Metal Lathe: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:disksanding_lathe.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Disk sanding set up]][[Image:buffing_lathe.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Buffing set up]]
[[Image:disksanding_lathe.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Disk sanding set up]][[Image:buffing_lathe.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Buffing set up]]
[[Image:spoonbit_lathe.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Custom Spoon Bit]][[Image:spoonbit_stummel_lathe.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Drilling by Hand w/spoon bit]]
[[Image:spoonbit_lathe.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Custom Spoon Bit]][[Image:spoonbit_stummel_lathe.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Drilling by Hand w/spoon bit]]
== The Chinese 9x20 ==
For those not yet fortunate enough to find a quality older lathe, the new Chinese made 9" x 20" lathes are an affordable and workable option for many of us. Almost all the Chinese lathes are made in the same factory, and aside from the nameplate of the importer, the finish and accessories included, perform about the same. Popular brands include Jet, Grizzly, Smithy and Harbor Freight. While often functional, they all need to be dis-assembled, cleaned and re-assembled with good lubricants, and sometimes improved hardware and bearings.  
For those not yet fortunate enough to find a quality older lathe, the new Chinese made 9" x 20" lathes are an affordable and workable option for many of us. Almost all the Chinese lathes are made in the same factory, and aside from the nameplate of the importer, the finish and accessories included, perform about the same. Popular brands include Jet, Grizzly, Smithy and Harbor Freight. While often functional, they all need to be dis-assembled, cleaned and re-assembled with good lubricants, and sometimes improved hardware and bearings.