When hand tapping in a vise, I was taught to use a level on the work first. Then I zip tie one of those string levels on top of the tap handle as a bit of a guide for starting the tap, I find it helps to ensure the tap is perpendicular to the work, using the right cutting fluid for the right material helps a great deal as each metal is a bit different, this is really important when tapping high strength material, 1 turn forward 1/4 to 1/2 turn back....
Hi Larry interesting method to keep the tap perpendicular to the hole will have to give that a try. As for the actual tapping method I use the method you have described in hard metals. Cast on the other hand taps so easy it isnt really necessary to back it off after each turn. Hope your enjoying the channel. All the best
Seems like a lot of work 😮 drilling straight is the important step 1. Would be faster to hang a plumb Bob from the ceiling than fiddling with spirit levels
Nice one Joe, good job even though the manufacturer was conspiring to hinder your install. You’re really tipping me over the edge to buy my mini lathe 👍🏻
Thanks Joe, just bought a Warco super mini with seperate DRO (Cheaper that way) so will fit it my self, good to know the DRO needs some modification. I will complain to Warco. Good video, clear and explanatory.
Hi Alan did you fit your DRO to your super mini OK? They dont give very clear instructions and the bolts dont seem to be supplied for the sensors M3? would be nice if they said which bolts and lengths went where?
Joe when your tapping holes it's good practice to turn forward 1 the turn back a 1/4 turn to break the chip as you go. Breaking taps is easy enough as it is ;-)
Hi Alan Great comment and normally I would use that method, however cast is so soft to tap can get away without doing that even though that is the correct thing to do. Thanks for watching
Nice video. I have essentially the same lathe, but branded Vevor, sold in the USA painted white. I just sent an email to warco to see if they will sell/ship to the USA as this is the easiest instal I have seen for this little lathe. Thanks for the info!
Hi Rod yeah it’s a great little kit. Got this Direct from warco so if your lathe is a similar size to my WM180 then this might be suitable. www.warco.co.uk/digital-readouts-scales-dro/303409-mini-lathe-dro.html
Brilliant .I went with my friend to WARCO With the intentions of buying a D.R.O Angry were told they don't do a kit for the WARCO 180.So watching your video Has been very helpful So I will contact my friend and let him know that it is possible to get a D.R.O Which can be fitted to the WARCO 180 Best regards from Don. I shall be watching more of your videos I have subscribed to your site. all the best.
Welcome to the channel and community Don and thank you for subscribing. I can say nearly a year down the line this DRO has been good on the WM180 and wasn’t to bad to fit so well worth the investment.
Problem with this little lathes at low RPM they do lack torque so you can easily stall mid cut. Have you thought about thread cutting in reverse so your going away from the Chuck
Ive got the same lathe. Gotta be honest im a bit fed up of warco, they have so many different variations and they sometimes just send the wrong parts. I ordered a milling slide WITH my lathe, and they still sent the wrong attachment plate for it.
Hi Ken if you check out this video. Essential MINI Lathe Upgrades th-cam.com/video/gMy_ez-8-Yw/w-d-xo.html There is a link in the description to the kit. Hope this helps.
Another great video Joe, I was wondering, does this DRO have any features other than the basic X&Y, there's not much info on the Warco website. I also wonder whether a more feature laden DRO display could be used with the same scales.
Thank you sam I haven’t really had chance to experiment with the dro. Once I have finished my current big project I can get back on the lathe and test the different functions. So far I’ve only used it to zero x and y. But seems a good bit of kit so far.
How is the size for the cross slide? I was told by Warco as this kit is intended for the super mini lathe it's a little short on the WM180.Im hoping to order the kit myself
Hi Bill so I’ve checked today and the dro is about 5-10mm short when winding the cross slide all the way in so no real major issue in the time I have had and used it I’ve never found myself needing that part of the travel as it’s way past centre line.
Hi Steve thanks for you comment. I’ll check when I’m next in there looking online the x should be the cross slide and y should be carriage movement so I’ll check to see what mine is
@@MachiningwithJoe I'm seeing conflicting diagrams of the x and y online,...from what I gather, the x should be longitude travel just like it is on a mill for example too.
Hi Joe i am new to the lathe and just got the Super mini one and watched a lot of your videos which are really useful thank you. I would like to fit one of these but can i just ask if your X Axis (Longditudinal) measures when you use the compound slide in the same direction which seems to be what one would need?
Hi Dean first of all welcome to the channel and hope your journey as a hobbyist machinist goes smoothly. So the dro I have only registers movement from the Apron/ carriage and the top slide. I wouldn’t of thought you could get one that combines the movement of the carriage and the compound. Hope that helps.
@@MachiningwithJoe Hi Joe and thanks for your reply. Really enjoying using the mini lathe and learned a lot from you so far. So when you cut say the outside of a bar do you use the main large apron wheel or do you use the compound slide? I have been using the compound slide but maybe that’s wrong? I thought it would give finer movements?
