8 best hobby lathe mill

A hobby lathe mill, often referred to as a mini lathe mill or combination lathe mill, is a versatile machine tool used by hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and small-scale machinists for various metalworking and machining tasks. This tool combines the capabilities of both a lathe and a mill, allowing users to perform turning, drilling, milling, and other precision operations on a range of materials, primarily metals and plastics.Here are some key features and functions of hobby lathe mills:

  1. Lathe Functionality: The lathe aspect of this machine allows for turning operations. Users can secure a workpiece on a spindle and rotate it while a cutting tool, such as a lathe tool or cutting bit, shapes the material by removing excess material to create cylindrical, conical, or contoured shapes.

  2. Milling Functionality: The milling aspect of the machine enables users to perform milling operations, which involve removing material using a rotating cutter. This capability allows for tasks such as creating flat surfaces, slots, and complex shapes.

  3. Versatility: Hobby lathe mills are known for their versatility. Users can switch between lathe and milling functions, making them suitable for a wide range of projects, including model making, prototyping, and small-scale production.

  4. Compact Size: These machines are typically compact and designed for small-scale applications. They are well-suited for home workshops or hobbyist settings where space may be limited.

  5. Workpiece Handling: Hobby lathe mills come with a variety of features for securing and manipulating workpieces. This includes chucks, collets, and clamps to hold the material firmly in place during machining.

  6. Adjustability: Users can often adjust the speed, feed rate, and depth of cut to achieve precise results, depending on the material and machining operation.

  7. Digital Readouts: Some models may include digital readouts (DROs) that provide real-time measurements and enhance accuracy during machining.

  8. Material Compatibility: These machines are primarily designed for machining metals like aluminum, brass, and steel, as well as plastics and other non-ferrous materials.

  9. Safety Features: Hobby lathe mills should be equipped with safety features such as emergency stop buttons, spindle locks, and protective shields to ensure safe operation.

  10. Learning Curve: Operating a hobby lathe mill may require some skill and experience, especially when performing complex machining tasks. Hobbyists often acquire expertise through practice and education.

  11. Accessories: Various accessories and attachments, including countersink drill bits and other cutting tools, may be available to enhance the machine's capabilities.

In summary, a hobby lathe mill is a versatile machine tool that combines lathe and milling functions. It is commonly used by hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts for precision metalworking and machining tasks in home workshops. These machines offer the flexibility to work on a variety of materials and are well-suited for projects that require turning, drilling, and milling operations.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hobby lathe mill on the market
  

Machining Fundamentals

Based on 42 reviews Check latest price

The Milling Machine for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Over 150 Color Photos & Diagrams; Learn How to Successfully Choose, Install, & Operate a Milling Machine in Your Home Workshop

Design Originals

Based on 288 reviews Check latest price

Making Simple Model Steam Engines

Crowood Press (UK)

Based on 126 reviews Check latest price

Gears and Gear Cutting for Home Machinists (Fox Chapel Publishing) Practical, Hands-On Guide to Designing and Cutting Gears Inexpensively on a Lathe or Milling Machine; Simple, Non-Technical Language

Based on 183 reviews Check latest price

SST Mill & Lathe Adjustable Tramming - Squaring System

Based on 46 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The most versatile tramming tool out there! Works with mills, CNC routers, lathes, etc. Anything with a spindle and a 1/2" collet can be squared using the SST tramming tool Simply loosen the #10-32 set screws and arrange the dials with on a 3 to 6 inch diameter from center.

