In years past, that little lathe could have been a great help solving problems in my shop. Glad Santa brought it to you, and I bet Chuck is excited to try it out also.
I think this ole boy is going to have one of those soon, looks pretty handy for what projects I get into, thanks for the video, it was fun watching you unpacking it.
Magdad that screwdriver came out great. I love that you were able to make the handle. One of my next projects is to make a handle for a very old plane.
Excellent review and demonstration! One tip that worked for me- if you are working with thin tooling move the steady rest as close to the project as possible. If the distance between the cut and where the tool is resting is too far the tool will chatter. Great stuff! Lovely Screwdriver!
Seemed like the tool rest was a bit too far from the wood. I couldn’t see if there’d be enough room to spin it 180 but, if there is, you could cut down on the tool vibration that way by getting the rest closer to the work.
Now that is a cute lathe… but the “Rest” needs to be a lot closer. If there’s no adjustment to be able to do that, could you elongate the fixing holes into slots???
@@357magdad Damn… that’s a shame. But seriously, for safety, you need to be real close to the workpiece or there’s a big risk of it ‘catching’ the tip and sending it flying (perhaps into you). Okay, here’s a challenge for you… devise and make something that can be adjusted… but please be careful in the meantime 👍
I’ve got one of these which did come with the written instructions but as you mentioned you don’t really need them. The written instructions helpfully start by telling you not to immerse the device in water.
I really like your video because I just bought the same mini lathe months ago and I just used it once, because I need more practice😊. Now watching your video is giving me an idea on how to use it, and yes, I definitely would buy stronger carving tools. Thank you so much for your help👍.
I did not expect it to work as well as it did. Your excellent skills may have overcome some of the tools shortcomings. I appreciate you sharing and the review. Thanks
I have one of these lathes. The first modification i made was to throw the “tools” into the recycler. i use this mostly to clean the finish from spindle shaped parts of antique furniture. Both the motor with its base and the tail stock can be removed and reattached to a longer base for working longer parts. It takes some truing, but it works. Oh, I also bought a set of nice chisels.
I almost bought a used one for 27 bucks but the shipper was an over seas company You are gonna have fun playing with this lathe Oh and you get an A + on you project
Very cool little lathe. Very nice screwdriver you made with it. Look at Micro Mark for small precision tools (no affiliation). Small chisels, gouges, etc.
Pretty cool! HF sells miniature saw blades but I have never found them in the catalog. I have a set. That is simple but effective. Nice job with your 1st project!
@@357magdad Dental tools may help. I would modify old crappy screwdrivers for your cutters. Plenty of them around. You can pound the shape, sharpness, and have rigidity.
I have seen this model on Amazon and I always wanted to know how well it worked and you answered all my questions in this tutorial. I agree that the turning tools are a definitely a weak point in the lathe so I will look to see if there are any replacements. Thanks for making and sharing this review as it helped a lot.
Thank you for the video... Mine came in the mail and i realized i had no idea what i was doing. Although mine came with instructions and the mini saw, and you are correct about the once being for the saw.
That lathe looks like a lot of fun. The bed looks like the 80/20 extruded aluminum, if it is it would be super easy to make it longer. I can't wait to see all the cool way you find to use it...that handle turned out great. Cheers
Great video! You probably have a ton of old files around that you could grind into useful shapes to use as lathe tools. You could also cut the slot in the toolrest deeper to get closer to the work.
Well, I am surprised and impressed. When you got that for Christmas I thought the lathe was "cute", but I'm amazed at how well that handle came out. Of course, your talents had a lot to do with that! I hope you can find some more robust replacements for the "tools" that came with the kit!
Another good use for the "table saw" feature would be great for a chuck sized round flat front sander attachment. Might be nice for sanding small objects.
Looks like it worked great! Your in the handle making business now. You hit the nail on the head, I think the edge tools are the week link. You will get a much better initial finish when you stop the chatter. A good honing on a really fine stone or a strop may help them till you can make or buy replacements.
@@357magdad They will chatter a whole lot less if you place the tool rest as close to the work as possible. Elongate those base screw slots to get greater range of motion on that tool rest.
You can make your own with square masonry bits, info on annealing the steel nails is easily found. Propane torch for a forge, a lump of steel as an anvil, files to shape, and a decent Carborundum stone to sharpen, and you can make whatever you want. And the handles, of course, you don't have to buy at the store anymore! Good bench vise, angle or bench grinder, et cetera, to make it easier/faster, but it's doable without those aids. Bill
I bought one of those a couple of years back and somehow it got put away before I actually used it….thanks for reminding me I had one…I’d like to know what you replace the tools with…fun video!