@@deanopeps1 so when turning metal down like you’ve explained I use the large wheel on the apron. I only ever use the small hand wheel on the compound when turning small tapers on the lathe.
@@MachiningwithJoe Ah right in that case the DRO makes complete sense! Right better add that to the shopping list then now i understand. Thank you once again and keep up the great work.
Hi Joe, like your videos and especially this one. I’m planning on installing the DRO on my Lathe too. How was your overall experience with the cross slide scale? Did you have any problems with the working of it during operation? I could imaging that the magnetic strip gets dirty and the scale starts malfunctioning. Like to hear from you and keep up the nice videos.
So ever since fitting this DRO 9 months or so ago, I’ve had no issues at all with it. I too a bit like you thought the magnetic strip would collect chips. But with the wipers on the reader they remove all chips as the slides move. So far can’t fault this so would recommend it.
Personally i have found it inaccurate. I've gone over my install many times and both axis seem to differ from a dial indicator. For the life of me I can't figure it out. Have even got the cross slide strip horizontally aligned to .0001 and still the same issue.
I'm strongly considering this lathe, although I was also looking at the Super Mini Lathe, again by Warco, do you have any opinion on which would be best for a beginner?
Hi sam thank you for subscribing. So the super mini lathe is 50mm longer I think which I wish I had extra on this lathe. Also the super mini lathe has a brushless motor. However the reason I bought this lathe is the motor has a larger output and also the overall weight and size is bigger giving it more rigidity. What sort of work are you going to be doing on it ?
@@MachiningwithJoe They looked pretty close in terms of ability, as you say the weight would help a lot with stability. I do a lot of tool restorations, so it would mainly be for fabricating small parts when they aren't serviceable.
@@Mystereed0 well it sounds like either may suit you. I have just had another look at both specs and the WM180 does seem to have a larger range of movement on the cross slide, top slide and quill travel aswell as using tapered roller bearings in the headstock so any free play can be adjusted.
@@MachiningwithJoe Sounds like the WM180 might be the way forward then, I really appreciate your advice and look forward to your future videos, now i just need to wait until everything on Warco is back in stock (I suspect it might be some time).
When hand tapping in a vise, I was taught to use a level on the work first.
Then I zip tie one of those string levels on top of the tap handle as a bit of a guide for starting the tap, I find it helps to ensure the tap is perpendicular to the work, using the right cutting fluid for the right material helps a great deal as each metal is a bit different, this is really important when tapping high strength material, 1 turn forward 1/4 to 1/2 turn back....
Hi Larry interesting method to keep the tap perpendicular to the hole will have to give that a try. As for the actual tapping method I use the method you have described in hard metals. Cast on the other hand taps so easy it isnt really necessary to back it off after each turn.
Hope your enjoying the channel. All the best
😂😂
Seems like a lot of work 😮 drilling straight is the important step 1. Would be faster to hang a plumb Bob from the ceiling than fiddling with spirit levels
Nice one Joe, good job even though the manufacturer was conspiring to hinder your install. You’re really tipping me over the edge to buy my mini lathe 👍🏻
Great video, thank you, DRO is definitely on the xmas present list!!!!
Thanks Joe, just bought a Warco super mini with seperate DRO (Cheaper that way) so will fit it my self, good to know the DRO needs some modification. I will complain to Warco. Good video, clear and explanatory.
Glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful Alan. The DRO needed modifications for the wm180 the super mini lathe might be ok.
Hi Alan did you fit your DRO to your super mini OK? They dont give very clear instructions and the bolts dont seem to be supplied for the sensors M3? would be nice if they said which bolts and lengths went where?
Joe when your tapping holes it's good practice to turn forward 1 the turn back a 1/4 turn to break the chip as you go. Breaking taps is easy enough as it is ;-)
Hi Alan
Great comment and normally I would use that method, however cast is so soft to tap can get away without doing that even though that is the correct thing to do.
Thanks for watching
Nice video. I have essentially the same lathe, but branded Vevor, sold in the USA painted white. I just sent an email to warco to see if they will sell/ship to the USA as this is the easiest instal I have seen for this little lathe. Thanks for the info!
Excellent very informative having just bought a warco lathe I am following these vids. Many Thanks
Hi john thanks for subscribing hope you enjoy your new lathe and maybe some of my upcoming videos may help
Hi can you tell me where you purchased the dro kit for the lathe@MachiningwithJoe
Should be Z and X axis for a lathe. Great job love your channel. I'd cover that X axis pickup because chips are going to snag all over that thing.
Enjoying these videos!
Glad your enjoying the content hopefully it’s being useful as well.
