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What tool would be best to power a pen lathe?
Ive been working on building a lathe for a couple months. My first idea was a spring pole lathe but for several reason that did not work. What cheap tool would be best to power a small pen lathe. Ive been looking around and have seen several people use drills. Is there a better option. I will probably order it from harbor freight .
Thanks
Discussions
9 years ago
An air tool will kill your pocketbook on longterm use, compressed air is NOT cheap. I'd use a rechargeable drill.
Answer 9 years ago
Ok would this motor work.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nichibo-Motor-12V-Power-Wheels-Traxxas-RC-1-4-HP-/390251920069?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adcd3bac5#ht_1248wt_1139
Answer 9 years ago
Its certainly powerful enough, it might need a belt reduction to make it usable though. You'll also need to add some electronic speed control, although pens are usually pretty small diameters. Electronics though can make the speed constant despite the load you are putting on the shaft.
Answer 9 years ago
Thanks, Ill try the pulley speed control and if that fails, Ill order the electronic speed control. Do you have a reccomendation for a good one. I dont have much experience with anything more than wiring a few LEDs with electronic.
Answer 9 years ago
Try this http://www.vellemanusa.com/us/enu/product/view/?id=350605 for an idea.
Steve
Answer 9 years ago
I suspect Ebay again is as good a place as any really, though you can find simple "PWM DC motor drive" circuits all over.
Velleman do a kit for such a thing, which I think is available in the USA.
Steve
9 years ago
By the time you have built up your lathe and got it rigid enough to do serious work you may as well have bought a Chinese one for $200 or so from harbour freight.
9 years ago
If a "pen lathe" is for shaping wood into writing implements, then maybe a Dremel-type tool would be best?
Small, easy to mount any way up, and variable speed.
Answer 9 years ago
Yes it is for turning pens, but I think a dremal would have way too much RPM.
Answer 9 years ago
You can turn them down, although I'm not sure how far.
Answer 9 years ago
Most crank out at minimum about 14,000 RPM, I just found this, looks like it might work.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-reversible-air-drill-with-keyed-chuck-and-key-94585.html