I modified a couple old files and they work way better! I'm also gonna get a set of HF chisels to modify. I'm planning on another video using my modified tools.
Nice Magdad! I like it! My first and only project was a screwdriver as well😁 i got mine right on the 5th try..😂 good stuff...enjoyed seeing your setup and looks like it's gonna be handy!! Good stuff!
i hit like , its for you and the way you made this video, as for the product i am not a fan as i returned one recently ,, for , precision and stability and minimal vibration are not found in this device , truly said you get what you pay for.
Right on MagDad.👍🏻 careful it's a gateway drug. If you have broken drill bits you can grind your own custom tools.😁 Have fun... it won't be long i predict MagDad will be reviewing another lathe.😁😁😁😁😁 PS... custom ink pens might be fun on that little thing.😁
I was just about to post a similar comment. Broken drill bits, knackered chisels, pokey things from the flea market that aren't much use for anything else. The possibilities are endless! If only there was some way you could make handles for them... 😀
What a lot of fun and a lot better than I thought it would be. You could whip up the front handle for a plane or replacement wooden knobs for drawers and it would have payed its way after only a couple of projects. It's disappointing that the people who made it don't take some credit for the design and manufacture. I can see lots of hacks to make it work really well.
It is a pretty good little machine, I started with it too. However, I'd reccomend buying a Proxxon Micromot DB 250 mini lathe. I found one used for cheap and must say that I am very pleased with its performance. It is slighty larger, but actually works as a real lathe with much better accessories. It also has a more powerful motor and better clamping. Overall a much better machine in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!
@@357magdad I guess it is more expensive because you live further away from Germany where it is made. Here in Denmark it is about 175 dollars new. I bought mine used for about 100 dollars and I found it to be worth every penny
I have those SAME tiny chisel lol. I use them on my big lathe believe or not to "skim" off coatings and defects similar to sanding :-). Neat little lathe though 👍
The tool package says Wood Carving Tools. They are intended for hand carving not wood turning. As you experienced, the metal is too thin for turning. Too much chatter and not a rather rough surface. The handle looks very good. Well done. You can make some DIY scraping tools e.g., by grinding different size Allen keys. Nice hard material and the length should work for this lathe. Just glue into a handle. I will have to look in a box of old turning tools to see if I can find anything which will work for this lathe. Dave.
Hey great review! I just got this lathe today, I have never done anything wood so excuse my ignorance for this question. When you were showing the magnetic bit holder I'm not understanding which end of that bit holder mechanism you were showing went where and how deep into the wood it went? did you embed like the whole size of the drill bit into the wood. I was confused about that part, i'm hoping to use mine to make 1:12 scale Dollhouse things. Thks
Thanks for watching! This tiny lathe would be great for doll house size items! The magnetic bit holder is usually installed in a drill chuck. I drove the part of the bit holder that would normally go in the chuck of the drill into a wood dowel and turned a handle with the mini lathe.
re: tools. If you set the tool rest closer to the project, do you think the tools would do better considering the thin gauge and vibration you mentioned? It looked fun. thanks
Can you rotate the tail stock bracket 180° then the tailstock 180° to pick up a little more length ? It certainly looks like it works good, and for making handles and small projects will work great. It sure beats getting out a big lathe and also saves a lot of space when storing. You might be able to turn a wooden bowl for Chuck but I think that would be the limit. Unless you plan on making some big projects this mini lathe should fill the bill. I agree sturdier tools might be in order. You may consider purchasing some steel bars and making your own tools and turn your own handlles.
This was very timely as I am making little brass hammers to be used in firearm repair and adjustment (drift sights, install pins etc). I am making the handles from scrap cherry and walnut by hand with a rasp, block plane, and sandpaper.
@@357magdad the issue I am struggling with is how to drill a vertical hole through the round 3/4” brass hammer head and end up in the center. End to end is easy, but to visually center and drill vertically through 3/4” round brass rod on a drill press with a less than stable table is a challenge. I need to figure out how to find center and then precisely move left-right. Oh well … problem solving is part of the fun.
I would never have bet this lathe would’ve worked that well. The handle turned out great, too. I see more handle-making in your future. I’m sure you’ll find some better turning tools at your local flea market, swap meet or free pile.
Amazing. I picked one up for polishing wooden rings - It was confusing that it gave instructions for parts that aren't there, but other tools (Like wet stone sharpeners) do that aswell, they just make it more clear (if you bought Accessory A, Heres how to mount it on the machine) I did re-check the box for a mini saw blade when I read it! You are right though, Dremel/Hobby drill bits should work for it, although gotta be done up tight as the bit shafts on them are round. I thought that's what the 'straight allen wrenches' might be for, but I can't think of how to mount anything on them. Did you ever work out what they were for? They are listed as '3x Hexagonal fixing rod' - I searched for ages, still no idea what they are for. Did you ever find out?
