Thread: Metal lathes

I have a cheap lathe that works much better than my ability.

It is suppose to be able to cut threads but that is well above my skill level at the moment.

That got me thinking especially at a hobby level how many people actually cut threads?

I was gonna say. Threading is a whole nother thing next to turning.
Did it once on the job in my youth, catching the lead.
And THAT was Acme threads!
They have specialized machines now. Unless you want to say you did it?

Then....A plethora of custom tools are required.

I don't have a tap or die for Acme threads.

Our friend Ray (walleyeman) used an 'Engine Lathe' (Lathe for turning metal) for making his brushes.

He used metal and Inlace Acrylester. The acrylester came in rectangular pieces. He told me that the three pieces were joined with a small bolt. Here's a few pics that he'd sent me while making a custom brush. Note that he used some kind of a 'jig' to be able to make repeatable pieces--











Ray said that he used a rag and Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish to finish polishing the acrylic and metals in his brushes.

Originally Posted by 32t

I don't have a tap or die for Acme threads.

You likely won't need any!

I have been told that a Lathe is the only machine able to replicate it'self.
A lead screw will have Acme threads. I cannot imagine the rest of the operation..

not being able to thread would limit my imagination! For example, let's say i wanted to make a custom campfire marshmallow roaster that came apart like a pool cue? Or a travel shaving brush?

Originally Posted by tintin

not being able to thread would limit my imagination! For example, let's say i wanted to make a custom campfire marshmallow roaster that came apart like a pool cue? Or a travel shaving brush?

That is where a tap and die are used after lathe turning and drilling to correct size for the threaded extra bolt that is the available threaded rod from suppliers and cut to length as the fastener needed.
Been there,
JMHO
-Richard

If you want to see the potential of desktop milling and lathes, check out Clickspring. He is a clock maker who produces some amazing work and great video.

He makes all his parts and nuts, bolts and screws, all on desktop equipment or by hand, with files.

To be honest, I’ve never had to (or even tried to) cut threads with my lathe. I’ve always found other ways of getting threads on what I need.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

You likely won't need any!

I have been told that a Lathe is the only machine able to replicate it'self.
A lead screw will have Acme threads. I cannot imagine the rest of the operation..

Joel (Benz) turned me onto this guys channel, here's the guy turning Acme Threads;