Dale Winburn
05-04-2014, 1:43 PM
After several years and many hours of research and several months of design and construction my Rose Engine Lathe is now working and usable. Can't say it's finished because on-going enhancements and modifications are planned.
For several years I've been collecting material for the lathe. The one part I was having design issues with was the headstock. Last summer I was prowling through the surplus metal at a local machine shop and found a piece of extruded aluminum rectangle tube, 6" X 4" with .5" walls, this fit the bill perfectly. With the headstock problem solved I began to get serious about starting the design and construction. The lathe has been operational for about six weeks as I continue to work on it.
My lathe has only rocking action, no pumping capability. I may consider adding pumping action in the future.
With the index wheel and the vernier scale the spindle can be indexed to 1 degree.
The spindle is driven by a Leeson 90V DC gearmotor with an Automation Direct Drive that provides variable speed with reverse capability.
The compound cross slide is a Rockwell/Delta accessory that gives limited metal turning capability to the older 12" wood lathes. The top cross slide can be rotated 360 degrees.
I use a router with various bits as the cutter. The router can be adjusted or rotated to any position.
I purchased one rosette from Mandala Rose Works and have made two. I plan make some more rosettes and will buy more from Mandala Rose Works.
I've made a few sample pieces with the lathe, I still have a lot to learn about Rose Engine Lathe turning. I've studied every web site I can find and viewed many of the u-tube videos. Any pointers would be appreciated.
I'll post some pieces after I get a little more experience with it.
Thanks for looking,
Dale Winburn
For several years I've been collecting material for the lathe. The one part I was having design issues with was the headstock. Last summer I was prowling through the surplus metal at a local machine shop and found a piece of extruded aluminum rectangle tube, 6" X 4" with .5" walls, this fit the bill perfectly. With the headstock problem solved I began to get serious about starting the design and construction. The lathe has been operational for about six weeks as I continue to work on it.
My lathe has only rocking action, no pumping capability. I may consider adding pumping action in the future.
With the index wheel and the vernier scale the spindle can be indexed to 1 degree.
The spindle is driven by a Leeson 90V DC gearmotor with an Automation Direct Drive that provides variable speed with reverse capability.
The compound cross slide is a Rockwell/Delta accessory that gives limited metal turning capability to the older 12" wood lathes. The top cross slide can be rotated 360 degrees.
I use a router with various bits as the cutter. The router can be adjusted or rotated to any position.
I purchased one rosette from Mandala Rose Works and have made two. I plan make some more rosettes and will buy more from Mandala Rose Works.
I've made a few sample pieces with the lathe, I still have a lot to learn about Rose Engine Lathe turning. I've studied every web site I can find and viewed many of the u-tube videos. Any pointers would be appreciated.
I'll post some pieces after I get a little more experience with it.
Thanks for looking,
Dale Winburn