@@357magdad I asked on a UK Workshop forum to see if anyone there had an idea. The only suggestion so far is that its for mounting small bead blanks, as this is usually marketed as a bead carver/polisher.
This is a bit of a coincidence. I was given the exact same set of chisels from my neighbour a few years ago. He had them for years and never opened the packet. I cracked them open recently in order to do some hand carving/whittling. I really struggled with them but admittedly it was my first ever attempt.
I got this for making rings and have searched youtube over to find videos of people making other things like this so THANK YOU. Also, just purchased a different set of tools from Harbor Freight. Hoping they'll be better than the ones that came with it
Great little lathe mate. I certainly would be wary of the tools. The flimsy steel is just pressed into the soft wood handle. I’ve seen them come apart whilst hand carving so with work spinning at revs, I would wear a full face shield. I’m sure your tool restorations will excel even more now with this tool in your arsenal. Have fun!
Not to bad Magdad! I want one ! I bet your modified screwdriver tools will work good... also I wonder if you held the blade at a scew of 15 or 20 ° if they would cut better? And higher speed usually = smoother cut ?
I hope you have as much fun with it as I'm having! Make sure you check out the improved tool rest I made and the replacement tools I use: th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
Yep approve, this lathe is quite interesting buy. But I need to agree that tools delivered with lathe are definitely weak point. Mby question did u find some better?
That turned out great (groan, sorry about the unavoidable pun) 👍👍 And kudos actually producing something on your first try with the lathe! That's kinda rare, most people give themselves at least one "I'll just mess around here and not try to produce anything" piece before they attempt to make something useful, I know I did 🙂 As you identified those tools are a major weak point and there's a low-cost solution for a major upgrade, do you have enough vintage chisels picked up over the years that you can sacrifice a few of them? You can make very acceptable scrapers from old files by just grinding/belt sanding profiles into the ends with a few degrees of relief, and flattening/polishing about 1" of steel on the top. You can just tape the undersides so they don't chew up your rest, instead of grinding or sanding all the texture off. There are warnings that files are too brittle to be used safely for this but I don't believe you need to worry about further tempering, for a low-power device like this the risk of breakage should be nil. If you do want to temper though stick the business end into a potato or apple (not joking) so it stays good and hard.
I'm having a blast with my tiny lathe! Make sure you check out the modifications I made to get the most out of it: th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
An interesting review, thanks Magdad, I can see this little device being quite useful. I'm surprised how well you got it to work (credit to you), it only seemed to stall slightly when you were adding the grooves. I can't believe those tools, I would be concerned for your safety using those, they look like they were actually designed as carving tools, a quite different set of requirements from turning chisels, there's little point in a V gouge of this type for turning, I was surprised it didn't dig in to the wood ! Glad to hear you've already repurposed some files ! I wonder if this could also be useful fitted with certain Dremel accessories for your restorations (Scotchbrite discs maybe ?) I don't fancy using it as a table saw, but as you showed with a cut-off disc it may have some practical application !
Thank you for sharing your experience with this item which I think many of us might be hesitant to purchase. The project came out really nice. Do you have any concerns about your vise eventually warping the aluminum base of the lathe? I believe I would. If I were to purchase one of these, I’d drill and countersink the base and fit it to a board which could be clamped into the vise.
Thanks for watching Luke! I bet you could make wood fishing lures! Check out my mini lathe projects: th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
I think if you were going two inches, the tool rest would have to be pulled out some and then it would not be directly under the center of the bed/chuck and then you would have enough clearance. Interesting tool.
Hi the lathe looks great, however, I think the tools are wrong though, here in the UK I have used these for lino cutting / engraving and they bend easily so could be dangerous when used on the lathe - get some stronger tools! and make some more pokey things, Stu
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. link for the mini lathe:
amzn.to/43JbtIN
Looks like just the ticket for the artisan exotic hardwood toothpick business I have been wanting to start.
So far I've made three pokey things and some wheels for ScoutCrafter's challenge.
Best comment, I needed that giggle…I could probably print a better made one on my 3D Pinterest except for the hardware.
Well look at that. You mastered that pretty quick Magdad. Next is beads. Millions and millions of beads! 😃👍🏼
Thanks David! So far I've made three pokey things and some wheels for ScoutCrafter's challenge.
I’ve always wondered about this small lathes. It’s nice for someone who doesn’t have that much room for a full size lathe. Thanks for sharing.
It seems like it is made pretty well. Unfortunately, the "carving tools" seem like an afterthought.
Never in a million years would I have believed you could make that handle on the mini-lathe. Nice job!