I am thinking about this lathe ... please continue with these videos...cheers
Hi James yes I will be continuing with these videos along with my invention videos.
Outstanding mate! I have a Proxxon PD400 & would luv that upgrade...research time.....!
Hi Rod yeah it’s a great little kit. Got this Direct from warco so if your lathe is a similar size to my WM180 then this might be suitable.
www.warco.co.uk/digital-readouts-scales-dro/303409-mini-lathe-dro.html
Awesome video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you glad you enjoyed.
Great video mate thanks
brilliant. I'm getting one soon. big respect from Mauritius, subscribed.
Hi James thanks for subscribing to the channel hope you enjoy the content. Wow Mauritius hope this video helps you install.
Subscribed Joe. Just fitted that kit to my super mini lathe. What fun!!!! I'm sure you know what I mean. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Chris hope your enjoying the channel
Now start to mill some steel and it will be fully covered by chips and soon start to loose contact with the magnetic stripe. Keep going!
subscribed .. nice work ... I am tempted to add a dro to my lathe as well
Thank you for subscribing.
Since fitting my DRO I’ve never looked back makes using the lathe that much easier.
All the best
Thanks for the video. Have been following you for a while.
Barry. Australia.
Hi Barry thank you for the support and glad your enjoying the videos 👍
Brilliant .I went with my friend to WARCO With the intentions of buying a D.R.O Angry were told they don't do a kit for the WARCO 180.So watching your video Has been very helpful So I will contact my friend and let him know that it is possible to get a D.R.O Which can be fitted to the WARCO 180 Best regards from Don. I shall be watching more of your videos I have subscribed to your site. all the best.
Welcome to the channel and community Don and thank you for subscribing. I can say nearly a year down the line this DRO has been good on the WM180 and wasn’t to bad to fit so well worth the investment.
Hello from Norway. Nice job👍
Hi Carl thank you.
So do you have to wire this up to the lathe or is it just standard socket.
Just subscribed.Looking forward to some interesting projects. Regards Mike
Hi Mike welcome to the channel and welcome to the community. Thank you for subscribing hope you enjoy the new project content coming up. All the best.
Hi, can you tell me the link where you purchased the Dro for your lathe? Thank you
Nice!
Thanks
Just subscribed mate great video on installation looking forward to more videos all the best
Hi dude thank you for subscribing. Plenty more videos to come including machine mods and projects.
@@MachiningwithJoe thanks to your video mate just ordered this kit can’t wait to fit it all the best
That’s awesome I wouldn’t be without it now such a good addition. Any questions when installing just drop a comment and I’ll try to help.
Any way to slow the spindle down on these things ?
I want 1/4 minimum spindle speed. Its too fast for any threading.
Problem with this little lathes at low RPM they do lack torque so you can easily stall mid cut. Have you thought about thread cutting in reverse so your going away from the Chuck
Nice
Ive got the same lathe. Gotta be honest im a bit fed up of warco, they have so many different variations and they sometimes just send the wrong parts. I ordered a milling slide WITH my lathe, and they still sent the wrong attachment plate for it.
Subscribed 👍🏻
Thanks Colin
mi puoi mandare il ling dove lai acquistato io ho un 8x14
great
Did the magnetic strips get full of metallic swarf?
The wipers on the pickup sensors do a good job when set right to clear any rogue chips. 👍
Could you tell us how much the kit cost. Sorry in advance if you already did say.
Hi Ken if you check out this video.
Essential MINI Lathe Upgrades
th-cam.com/video/gMy_ez-8-Yw/w-d-xo.html
There is a link in the description to the kit. Hope this helps.
Another great video Joe, I was wondering, does this DRO have any features other than the basic X&Y, there's not much info on the Warco website. I also wonder whether a more feature laden DRO display could be used with the same scales.
Thank you sam I haven’t really had chance to experiment with the dro. Once I have finished my current big project I can get back on the lathe and test the different functions. So far I’ve only used it to zero x and y. But seems a good bit of kit so far.
@@MachiningwithJoe Thanks Joe, I look forward to hearing your opinion on it.
Iv just got this dro thanks to your video I have fitted it but I have the same questions as Sam reed
Hello everyone.
Does anyone know if the Warco brand in China is the Weiss brand?
thanks for the reply
subscribed
Welcome to the channel and community hope you enjoy the content.
Hi Joe, what length of scales would you recommend for the WM180? Cheers!
Hi Rob I can’t remember of the top of my head as I bought a full kit from Warco. I can measure for you some when this week when I’m in the old shop.
@@MachiningwithJoe Thanks Joe, that will be really helpfull!
I have a different DRO set up on the same side, problem is..... Beware of the chuck hitting the DRO. The carve out is there for a reason.
Hi Roberto
Yeah I have found this a few times now the Chuck touching the chip guard. I’ve soon retracted the carriage thou 😂
What Is the length of each of the strips
I would have to get back to you on that Sam.
