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Lathes, How Small Is Too Small?

GCS93

By GCS93
in Pen Turning and Making

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GCS93 NOS (New Old Stock)

GCS93

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Hey guys!

 

 

I've been wanting to try pen turning since about last summer but lathes aren't what most people have sitting around at home.

 

I now have been offered an Emco Unimat SL1000 for what I assume is a good price (1/3 of past sold ebay listings), in complete and working order.

My friend got this from his uncle along with a larger one which he's keeping for himself.

 

I was just wondering, I'd love to jump at the offer and I'd probably not find another lathe for that price any time soon but I don't want to end up with one that is no use to me at all.

 

Is it too small? Does anybody have experiences?

 

 

Many thanks!

www.gcs-creations.ch ~~~~ @geoffreys_workshop

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richardandtracy Museum Piece

richardandtracy

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No experience of that lathe. But it is small. See here: http://www.lathes.co.uk/unimat/

 

If you machine each part of a pen one piece at a time, then the minimum you can get away with is 4" between centres. The SL1000 came in 2 versions, 5" and 6.75" between centres, so this is practicable. It may be easier & quicker to have a bigger lathe, but it is sufficient.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

<a href="http://www.chestnutpens.co.uk">Chestnut Pens</a>

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GCS93 NOS (New Old Stock)

GCS93

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Thanks a lot! I believe it's the 6.75" version.

 

I think I'll give it a go, if it's not working for me I still can sell it on (plus I think I may be able to use it otherwise too, I'm restoring an old turntable at the moment and the lathe may come in handy!).

 

Hopefully it will be in my cellar soon! :D

www.gcs-creations.ch ~~~~ @geoffreys_workshop

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Biber Vintage

Biber

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... the green-eyed envy monster enters from stage left!

 

I'll say! They're converging from ALL sides!

"What? What's that? WHAT?!!! SPEAK UP, I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!" - Ludwig van Beethoven.

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GCS93 NOS (New Old Stock)

GCS93

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Sorry for digging up this thread, but I'd like to put a definite answer to my initial question!

 

 

If you machine each part of a pen one piece at a time, then the minimum you can get away with is 4" between centres. The SL1000 came in 2 versions, 5" and 6.75" between centres, so this is practicable. It may be easier & quicker to have a bigger lathe, but it is sufficient.

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

 

You were absolutely right, one part at a time and, I think, fairly time consuming. I have no one to compare to though.

It just about works! Took me a good while to get the needed parts, taps and dies, new chucks etc together but I'm happy to say that after 1.5 years I've managed to make pens with it. :)

 

http://i.imgur.com/wFg0N1Kl.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/rWuyTaIl.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/YsrHKY4l.jpg

www.gcs-creations.ch ~~~~ @geoffreys_workshop

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darrin1200 Mint

darrin1200

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Very nice.

When I read the dimensions in the thread, I was concerned if you would be able to drill on the small lathe.

 

Those are some fine looking pens.

Darrin McArthur

Timber Elegance ~ Handcrafted Writing Instruments

My Etsy Store

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GranTorino25 Rare

GranTorino25

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Those pens looks amazing, well worth the effort! (Not knowing exactly how much effort, that is easier to say :P )

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penwash Extremely Rare

penwash

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Posted (edited)

Understated yet elegant pens. I especially love the roll-stopper.

What size of tap and die are you using for the barrel and cap?

Edited by penwash

- Will
Restored Pens and Sketches on Instagram @redeempens

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GCS93 NOS (New Old Stock)

GCS93

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Very nice.

When I read the dimensions in the thread, I was concerned if you would be able to drill on the small lathe.

 

Those are some fine looking pens.

 

It's a very valid concern. I use stub drills because they're shorter, but found them quite nice in general as they don't flex as much.

For sections and caps it's not a problem but I'm limited to 9cm barrels and have to do a little 'dance' to drill them.

First I drill it with a stub until I can't go any further and then have to do this: Instagram Video

 

It's not ideal but works. :)

 

 

 

 

Those pens looks amazing, well worth the effort! (Not knowing exactly how much effort, that is easier to say :P )

 

Thanks! It does take quite some time but 95% of it is very enjoyable! ;)

 

Understated yet elegant pens. I especially love the roll-stopper.

What size of tap and die are you using for the barrel and cap?

 

Thank you :blush:

The black one uses a 13x0.75mm thread and the blue one a 12x0.75mm.

 

Dimensions are: 140mm closed and 158mm posted for the black one and also 140mm for the blue, however due to it not being tapered as much and using the smaller thread it can't be posted quite as securely.

Edited by GCS93

www.gcs-creations.ch ~~~~ @geoffreys_workshop

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