Thanks Sue! Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
@@357magdad I’m looking forward to seeing them!
I am glad that you bought the mini-lathe and showed us how it worked. Better lathe than never, I always say.
Thanks Larry!
I have to say, you definitely have a lot of patience using this mini lathe and working with what you have, great challenge dude.
Thanks! My tiny lathe is a blast!
In years past, that little lathe could have been a great help solving problems in my shop. Glad Santa brought it to you, and I bet Chuck is excited to try it out also.
Chuck is scared he's gonna get wound up in it!
Awesome. Make Chuck some feed bowls.
Good idea!
Am I glad you did this video. I’ve been looking at those little lathes. I think I may have to buy one now. Great job on that screwdriver.
Give it a try Kris! I modified a couple files and they work way better than the included tools.
The new lathe has seemed to turn out ok. Your new project also turned out great. Thanks .
Thanks James!
I think this ole boy is going to have one of those soon, looks pretty handy for what projects I get into, thanks for the video, it was fun watching you unpacking it.
Thanks Terry! Give it a try!
Nice it works better than I thought it would! Beautiful chisels will help! Looks like fun 👍
Thanks Mike! I made myself a set of improved tools out of old files and screwdrivers.
Nice first project, came out very good. I guess Santa will have to ask his elves for a better set of tools for you.
Thanks John! The little lathe is built pretty well. The tool set seems like an afterthought.
@@357magdad Looks like a tool quest at Jacktown.
@@johnmccloskey8761 I made some tools that are a big improvement.
Magdad that screwdriver came out great. I love that you were able to make the handle. One of my next projects is to make a handle for a very old plane.
Thanks Stephen! This little lathe is a blast!
Excellent review and demonstration! One tip that worked for me- if you are working with thin tooling move the steady rest as close to the project as possible. If the distance between the cut and where the tool is resting is too far the tool will chatter. Great stuff! Lovely Screwdriver!
It is difficult to move the rest close and also be able to reach the hold down screw. Stiffer tools have reduced the chatter.
Excellent job....Magdad,
good mini lathe!!
Thanks! It is fun to play with!
Turned out really nice Magdad! I'm pretty sure Mr Pete would refer to the turning chisels as toollusions indeed 😂
Thanks Alex! Those tools were definitely an afterthought.
Seemed like the tool rest was a bit too far from the wood. I couldn’t see if there’d be enough room to spin it 180 but, if there is, you could cut down on the tool vibration that way by getting the rest closer to the work.
It won't work spun around. The hold down screw is hard to reach if I move it closer.
I agree
Yes, a tool rest closer to your work piece will make a huge difference.
Now that is a cute lathe… but the “Rest” needs to be a lot closer. If there’s no adjustment to be able to do that, could you elongate the fixing holes into slots???
I can't tighten the hold down screw if I move it close to the work.
@@357magdad Damn… that’s a shame. But seriously, for safety, you need to be real close to the workpiece or there’s a big risk of it ‘catching’ the tip and sending it flying (perhaps into you). Okay, here’s a challenge for you… devise and make something that can be adjusted… but please be careful in the meantime 👍
@@Midas2010 I've stalled the thing a couple times - I don't think it has the horsepower to take a tool out of my hands.
@@357magdad lmao 🤣
Ah, well, in that case… Balsa Wood handles it is then! lol
I’ve got one of these which did come with the written instructions but as you mentioned you don’t really need them. The written instructions helpfully start by telling you not to immerse the device in water.
First project turned out very nice.. yep, I'm sure you can find some upgrades on the tools at Harbor freight.. You and Chuck stay warm...
Thanks Gary! I modified some old files and they work much better. Next time I get a good coupon, I'm gonna get a chisel set from HF.
@@357magdad You can make some really cool things with a lathe.. wished I had learned to use one when I was younger.. that and welding...
I really like your video because I just bought the same mini lathe months ago and I just used it once, because I need more practice😊. Now watching your video is giving me an idea on how to use it, and yes, I definitely would buy stronger carving tools. Thank you so much for your help👍.
Thanks for watching! I'm having a lot of fun with my tiny lathe! Check out my one year review:
th-cam.com/video/CURbu5LM6Mc/w-d-xo.html
I've watched some of your other videos. I must say this is even better. A great presentation.
Thanks Ron!
I did not expect it to work as well as it did. Your excellent skills may have overcome some of the tools shortcomings. I appreciate you sharing and the review. Thanks
Thanks Tony! Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
It was nice of Chuck to let you use his lathe.....
It is Chuck-sized!
Wow. That's tiny. Pretty cool!
It works too!
Hi Magdad , It Looks like A Tool for The Hobbyist . I Bet Chuck Will Want To Try It . 😂 ! Have Fun With Your New Toy.
Thanks Wayne!
You Probably Could Extend that Lathe With A Piece of Wood . Just Rout Out Some Grooves. Or If They're Cheap Enough Buy A Second One And Connect Them .
I have one of these lathes. The first modification i made was to throw the “tools” into the recycler. i use this mostly to clean the finish from spindle shaped parts of antique furniture. Both the motor with its base and the tail stock can be removed and reattached to a longer base for working longer parts. It takes some truing, but it works. Oh, I also bought a set of nice chisels.
Thanks for watching! I've been having a blast with my tiny lathe!
Check out the modifications I've made:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
I almost bought a used one for 27 bucks but the shipper was an over seas company You are gonna have fun playing with this lathe Oh and you get an A + on you project
Thanks! I bet you would have a blast with one of these!
Awesome job Magdad! Looks like fun and a great Christmas present 👍🏻
Thank You for sharing 😃
Thanks Jack! This tiny thing is a blast!
Santa knows how to boost business, now you are upgrading already.
I modified a couple old files and they work much better.
Great for tool tool handles and screwdriver handles
So far I've made a couple drivers, three pokey things and some wheels for ScoutCrafter's challenge!
That's awesome MINI WOOD LATHE Awesome tool to have.I don't know how I miss this video but I got it watched it was a good one. Thank you for the video
Thanks! Check out my mini lathe projects:
th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
Well, it looks like it will be fine for small projects like the one you did in the demo.
So far I've made three pokey things and some wheels for ScoutCrafter's challenge.
@@357magdad Awesome!
I’m so glad you did a video on this. I have seen these mini lathes for sale but thought they were junk. It did a respectable job. Nice screwdriver.
The little lathe is decent quality. The tools seem like an afterthought though.
Very cool little lathe. Very nice screwdriver you made with it. Look at Micro Mark for small precision tools (no affiliation). Small chisels, gouges, etc.
Thanks Stephen! I modified a couple old files and they work a lot better!
Pretty cool! HF sells miniature saw blades but I have never found them in the catalog. I have a set. That is simple but effective. Nice job with your 1st project!
Thanks! Next time I get a coupon I'm gonna pick up a set of chisels from HF to modify.
@@357magdad
Dental tools may help. I would modify old crappy screwdrivers for your cutters. Plenty of them around. You can pound the shape, sharpness, and have rigidity.
@@upsidedowndog1256 I modified a couple files and screwdrivers for my pokey thing project - video coming soon!
Good little lathe for the price. Thanks for the review. Jim
I'm having fun playing with it! I hope to have another mini lathe project video out soon!
Millers falls made a bunch of carving tools sets. No 106, 107 and 106C, 107C. Those might work for ya! Thanks.
I modified a couple old files and they work a lot better!
I have seen this model on Amazon and I always wanted to know how well it worked and you answered all my questions in this tutorial. I agree that the turning tools are a definitely a weak point in the lathe so I will look to see if there are any replacements. Thanks for making and sharing this review as it helped a lot.
I modified a couple old files and they work way better than the including tools. I plan on another video showing my tool "upgrade".
Good job on the handle. That's sweet little lathe.
Thanks Wire! I'm having a blast with this thing!
Thank you for the video... Mine came in the mail and i realized i had no idea what i was doing. Although mine came with instructions and the mini saw, and you are correct about the once being for the saw.
I hope you are having as much fun with yours as I am! Check out the improvements and tools I made:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
Good morning Magdad!👍. Are you sure that wasn’t for Chuck?
It is definitely Chuck-sized!
That's basically the little wood carving chisel set they sell at the Dollar Tree.
It seems like the "carving tools" were an afterthought.
That lathe looks like a lot of fun. The bed looks like the 80/20 extruded aluminum, if it is it would be super easy to make it longer. I can't wait to see all the cool way you find to use it...that handle turned out great. Cheers
Thanks Joe! I'm having a blast with this thing!
That's a great way to break in a new toy the homemade screwdriver looks store purchased
Thanks Larry! This little lathe is a blast!
Thanks for sharing. It looks like a lo9t of fun and useful too. Also the handle turned out super.
Thanks John! The tiny lathe is a blast!
Nice video! Looks like fun.
Thanks Peter! It is a blast!
Great video! You probably have a ton of old files around that you could grind into useful shapes to use as lathe tools. You could also cut the slot in the toolrest deeper to get closer to the work.
I modified a couple old files and they are a big improvement - video coming soon!
Well, I am surprised and impressed. When you got that for Christmas I thought the lathe was "cute", but I'm amazed at how well that handle came out. Of course, your talents had a lot to do with that! I hope you can find some more robust replacements for the "tools" that came with the kit!
Thanks Chris! I have made improvements to the tools. Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
Another good use for the "table saw" feature would be great for a chuck sized round flat front sander attachment. Might be nice for sanding small objects.
You're right Jeff! A disc sander would be more useful to me than a saw.
I'm all in,and ordering one for myself now... Thanks for sharing Magdad... Tell chuck I said hello
I hope you have as much fun with it as I am! Chuck says hi!
That lathe is awesome! Perfect size for the workshop!👍
I'm having a lot of fun with it!
You made a great looking screwdriver for the first project!
Thanks Robert! Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
Going to get me one of those...nice handle!
Thanks Andy! It is pretty fun!
Looks like it worked great! Your in the handle making business now. You hit the nail on the head, I think the edge tools are the week link. You will get a much better initial finish when you stop the chatter. A good honing on a really fine stone or a strop may help them till you can make or buy replacements.
I modified a couple old files and screwdrivers and they work a lot better!
@@357magdad They will chatter a whole lot less if you place the tool rest as close to the work as possible. Elongate those base screw slots to get greater range of motion on that tool rest.
@@thedevilinthecircuit1414 Check out my new tool rest and tools:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
Looks like it does a good job
It works pretty well - especially after upgrading the tools (video coming soon).
Wow. I want expecting that. I was looking for something to help make wood beads for jewelry. But this can do a lot more. Sweet.
I'm having a blast with my mini lathe! Check out my other projects:
th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
You can make your own with square masonry bits, info on annealing the steel nails is easily found. Propane torch for a forge, a lump of steel as an anvil, files to shape, and a decent Carborundum stone to sharpen, and you can make whatever you want. And the handles, of course, you don't have to buy at the store anymore! Good bench vise, angle or bench grinder, et cetera, to make it easier/faster, but it's doable without those aids. Bill
Thanks for watching! Check out my follow up project:
th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html
I bought one of those a couple of years back and somehow it got put away before I actually used it….thanks for reminding me I had one…I’d like to know what you replace the tools with…fun video!
I modified a couple old files and they work way better! I'm also gonna get a set of HF chisels to modify. I'm planning on another video using my modified tools.
Nice Magdad! I like it! My first and only project was a screwdriver as well😁 i got mine right on the 5th try..😂 good stuff...enjoyed seeing your setup and looks like it's gonna be handy!! Good stuff!
So far I've made three pokey things and some wheels for ScoutCrafter's challenge.
@@357magdad that's awesome...I got making a mess down with no good result...but I'll get there..😁👍
@@bigvicsworkshop 🤣
i hit like , its for you and the way you made this video, as for the product i am not a fan as i returned one recently ,, for , precision and stability and minimal vibration are not found in this device , truly said you get what you pay for.
Thanks for watching! I'm having a blast with my tiny lathe! I got another project coming up this weekend.
Certainly, worth the money
I agree!
very nice, I think I could get 40 dollars of entertainment out of that as long as I don't push the tool beyond it's limitations. thank you 357magdad.
The tiny lathe is a blast! Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
Right on MagDad.👍🏻 careful it's a gateway drug.
If you have broken drill bits you can grind your own custom tools.😁 Have fun... it won't be long i predict MagDad will be reviewing another lathe.😁😁😁😁😁 PS... custom ink pens might be fun on that little thing.😁
I was just about to post a similar comment. Broken drill bits, knackered chisels, pokey things from the flea market that aren't much use for anything else. The possibilities are endless!
If only there was some way you could make handles for them...
😀
I modified a couple old files and they work much better.
I modified a couple old files and they work much better.
I got my eye on a cheap set of chisels from Harbor Freight...
What a lot of fun and a lot better than I thought it would be. You could whip up the front handle for a plane or replacement wooden knobs for drawers and it would have payed its way after only a couple of projects. It's disappointing that the people who made it don't take some credit for the design and manufacture. I can see lots of hacks to make it work really well.
I've already made a few pokey things and some wheels for ScoutCrafter's challenge!
I have a Dremel wood lathe you can use it for plastic too
Thanks James!
It is a pretty good little machine, I started with it too. However, I'd reccomend buying a Proxxon Micromot DB 250 mini lathe. I found one used for cheap and must say that I am very pleased with its performance. It is slighty larger, but actually works as a real lathe with much better accessories. It also has a more powerful motor and better clamping. Overall a much better machine in my opinion. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching Martin! It looks like the DB 250 is over $200. I'll never be able to talk Santa into that!
