!


Thank you all for your help on this question! I found your input very
informative, and you managed to convince me that it would not be a good
idea.

My original idea wasn't to turn the Mini into a VB36 :-) I know the
bearings can't stand more load, they strain even now with the heavier
stuff. I was planing on enlarging capacity mainly for avoiding the
obvious discomforts of a small lathe (say you want to turn a small
platter your starting blank should be less than 10" in diameter - it
comes out to be a mini platter).

My changed plan (back to the original) is to build a nice stand for the
lathe, and maybe stock up on metal for future projects, problem is my
SWMBO who doesn't mind me buying things, minds very much about what she
calls garbage piles - mind you, very usefull and not even close to junk
status :-). I know where the person lives so it won't be a problem to
get more (as long as his house building business continues)

BTW you can see some pictures of my new house and my new daughter he
http://picasaweb.google.com/meshel/Mia2Months

Thanks again, for the caring as well as the help, I hope things will
turn to the better around here soon, though it is hard to believe that
it will happen fast.
Moshe

Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

Hi Moshe

Thanks for the pic's
It's nice to have a face with a name.
And yes you have a few good reasons for living, beautiful.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

Moshe Eshel wrote:
Thank you all for your help on this question! I found your input very
informative, and you managed to convince me that it would not be a good
idea.

My original idea wasn't to turn the Mini into a VB36 :-) I know the
bearings can't stand more load, they strain even now with the heavier
stuff. I was planing on enlarging capacity mainly for avoiding the
obvious discomforts of a small lathe (say you want to turn a small
platter your starting blank should be less than 10" in diameter - it
comes out to be a mini platter).

My changed plan (back to the original) is to build a nice stand for the
lathe, and maybe stock up on metal for future projects, problem is my
SWMBO who doesn't mind me buying things, minds very much about what she
calls garbage piles - mind you, very usefull and not even close to junk
status :-). I know where the person lives so it won't be a problem to
get more (as long as his house building business continues)

BTW you can see some pictures of my new house and my new daughter he
http://picasaweb.google.com/meshel/Mia2Months

Thanks again, for the caring as well as the help, I hope things will
turn to the better around here soon, though it is hard to believe that
it will happen fast.
Moshe

if you have time and no money, use the Soren Berger technique of building
your bowl lathe out of old engine blocks - very cheap, and quite stable and
heavy duty - don't butcher your jet lathe, you won't like the end result


"Moshe Eshel" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).




--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

I've seen Soren's engine-block lathe and think that it was probably not
very cheap to put together. It is amazing, though.

Bill

Bill wrote:
if you have time and no money, use the Soren Berger technique of building
your bowl lathe out of old engine blocks - very cheap, and quite stable and
heavy duty - don't butcher your jet lathe, you won't like the end result


"Moshe Eshel" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi all,

Tell me if my idea is crazy, or is it feasable...

I own a JET mini, I'm pretty satisfied with it, there are some minor
issues, which are mostly caused by me (table not stable, to rough on
some of the fasteners). nothing that can't be resolved.

The price of a larger lathe (which I want, who doesn't) is to high for
me. so buying a new lathe is out of the question.

I have come to have a chance to get some scrap metal, and by scrap I
mean perfectly good metal, that will be given to me by the contractor
who is building me a new house. This is square profiles and T and H
profiles...

At first I thought to myself - I can build a very good bench for the
lathe, solve all the stability problems I currently have. The I
thought, why not use this to upgrade the lathe itself - enhance its
capabilities. Lets take the headstock and tailstock, and build a new
bed from that metal (integrated with the new bench), and then place the
old headstock and tailstock on it - but a little higher than before
(sort of like a bandsaw riser kit, both will sit on a riser block, one
for the tail stock that can slide, and one for the head stock - bolted
in - maybe give it a swivel capabality as well). Seems that all I need
is a longer belt (this should do the trick
http://www.woodchipshome.com/mm5/mer..._Code=SHOPACC).

I will still be limited by motor power, but I can at least turn nice,
wide platters.... And later I can always upgrade only the motor...

What do you think, is there something I missed here? maybe the exiting
bearings cant take the loads? has anybody done this before?

To clarify my incentive, the steel is practicaly free, a new lathe
(Beaver) would cost around $2800 here in Israel (for comparison the Jet
mini costs around $700).

Moshe, Your beautiful little daughter couldn't be upgraded.
Congratulations!