Subscribe, that was pretty helpful. Thank you!
Thanks Rick welcome to the channel.
Hi Jo, I can late to the party. What is the kit you are fitting? Where did it come from? How much did it cost?
Cheers Peter
Hi Peter if you check out the description in this video of mine there is a link to the DRO kit.
th-cam.com/video/gMy_ez-8-Yw/w-d-xo.html
How is the size for the cross slide? I was told by Warco as this kit is intended for the super mini lathe it's a little short on the WM180.Im hoping to order the kit myself
Hi Bill so I’ve checked today and the dro is about 5-10mm short when winding the cross slide all the way in so no real major issue in the time I have had and used it I’ve never found myself needing that part of the travel as it’s way past centre line.
Subscribed
I think that you have the X and Y axis mixed up here,...just swap over the connectors on the back of the display.😊
Hi Steve thanks for you comment. I’ll check when I’m next in there looking online the x should be the cross slide and y should be carriage movement so I’ll check to see what mine is
@@MachiningwithJoe I'm seeing conflicting diagrams of the x and y online,...from what I gather, the x should be longitude travel just like it is on a mill for example too.
Yeah. I've always considered it to be Y for the cross slide.
100%. X axis is left to right, (carriage). Y axis is front to back, (cross slide)
Any idea if this kit fits the Seig 7x14 lathe?
I think we’re the travel of these lathes is so similar it should you’ll just have to be carful where you place the scales
Hi Joe i am new to the lathe and just got the Super mini one and watched a lot of your videos which are really useful thank you. I would like to fit one of these but can i just ask if your X Axis (Longditudinal) measures when you use the compound slide in the same direction which seems to be what one would need?
Hi Dean first of all welcome to the channel and hope your journey as a hobbyist machinist goes smoothly. So the dro I have only registers movement from the Apron/ carriage and the top slide. I wouldn’t of thought you could get one that combines the movement of the carriage and the compound. Hope that helps.
@@MachiningwithJoe Hi Joe and thanks for your reply. Really enjoying using the mini lathe and learned a lot from you so far. So when you cut say the outside of a bar do you use the main large apron wheel or do you use the compound slide? I have been using the compound slide but maybe that’s wrong? I thought it would give finer movements?
@@deanopeps1 so when turning metal down like you’ve explained I use the large wheel on the apron. I only ever use the small hand wheel on the compound when turning small tapers on the lathe.
@@MachiningwithJoe Ah right in that case the DRO makes complete sense! Right better add that to the shopping list then now i understand. Thank you once again and keep up the great work.
Hi Joe, like your videos and especially this one. I’m planning on installing the DRO on my Lathe too. How was your overall experience with the cross slide scale? Did you have any problems with the working of it during operation? I could imaging that the magnetic strip gets dirty and the scale starts malfunctioning. Like to hear from you and keep up the nice videos.
So ever since fitting this DRO 9 months or so ago, I’ve had no issues at all with it. I too a bit like you thought the magnetic strip would collect chips. But with the wipers on the reader they remove all chips as the slides move. So far can’t fault this so would recommend it.
@@MachiningwithJoe thanks!
How much was the DRO kit
Personally i have found it inaccurate. I've gone over my install many times and both axis seem to differ from a dial indicator. For the life of me I can't figure it out. Have even got the cross slide strip horizontally aligned to .0001 and still the same issue.
I'm strongly considering this lathe, although I was also looking at the Super Mini Lathe, again by Warco, do you have any opinion on which would be best for a beginner?
Hi sam thank you for subscribing. So the super mini lathe is 50mm longer I think which I wish I had extra on this lathe. Also the super mini lathe has a brushless motor. However the reason I bought this lathe is the motor has a larger output and also the overall weight and size is bigger giving it more rigidity. What sort of work are you going to be doing on it ?
@@MachiningwithJoe They looked pretty close in terms of ability, as you say the weight would help a lot with stability. I do a lot of tool restorations, so it would mainly be for fabricating small parts when they aren't serviceable.
@@Mystereed0 well it sounds like either may suit you. I have just had another look at both specs and the WM180 does seem to have a larger range of movement on the cross slide, top slide and quill travel aswell as using tapered roller bearings in the headstock so any free play can be adjusted.
@@MachiningwithJoe Sounds like the WM180 might be the way forward then, I really appreciate your advice and look forward to your future videos, now i just need to wait until everything on Warco is back in stock (I suspect it might be some time).
👍
Interesting and entertaining content. Pleased to subscribe 👏👏👍😀
Thank you Mr Carpathian and welcome to the channel hope you continue to enjoy the content.
All the best
Your hand tapping technique makes me cringe. Still love your videos. 😊
Thanks Mart luckily for me cast is very forgiving when tapping :)