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Small space lathe.

R

Richardhb

Apprentice Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2017
Posts
2
Location
Lincolnshire
First Name
Richard
Hello all.

I'm at the stage when I'm looking to buy a lathe and items. Proxxon DB 50 is the model I've decided on. Both for cost and size. I'll be working in a very confined space in a conservatory. My main work will be making fishing floats, but I'd love to try and make a pen or two.

So questions. Will the lathe be ok for pens. Just to get going, is there anyone in the Lincolnshire area I can get some eyes on tips from at a later stage working on pens?

Thanks all.

Richard.
 
M

Mr Finch

Full Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2013
Posts
172
Location
Fareham, Hampshire
First Name
Coll
Richard

Welcome to the forum! Is it this lathe PROXXON - DB 250 that you're looking at?

I have never used the lathe but there's a couple of issues I can see:

1. The minimum speed is very fast at 1000rpm. Ideally you want something that can run at 400rpm or below, especially for sanding or if you want to use a CA finish on pens.
2. The headstock has a collet chuck on it rather than the more usual Morse Taper. This isn't a big issue in itself as there's ways round everything, but this will make it slightly harder.

I fully understand that price and size are a major issue but if you can afford the space and cost for something slightly larger then you will get a much much better experience in your turning.
 
Phil Dart

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
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Colebrooke, Devon
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Hi Richard - welcome aboard.

Personally I have no experience of the Proxxon, but it's been discussed a few times here over the years, once quite recently. Have a look at this thread http://www.penturners.co.uk/tools-e...181-proxxon-mini-lathe.html?highlight=proxxon which may help to galvanise your thoughts a little, or if you type proxxon into the search widow at the top of the page, you'll find a few more mentions.
 
R

Richardhb

Apprentice Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2017
Posts
2
Location
Lincolnshire
First Name
Richard
Just been reading a 7mm collet is the size I need for pens. Am I reading correctly? It does not come with one that size, but sure I can get one on-line.

Thanks all.
 
Penpal

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Mr Finch said:
Richard

Welcome to the forum! Is it this lathe PROXXON - DB 250 that you're looking at?

I have never used the lathe but there's a couple of issues I can see:

1. The minimum speed is very fast at 1000rpm. Ideally you want something that can run at 400rpm or below, especially for sanding or if you want to use a CA finish on pens.
2. The headstock has a collet chuck on it rather than the more usual Morse Taper. This isn't a big issue in itself as there's ways round everything, but this will make it slightly harder.

I fully understand that price and size are a major issue but if you can afford the space and cost for something slightly larger then you will get a much much better experience in your turning.
Click to expand...

Winemaker AKA Tom has one a pm to him could turn out very worthwhile he has had it since last year. Be prepared for mini every operating thing.

Regards Peter.
 
Graham_C

Graham_C

Fellow
Joined
Feb 1, 2017
Posts
1,153
Location
Tywyn
First Name
Graham
Welcome Richard!

I can't help with advice on the Proxon, but there are plenty on here who can help :thumbs:
 
Dalboy

Dalboy

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Mar 20, 2014
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Kent
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Derek
How big is the space you have would something like THIS fit as you would be able to progress if you so wish and it would probably be easier to sell on if you wished. It is a manual speed change unless you want to spend more for a Variable speed lathe.
 
21William

21William

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Jan 21, 2016
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Dorset
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William
That Proxxon looks a bit too small to turn pens to me. I'd go for something a little bigger with a more powerful motor.
 
Penpal

Penpal

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Posts
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Peter
I am on Marks side here the larger still small Axminster Lathe in the long run will be easier to use and so much more versatile IMHO.

Peter.
 