In retrospect however, I may have downgraded your idea. I seem to
remember that Fred Holder used an outboard attachment on a comet or a
similar size mini. I think he published an article in "More Woodturning"
about it.

Anyway it seems feasible and wouldn't mess up your existing lathe. You
could probably fabricate one out of the metal. Maybe a toolpost and a
separate toolrest also.

If my memory served, I hope Fred or someone will read this and chime in.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

In article ,
(Arch) wrote:

Moshe, Your beautiful little daughter couldn't be upgraded.
Congratulations!

Agreed!

In retrospect however, I may have downgraded your idea. I seem to
remember that Fred Holder used an outboard attachment on a comet or a
similar size mini. I think he published an article in "More Woodturning"
about it.

Anyway it seems feasible and wouldn't mess up your existing lathe. You
could probably fabricate one out of the metal. Maybe a toolpost and a
separate toolrest also.

I'm not sure how you would get that to work on the Jet or Delta
mini/midi. The handwheel on the outboard of the headstock acts as a
pre-load for the two headstock bearings. One can't remove the handwheel
without the spindle coming loose.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Place a sign, easily seen as you switch on your lathe, warning you to remove any and all rings from your fingers. Called degloving, extended hardware can grab your ring and rip it off your finger. A pic for the strong of stomach: www.itim.nsw.gov.au/go/objectid/2A3AC703-1321-1C29-70B067DC88E16BFC/index.cfm

Besides, rings can easily mar the surface of a turning as you check for finished smoothness.

Yes and also you still would have the dinky little motor, ball bearings
and high minimum speed.
Even if you could turn the whole spindle assembly around, etc.
Have fun and take care

Leo Van Der Loo
Owen Lowe wrote:

In article ,
(Arch) wrote:

Moshe, Your beautiful little daughter couldn't be upgraded.
Congratulations!

Agreed!

In retrospect however, I may have downgraded your idea. I seem to
remember that Fred Holder used an outboard attachment on a comet or a
similar size mini. I think he published an article in "More Woodturning"
about it.

Anyway it seems feasible and wouldn't mess up your existing lathe. You
could probably fabricate one out of the metal. Maybe a toolpost and a
separate toolrest also.

I'm not sure how you would get that to work on the Jet or Delta
mini/midi. The handwheel on the outboard of the headstock acts as a
pre-load for the two headstock bearings. One can't remove the handwheel
without the spindle coming loose.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Tips fer Turnin': Place a sign, easily seen as you switch on your lathe, warning you to remove any and all rings from your fingers. Called degloving, extended hardware can grab your ring and rip it off your finger. A pic for the strong of stomach: www.itim.nsw.gov.au/go/objectid/2A3AC703-1321-1C29-70B067DC88E16BFC/index.cfm

Besides, rings can easily mar the surface of a turning as you check for finished smoothness.

Hi Owen & Leo, I fully agree, and said previously, that the little
lathe should be left alone to do what it does so well. However, I think
Fred did use some sort of outboard attachment, maybe a commercial one,
on his mini lathe and I respect his turning ability. If he did, probably
the important difference was VS or at least a low beginning speed....
and
using mini blanks on a mini lathe.
Re your two quite valid objections and as a friendly argument among
friends, two possibilities occur to me.

There seems to be enough outboard thread length on the Jet for a thin
machined jam nut to serve as both a pre-load and a register for a
disc/faceplate type of chuck. I don't know if the Jet outboard threads
are RH or LH. Altho it would affect the lathe for resale or warranty,
possibly the handwheel itself could be utilized for attaching a glue
block, faceplate etc. to it.

I wonder if for face turning with no tailstock support, a modestly
greater diameter but thinner outboard blank (plates etc.) would put any
more stress on the machine than a lesser diameter but thicker inboard
blank (bowls etc.). Maybe the start-up speed could be lowered and
smoothly increased with a slipped belt clutch. Moving the control box on
a VS model might affect resale/warranty.

Or maybe Moshe should just scrounge two pillow blocks and a spindle and
make himself a proper bowl lathe.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings

On 11 Aug 2006 23:50:58 -0700, "
wrote:

Yes and also you still would have the dinky little motor, ball bearings
and high minimum speed.
Even if you could turn the whole spindle assembly around, etc.
Have fun and take care

Leo Van Der Loo


Yep.. the mini is best left alone, IMHO...

I'm constantly amazed at how well the mini works and how much it can get
accomplished with only 1/4 hp...


Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm