Lath Improvements 101

[MILLERTIME]

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread on lath improvements.
I have a 9”X20” ACURA TURN same as the Harbor Freight Metal Lathe.
This is one of the first improvement I did was to make a 4 bolt compound clamp.

Don M.

A good 9”X20” lathe site.
http://bedair.org/9x20camlock/9x20project.html

[steveciambrone]

Don,
I have a Harbor Frieght Mill lathe combo, where is this clamp used?

Thanks
Steve

[MILLERTIME]

Steve,

The compound clamp holds down the tool post.
The one that comes with the lathe only has 2 bolts.

[Kmot]

Yes, the compound base is the weak spot on the 9x20 lathe. It flexes when doing serious cutting. I also upgraded mine with a 4-bolt compound base.

[steveciambrone]

Thanks, mine has a different arrangment.

Steve

[MILLERTIME]

My second Project was a ball cutter. You may ask, why do I need a ball cutter?
I build scale trailers and I needed a ball hitch. No one makes one, so I make my own.
The ball cutter can also be used to make concave cuts
Here are some pictures of the first ball hitches I made.

Steve Bedair's Ball Turning Toolpost
http://bedair.org/Ball/ball4.html

[MILLERTIME]

Hitch pictures.
I also used the lathe to make the trailer jack, & winch spool.
Now I can't live without a lathe.

Don M.

[Kmot]

Nice stuff, Don!