Bob Ellis

Bob Ellis

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Dec 28, 2014
Posts
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Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
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Bob
The quality of the pens and floats you turn will depend to a large extent on the quality of your lathe and accessories. I have no experience of the Proxxon lathe, but have used other Proxxon tools (including their bench press and table saw) and I have not been impressed. I've made over 300 pens using an American-made Sherline 5000 lathe and I am very pleased with its quality. It is 23 inches long, 10 inches deep and 8 inches high, similar dimensions to a jeweller's lathe and made to the same high standards. It's no use for turning anything with a diameter of more than a couple of inches, so I am thinking of buying something larger to turn bowls and the like, but it does an excellent job on pens.
 
stiofanpadraigcrafts

stiofanpadraigcrafts

Graduate Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2015
Posts
407
Location
donegal
First Name
stephen
I started on that lathe last year and used it to make pens for a year, It can do 99% of penturning. Only kitless is where it falls down but i even made closed end kit pens on it.
 
Bill Mooney

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
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Aug 16, 2014
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11,029
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County Durham
First Name
Bill
Richardhb said:
Just been reading a 7mm collet is the size I need for pens. Am I reading correctly? It does not come with one that size, but sure I can get one on-line.

Thanks all.
Click to expand...
The 7mm refers to the outside diameter of the brass pentube. I use a 6.5mm silver steel rod in my collet. It works fine. I bought my rod at Metal Supermarkets.
Welcome aboard Richard.
 
Penpal

Penpal

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Posts
25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
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Peter
Sherline brings back memories I bought one forever ago made in Australia, fingers galore later I pensioned it off. Too tiny too bad. Interested in seeing a pic of your American made Sherline 5000.

Peter.
 
Pierre

Pierre

Graduate Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2015
Posts
999
Location
Southern Central France
First Name
Pierre
Hi Richard and welcome,

The problem with starting out in all things is that very soon you outgrow them as you progress in competence and capability. You said that your main aim was fishing floats, they are akin to lace bobbins in delicacy of turning and whilst I enjoy making pens at 3200 rpm and bowls at 400 rpm I have discovered that lace bobbins are unforgiving at high speeds because the unless you have a decent small centre holder they have a tendency to whip, so lower speeds are recommended. I use my fingers as the centre holder for lace bobbins so I turn the speeds right down to avoid burning. If the proxxon's minimum speed is 1000rpm and you are going to turn a very fine centre spindle for a float to slide up and down then I would suggest that you go for the more versatile version of Derek's post (I use a similar one for demonstrations in public and can make a 1 mm spindle some 1 ft long on a dare (string tailstock holder)) . If you are happy with the higher speeds then get the Proxxon it is great for model ship building. But once bitten twice shy; if you get you turning right you will always want more power/capability/versatility.

Finally, with a motor at 150 watts (think big light bulb) you might be able to turn soft wood easily but the harder woods will probably stop the machine, especially if you use good HSS or cryo tools (if you are going to make pens) if you stick to fishing floats...well you wouldn't want to make one out of lignum vitae or azobe anyway!!:rolling:

PG

just a couple of thoughts to add to your risk assessment :thinks:
 
Penpal

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Pierre said:
Hi Richard and welcome,

The problem with starting out in all things is that very soon you outgrow them as you progress in competence and capability. You said that your main aim was fishing floats, they are akin to lace bobbins in delicacy of turning and whilst I enjoy making pens at 3200 rpm and bowls at 400 rpm I have discovered that lace bobbins are unforgiving at high speeds because the unless you have a decent small centre holder they have a tendency to whip, so lower speeds are recommended. I use my fingers as the centre holder for lace bobbins so I turn the speeds right down to avoid burning. If the proxxon's minimum speed is 1000rpm and you are going to turn a very fine centre spindle for a float to slide up and down then I would suggest that you go for the more versatile version of Derek's post (I use a similar one for demonstrations in public and can make a 1 mm spindle some 1 ft long on a dare (string tailstock holder)) . If you are happy with the higher speeds then get the Proxxon it is great for model ship building. But once bitten twice shy; if you get you turning right you will always want more power/capability/versatility.

Finally, with a motor at 150 watts (think big light bulb) you might be able to turn soft wood easily but the harder woods will probably stop the machine, especially if you use good HSS or cryo tools (if you are going to make pens) if you stick to fishing floats...well you wouldn't want to make one out of lignum vitae or azobe anyway!!:rolling:

PG

just a couple of thoughts to add to your risk assessment :thinks:
Click to expand...

I would love to see pics of your Lace Bobbins Pierre.

Peter.
 
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