Lathe

Lathes

Hacklab currently has two lathes, both Sherlines:

1. Sherline 4400 - This is hacklab's main lathe, currently located in the kitchen. - Operational
2. Sherline Franken-Lathe (Assembled from bits and peices of other sherlines) - See Below

Franken-Lathe

The intention is to use this lathe as the test-bed for CNC projects. In the short-term, we are investgating replacing the drive motor with a stepper motor to enable acurate and speedy threading operations without modifying the other lathe.

Safety and Cleanup

Safety

If you do not know how to use this tool, do not attempt to use it.

Set-up and general

The lathe should both be powered off and unpluged when:

• If you have to leave the lathe unattended, or you are done using it.
• When changing tools, adjusting chuck, or any other lathe maintenance.

Operation

• PPE (Safety glasses) must be worn when lathe is in operation
• Avoid wearing loose clothing, wear proper shoes, no loose hair.
• Avoid positioning your body in parallel with the chuck.
• Ensure the chuck keys and other obstructions are removed from the lathe before powering it on.
• Files must be used with a handle, and both ends of the file must be held.

Cleanup

The lathe has a tendany to make a decent mess. Please do your best to clean up the area around the lathe after you are done using it. This includes:

• Wiping down the ways, saddle, etc to keep the lathe clean
• Cleaning off the workbench from metal shavings etc.
• Sweeping the kitchen around the lathe area to prevent people from gathering shavings with their socks/feet.

Extending the lathe

DIY Projects

• DIY RPM/DRO
• Power feed / CNC (See Frankenlathe)

Wishlist

• 4 Jaw Chuck
• Compound
• Tool post w/quick changer