Hello!
I have been turning since 2021. I live in southern MN. I am a retired Engineman Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy after 21 years. My area of expertise in the Navy was diesel engines. I became the first female to successfully complete the Fleet Diesel Inspector School in 1994 and spent the last seven years of active duty inspecting engines.
In recent years I was experiencing many issues with pain in the back and knees. One knee has been replaced (twice) and the lower back has been fused. The VA pain psychologist suggested I get a hobby. so I took a shed I had in the yard and removing my snow removal ATV and motorcycles, I turned the 8' x 16' shed into a shop.
In the shop I placed two CNC machines and a small lathe. I have made over 75 pens and other items.
Since starting, I have purchased another shed and separated the CNC and turning sides into two different shops. I was working full time as a Commercial Parts Pro at local auto parts store but I retired over a year ago.
I make signs and other projects on CNCs (I have since upgraded one and now have a 32' x 48' CNC as well as a 32' x 32" machine) and I still have my original lathe, but I also have a new acquisition this year.
I was able to pay $1,200 for multiple items from an estate auction. Included in that price is a duplicator/lathe, a vertical/horizontal Jet bandsaw, a Dremel scroll saw on a stand, a Delta drill press, and sharpening station, as well as several other items. Pics attached.
The problem I have is the duplicator, even though it came from an awesome, meticulously kept shop, the folks prepping for auction didn't realize some parts went with the lathe. As a result, I don't have the tool rest. Problem is it is metric.
I am trying to locate some parts for it. It works fine, but I need a tool rest. The issue is the tool rest is 1 1/4" diameter. I have tried the local Rockler and searching the internet, but unable to locate one. I did insert a brass bushing and reamed it to the right size, but I would prefer the correct tool rest. I would love to be able to use this, but would like it correct. Would also like to explore different chucks for it, but again, metric and I can find nothing as big as it needs to be. I have an antique Craftsman drill press, but this one is in better condition and has lasers to help align the work. I was using a new benchtop drill press, but found it was too short when drilling blanks. I gave that to another woodworker in the area. I am very happy with the band saw. My old was a Ryobi and I cannot give it away even though it works well. This one opens more options for use. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchases, but would love to get the big lathe (approx 6' long) into production.
Thank You!
Barbara
I have been turning since 2021. I live in southern MN. I am a retired Engineman Chief Petty Officer from the US Navy after 21 years. My area of expertise in the Navy was diesel engines. I became the first female to successfully complete the Fleet Diesel Inspector School in 1994 and spent the last seven years of active duty inspecting engines.
In recent years I was experiencing many issues with pain in the back and knees. One knee has been replaced (twice) and the lower back has been fused. The VA pain psychologist suggested I get a hobby. so I took a shed I had in the yard and removing my snow removal ATV and motorcycles, I turned the 8' x 16' shed into a shop.
In the shop I placed two CNC machines and a small lathe. I have made over 75 pens and other items.
Since starting, I have purchased another shed and separated the CNC and turning sides into two different shops. I was working full time as a Commercial Parts Pro at local auto parts store but I retired over a year ago.
I make signs and other projects on CNCs (I have since upgraded one and now have a 32' x 48' CNC as well as a 32' x 32" machine) and I still have my original lathe, but I also have a new acquisition this year.
I was able to pay $1,200 for multiple items from an estate auction. Included in that price is a duplicator/lathe, a vertical/horizontal Jet bandsaw, a Dremel scroll saw on a stand, a Delta drill press, and sharpening station, as well as several other items. Pics attached.
The problem I have is the duplicator, even though it came from an awesome, meticulously kept shop, the folks prepping for auction didn't realize some parts went with the lathe. As a result, I don't have the tool rest. Problem is it is metric.
I am trying to locate some parts for it. It works fine, but I need a tool rest. The issue is the tool rest is 1 1/4" diameter. I have tried the local Rockler and searching the internet, but unable to locate one. I did insert a brass bushing and reamed it to the right size, but I would prefer the correct tool rest. I would love to be able to use this, but would like it correct. Would also like to explore different chucks for it, but again, metric and I can find nothing as big as it needs to be. I have an antique Craftsman drill press, but this one is in better condition and has lasers to help align the work. I was using a new benchtop drill press, but found it was too short when drilling blanks. I gave that to another woodworker in the area. I am very happy with the band saw. My old was a Ryobi and I cannot give it away even though it works well. This one opens more options for use. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchases, but would love to get the big lathe (approx 6' long) into production.
Thank You!
Barbara
