Well the classic 'apprentice' projects were screw jacks, tap wrenches, die stocks, centre punch etc etc, all tools which would be used in the further careers of the budding engineer. I would perhaps suggest something like a hot air engine as a learning project? I am sure many more ideas will follow.

Tony

Hi Nick,

if you are interestedin steam engines, why not make one of Elmer Verburg's? Some are simple to make, other a bit more complicated.

Thor

Welcome Nick!

You will get lots of advice, (some of it conflicting!) from Model Engineers.

As to"What lathe to buy?", the answer depends on various factors.

How big is your workshop?

How much money do you want/are able to spend?

(This may steer you away from new towards used. If you have the space, sometimes a machine ex School or Technical College will be a good buy. It will probably be little used, compared to its twin ex an industrial machine shop, as long as you ignore the dings where the toolpost has hit the chuck or someone has dropped a hacksaw onto the bedways).

What are you planning to make?

If small clocks, you may be able to survive with a small lathe. If you have set your sights on a 6 inch scale Traction Engine, you will need something much larger.

The purchase does not end with the lathe. You will need tools for it, accessories, drills, taps, dies, holders etc. Not to mention material on which to operate, and the need to heat and insulate the shop to minimise rust problems.

Example: Probably it won't be too long before you feel the need for a bench grinder to sharpen lathe tools and drills.

The list can go on and on, but you do not have to spend the first year bankrupting yourself by setting up a fully equipped workshop. You can buy things as you find the need for the item, although there are some necessary basics.

One piece of advice that I heard was "You can do small work on a large lathe, but you can't do large work on a small lathe", and I agree, so if possible buy a lathe that seems a bit larger (and with more features )than you think that you need now.

It is also worth buying a few books, to glean more information. "The Amateur's Lathe" by L.H.Sparey, Model Engineer's Handbook by Tubal Cain, and the Workshop Practice Series, by Harold Hall, Stan Bray and others give good advice, and innovative example of workshop techniques, as well as inspiration for projects.

It is amazing what CAN be made with a small machine, and a little bit of ingenuity.

DO join your local Model Engineering Club. You will be in the company of folk who share your interest, and most will be happy to help with advice, demonstration, and sometime the loan of a tool that you currently lack.

Not to mention the inspiration that you will get from their products, (sometimes, despair as to my capabilities)

As you begin to decide what you want to do with the lathe, it would probably be a good idea to look at machines at a Model Engineering Exhibition (The next ones will be Sandown Park in Decembar and Alexandra Palace in January).

My advice, for what it is worth, is once you have decided what you aim to do, to do research, and take advice before buying. (I.E. If you think that you will want to do screwcutting in the future, don't buy a plain lathe. If you are likely to become fanatical about surface finish, buy a lathe with power feeds, that is rigid; and so on)

And then to look for advice and help with the installation.

Like painting, the preparation is all important for the end result.

Good Luck!

Howard

I would say go to a couple of exhibitions and see what's going on. Then talk to a few of the punters and possibly join a local club. Many members would love to show you what equipment they have, and what they have produced with it.

If you have to learn there are the SMEE courses as well if they are near enough for you.

SteveW

I think the Stuart No.10 and the Andrew Smith booklet on how to make it are an excellent start. One advantage is that all the machining can be done on the lathe (although a pillar drill helps), and few specialist tools are needed (just 7BA taps and a 5/16" reamer if I recall correctly).

It is unusual to have such a completely lathe-friendly project in these days of milling machines, but all the plane surfaces can be machined by facing and the booklet explains the setups very well. It also starts to get you into some good habits and introduces topics like fabrication and tapping.

I found it the ideal introduction to 'proper' model engineering after one or two 'interesting' ideas of my own!

Neil

Hi Nick,

When I got interested in model engineering about two years ago I found the following web site useful

**LINK**

For my first project I chose this little oscillating steam engine

**LINK**

but then I like steam engines

One of the best beginner's books, in my opinion, if you've not done much in the way of metalworking is:

Model Engineering: A Foundation Course – by Peter Wright

I've found the majority of people that I've come into contact with on forums and at shows to be very helpful and friendly. Also most of the model engineering suppliers are like a breath of fresh air compared to dealing with most other modern businesses.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to make.

Gary

Nick,

In my opinion, the absolute best way of learning is to join your local Model Engineering club.

Personally, I'm not a "club" person, and I joined my club only after being helped by some friends of a friend to get my lathe into my cellar workshop. It turned out that they were all members of the same club and I was coerced into attending a meeting.

I've been a member for over 15 years now, and it was one the best decisions I've ever made. I've learnt so much, and there is always somebody to answer difficult questions; often lots of differing answers. But that's how you learn.

You won't learn a thing unless you make mistakes.

Gary

Once you have settled into retirement as a modeller, you should then be wondering how you ever found time to go to work, only thing is, pay day is when you pay for more bits and pieces. Ian S C