Ideas On Improvised Lathe???

[MikeT]

Hello,
I'm wondering if anybody has ideas on improvised lathes? Or where is the best place to get one? Best quality for best price concerning brand names?

I know very little about these.
Can I get a plug in drill or motor of some kind, mount in on table, have another opposing secure contact point, with the connection hardware, and have myself a rudimentary lathe? Waste of time?

Any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thanks guys!

[Hacker7]

I have watched a you tube video of someone using a drill press as a vertical lathe. He made a brush handle that turned out pretty good. Harbor freight has a cheap lathe. I wanted one to turn brush handles but have not gotten to it yet. I don't see why your idea won't work, give it a shot. What do you want to make on it? Good luck.

[MikeT]

The drill press is a good idea, I remember that one.
When I considered that idea before, the main thing I was worried about was burning up the belt or motor.
Also, I don't know if it needs a second attachment point like you see on the traditional lathes.. to account for wobble?

I want to use it for brushes, but I'm sure there are other uses that will come.

[joamo]

There are several diy's on drillpowered lathes. Here is an example.

[Hacker7]

That is cool. A lot of work but cool. thanks.

[DoughBoy68]

If you do some checking a lot of times you can get a 25% off coupon for Harbor Freight items which would bring their 10" x 18" lathe (Central machinery Model #65345) down quite a bit in price. Its the lathe I have, its heavy duty, there have been a few flaws that I've had to over come but an all around decent lathe especially for the price.

I also have their bigger 14" x 40" lathe (Central Machinery Model #67690) that is lower in price but it not as heavy duty. I did turn a full sized ball bat on it.

[Hacker7]

Check you tube i'm sure the video is still there. He did not have a secondary attachment point. Iirc he used a threaded rod to attach it. Looked stable enough.
Check out the Harbor Freight lathe it had decent customer reviews. I am sure its entry level at best @ $199 I think. It would cost that to fabricate something. keep us posted, interested to see what you come up with.