@@357magdad I guess it is more expensive because you live further away from Germany where it is made. Here in Denmark it is about 175 dollars new. I bought mine used for about 100 dollars and I found it to be worth every penny
I have those SAME tiny chisel lol. I use them on my big lathe believe or not to "skim" off coatings and defects similar to sanding :-). Neat little lathe though 👍
The tool package says Wood Carving Tools. They are intended for hand carving not wood turning. As you experienced, the metal is too thin for turning. Too much chatter and not a rather rough surface.
The handle looks very good. Well done.
You can make some DIY scraping tools e.g., by grinding different size Allen keys. Nice hard material and the length should work for this lathe. Just glue into a handle. I will have to look in a box of old turning tools to see if I can find anything which will work for this lathe.
Dave.
I modified a couple old files and they work pretty good. I'm also gonna pick up a set of cheap HF chisels to modify.
Hey great review! I just got this lathe today, I have never done anything wood so excuse my ignorance for this question. When you were showing the magnetic bit holder I'm not understanding which end of that bit holder mechanism you were showing went where and how deep into the wood it went? did you embed like the whole size of the drill bit into the wood. I was confused about that part, i'm hoping to use mine to make 1:12 scale Dollhouse things. Thks
Thanks for watching! This tiny lathe would be great for doll house size items! The magnetic bit holder is usually installed in a drill chuck. I drove the part of the bit holder that would normally go in the chuck of the drill into a wood dowel and turned a handle with the mini lathe.
re: tools. If you set the tool rest closer to the project, do you think the tools would do better considering the thin gauge and vibration you mentioned? It looked fun. thanks
Check out my improved tool rest:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
Nice old drafting table in the background. 👍😁
Yep!
Looks great for turning toothpicks.
Thanks for watching! Check out my tiny lathe projects:
th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
Can you rotate the tail stock bracket 180° then the tailstock 180° to pick up a little more length ? It certainly looks like it works good, and for making handles and small projects will work great. It sure beats getting out a big lathe and also saves a lot of space when storing. You might be able to turn a wooden bowl for Chuck but I think that would be the limit. Unless you plan on making some big projects this mini lathe should fill the bill. I agree sturdier tools might be in order. You may consider purchasing some steel bars and making your own tools and turn your own handlles.
I modified a couple old files and they work a lot better. You're the second one to suggest a bowl for Chuck - I"'m gonna have to try it!
Thank you I was pleasantly surprised this will do my little small projects with ease it looks like
I've got another mini lathe project video coming soon!
This was very timely as I am making little brass hammers to be used in firearm repair and adjustment (drift sights, install pins etc). I am making the handles from scrap cherry and walnut by hand with a rasp, block plane, and sandpaper.
Sounds like a fun project!
@@357magdad the issue I am struggling with is how to drill a vertical hole through the round 3/4” brass hammer head and end up in the center. End to end is easy, but to visually center and drill vertically through 3/4” round brass rod on a drill press with a less than stable table is a challenge. I need to figure out how to find center and then precisely move left-right. Oh well … problem solving is part of the fun.
Good review. I don't think I would go past the low speed setting.
Thanks! I have only used the lowest speed. I think the higher speeds would be good for smaller diameter projects.
I would never have bet this lathe would’ve worked that well. The handle turned out great, too. I see more handle-making in your future. I’m sure you’ll find some better turning tools at your local flea market, swap meet or free pile.
I modified a couple old files and they work way better. Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
A nice set of pen turning chisels would probably work😀
I modified a couple old files and they were a big improvement.
Agreed, cutting tools are a bit dodgy. Well done indeed!
Thanks! I modified a couple files and they work much better.
Amazing. I picked one up for polishing wooden rings - It was confusing that it gave instructions for parts that aren't there, but other tools (Like wet stone sharpeners) do that aswell, they just make it more clear (if you bought Accessory A, Heres how to mount it on the machine)
I did re-check the box for a mini saw blade when I read it! You are right though, Dremel/Hobby drill bits should work for it, although gotta be done up tight as the bit shafts on them are round.
I thought that's what the 'straight allen wrenches' might be for, but I can't think of how to mount anything on them. Did you ever work out what they were for? They are listed as '3x Hexagonal fixing rod' - I searched for ages, still no idea what they are for. Did you ever find out?
Thanks for watching! I haven't found a use for the straight allen keys.
@@357magdad I asked on a UK Workshop forum to see if anyone there had an idea. The only suggestion so far is that its for mounting small bead blanks, as this is usually marketed as a bead carver/polisher.
Would it be possible to screw the tail stop to the bench to allow for longer projects?
You probably could. I did some looking around online for the extruded aluminum bar they use, but could not find any.
Nice handle
Thanks Larry!
Dang it Magdad! Now I have to have one of those!
It is fun to play with!
