Spindle for a Vega 24

[Brian McInturff]

I picked up an old Vega 24 pretty cheap awhile back thinking I could use it outside in the summer. I talked with Vega this morning due to the lathe not having a threaded spindle. He said those were mounted on with a grub/set screw. Basically it's a shaft sticking out with a flat spot. I'm pretty sure it's a 3/4" shaft. My question is does anyone have a spindle adapter for the Vega 24 as Vega doesn't have these any longer. If not has any one made one/had one made. I only paid $150 so I'm not out too much if it's not worth messing with. It was one of those spur of the moment purchases that after I got home I had to ask myself why but I might as well see if I can get it up and running and enjoy turning in the summer months outside. My shop gets to hot inside during the peak of the summer even with an air conditioner. Any help or advice with the Vega 24 would be much appreciated.
Brian

[Dan Hintz]

If not, I imagine taking a 3/4" chuck to a local machine shop and having them drill out the threads would be pretty inexpensive.

[J.D.Redwine]

Could threads be cut onto the shaft?

[Harry Robinette]

Brian
I would do what Dan said but I would get a 3/4" X 16tpi female to 1" X 8tpi male adapter and have it drilled to 3/4 straight then you could use any 1"X 8tpi. You might check with I believe it's Best Woods
that make there own adapters and have them make an adapter to fit. They would just drill an 3/4" hole in a 1 X 8 adapter. Myself sense it's a 3/4 shaft I wouldn't go any bigger then 1" X 8tpi.
Just my $.02

[Dan Hintz]

Myself sense it's a 3/4 shaft I wouldn't go any bigger then 1" X 8tpi.
I'd probably go with 1.25x8 just because it opens up so many more avenues for products... just keep it in mind the smaller shaft size when it comes to turning heavier stuff (though 3/4" steel is pretty darn hefty in and of itself).

[Mark Hubl]

Here is a pic of the lathe, looks like it had a 1" x 8 tpi originally.

http://www.vegawoodworking.com/c9sm.jpg

Here is a link to a Vega page that comes up in a search http://www.vegawoodworking.com/Model 24 Bowl Lathe page.html. Might be handy for those that don't know the lathe but that may have some ideas. The best wood tools idea sounds good. Probably upwards of $70.00 for a custom spindle adapter.

Here is another fellow that might be able to help you out http://www.wbnoble.com/wood_turning/faceplates/faceplates.htm.

Good luck.