This is a bit of a coincidence. I was given the exact same set of chisels from my neighbour a few years ago. He had them for years and never opened the packet. I cracked them open recently in order to do some hand carving/whittling. I really struggled with them but admittedly it was my first ever attempt.
I can see why you struggled! That set of tools is junk!
I got this for making rings and have searched youtube over to find videos of people making other things like this so THANK YOU. Also, just purchased a different set of tools from Harbor Freight. Hoping they'll be better than the ones that came with it
Thanks for watching! Check out my improvised tools:
th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html
Great little lathe mate. I certainly would be wary of the tools. The flimsy steel is just pressed into the soft wood handle. I’ve seen them come apart whilst hand carving so with work spinning at revs, I would wear a full face shield.
I’m sure your tool restorations will excel even more now with this tool in your arsenal. Have fun!
I modified a couple old files and they work much better.
Not to bad Magdad! I want one ! I bet your modified screwdriver tools will work good... also I wonder if you held the blade at a scew of 15 or 20 ° if they would cut better? And higher speed usually = smoother cut ?
I modified a couple files and they work a lot better.
@@357magdad awesome! I was wondering what you could do with sanding and a lathe ...
I just had one of these delivered from Amazon this week.
I hope you have as much fun with it as I'm having! Make sure you check out the improved tool rest I made and the replacement tools I use:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
did you ever upgrade tools? do you have any recommendations?
Check out my one year review:
th-cam.com/video/CURbu5LM6Mc/w-d-xo.html
Good job buddy! Do you think this mini lathe can be used to turn wooden and polymer clay pens?
Thanks Tom! I don't think it will work with the standard pen mandrels.
Yep approve, this lathe is quite interesting buy. But I need to agree that tools delivered with lathe are definitely weak point. Mby question did u find some better?
Check out the improvements I made:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
That turned out great (groan, sorry about the unavoidable pun) 👍👍
And kudos actually producing something on your first try with the lathe! That's kinda rare, most people give themselves at least one "I'll just mess around here and not try to produce anything" piece before they attempt to make something useful, I know I did 🙂
As you identified those tools are a major weak point and there's a low-cost solution for a major upgrade, do you have enough vintage chisels picked up over the years that you can sacrifice a few of them? You can make very acceptable scrapers from old files by just grinding/belt sanding profiles into the ends with a few degrees of relief, and flattening/polishing about 1" of steel on the top. You can just tape the undersides so they don't chew up your rest, instead of grinding or sanding all the texture off.
There are warnings that files are too brittle to be used safely for this but I don't believe you need to worry about further tempering, for a low-power device like this the risk of breakage should be nil. If you do want to temper though stick the business end into a potato or apple (not joking) so it stays good and hard.
I modified a couple files and they work way better. The next time I have a coupon I'm gonna get a set of chisels at Harbor Freight.
Cool tool I’m thinking about getting one
I'm having a blast with my tiny lathe! Make sure you check out the modifications I made to get the most out of it:
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
An interesting review, thanks Magdad, I can see this little device being quite useful. I'm surprised how well you got it to work (credit to you), it only seemed to stall slightly when you were adding the grooves. I can't believe those tools, I would be concerned for your safety using those, they look like they were actually designed as carving tools, a quite different set of requirements from turning chisels, there's little point in a V gouge of this type for turning, I was surprised it didn't dig in to the wood ! Glad to hear you've already repurposed some files !
I wonder if this could also be useful fitted with certain Dremel accessories for your restorations (Scotchbrite discs maybe ?) I don't fancy using it as a table saw, but as you showed with a cut-off disc it may have some practical application !
Wait till you see the pokey things I made!
Thank you for sharing your experience with this item which I think many of us might be hesitant to purchase. The project came out really nice. Do you have any concerns about your vise eventually warping the aluminum base of the lathe? I believe I would. If I were to purchase one of these, I’d drill and countersink the base and fit it to a board which could be clamped into the vise.
I may add a board some day.
Do you think it's good enough to make fishing lures
Thanks for watching Luke! I bet you could make wood fishing lures! Check out my mini lathe projects:
th-cam.com/video/48c5eLQQmi8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/peK90KYCl_A/w-d-xo.html
I think if you were going two inches, the tool rest would have to be pulled out some and then it would not be directly under the center of the bed/chuck and then you would have enough clearance. Interesting tool.
I turned 1 1/2" dia this weekend for ScoutCrafter's challenge.
Hi the lathe looks great, however, I think the tools are wrong though, here in the UK
I have used these for lino cutting / engraving and they bend easily so could be dangerous when used on the lathe - get some stronger tools! and make some more pokey things, Stu
Thanks Stewart! The tools are junk! Pokey thing video with improvised tools coming soon!