  • Measurement Diameter is Fully Adjustable from 3 - 6 in.
  • CNC Machined from 6061 Aluminum with a Protective Anodized Finish
  • ½” Stainless Steel Center pin is 4 in. tall
  • Backed by SST Lifetime Warranty
  • Includes two 1 in. Dial Indicators with .0005” gradation (Colors may vary from picture)

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come in a case
Answer: No
Question: What is the diameter of each dial, it says 1"?, someone says 2.3605"? Which is it? 1" is rather small - need a magnify glass
Answer: my dials are 2" and can be adjusted to 3" 4 1/2" and 6" widths. Great product.
Question: What is the diameter of the dial
Answer: Standard dial indicator, but if you want to get technical about it......2.3605 inches
Question: Descriptions says that each graduation is 0.0005" but some pictures show 0.001" - Which is it
Answer: The one I purchased a couple of months ago are 0.0005"

Qibaok 8PCS End Mill Bits, HSS CNC Cutter Drill Bits Straight 4 Flute Mill Bit Set + 6PCS Center Drill Bits, HSS Lathe Mill 60 Degrees Countersink Drill Bits for Wood, Aluminum, Steel, Titanium

Qibaok

Based on 180 reviews Check latest price
  • 🚜【MATERIAL】High speed steel(HSS), high abrasion resistance, obtain accuracy, high-speed cutting for the high hardness
  • 🚛【8PC END MILL BITS】End Mill Bits usually used to be assembled on milling machine and used for profiling, shoulder milling, finishing operations, general purpose machining of both ferrous and nonferrous materials
  • 🚜【6PC CENTER DRILL BITS】Double ended, standard 60 degree included angle, used for centering work ends, where the work piece is to be revolved on machine centers
  • 🚛【WIDE USAGES】Suitable for aluminium, cast iron, copper, magnesium alioy, plastics, wood, etc
  • 🚜【PACKAGE & SIZE】 8PCS×End Mill Bits(1/16" 1/8" 5/32'' 3/16" 1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2")& 6PCS×Center Drill Bits(1.0" 1.5" 2.0" 2.5" 3.0" 5.0")with Plastic boxes and PE bag

User questions & answers

Question: What diameter are the end mill shanks
Answer: I just checked ....”NO” they do not come with a flat spot for a set screw
Question: Do the shanks have a flat spot for a set screw
Answer: No
Question: Does the shank have a flat spot for a set screw
Answer: Cheap Chinese HSS on titanium sounds like a great idea Good luck
Question: will these work on titanium
Answer: Well,.....they are all metric in a way, take any fractional size bit, divide the top number by the bottom and you have the decimal equivwlentm eg: 1/4 (1/4=.250), then you can take it from there, if you need a specific size, they can be ground or made specifically for a job for more $ of course......hope this helps.

Product features

High Speed Steel(HSS)

  • Made of High speed steel material,effectively ensure wear resistance and service life.

Passivation Treatment

  • The milling cutters are passivated to reduce the micro-saw generated in the tool grinding, better optimize the tool and increase wear resistance and smoothness.

Blade Design

  • The ligament is designed with a double ligament to define a more wear-resistant cutting edge.
  • It is designed with a suitable high-speed cutting edge and an excellent surface finish for improved productivity.
  • Widely used in hardness from aluminium, cast iron, brass, copper, magnesium alioy, wood, plastics under HRC32(HRA66), or more processing soft materials.

OriGlam 【The Mist Coolant Lubrication Spray System for Metal Cutting Engraving Cooling Sprayer Machine for Air Pipe CNC Lathe Milling Drill

Based on 361 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Features:



For 8mm air pipe

For CNC Lathe Milling Drill Machine.

Cooling stone / metal / ceramic tile engraving machine.

Product Size:

50 x 30 x 20mm / 2 x 1.2 x 0.8inch

Hose about 1.5m

Package Weight: 6.6oz



how to use:



Step 1: Insert the inlet tube

Step 2: Insert the intake pipe

Step 3: Put the filter head into the container

Step 4: Turn on the air source and adjust the flow of intake air and liquid through two throttle valves.





Package Weight : 6.35 Ounces

Package Dimensions (L*W*H) : 7.48*5.51*1.18 Inches

Package Include:



1 x Mist Coolant Spray System

  • √ Great Value - Processing the coolant can save more than 80%, the cooling effect is no less than the conventional water-cooled.
  • √ Working Safer - Gas processing chips are blown away, working safer; A lot of water problem solving tools, easier to clean up.
  • √ Save Time - Not only increases the machining cutting speed, save time and reduce processing costs and tool wear.
  • √ Easy To Use - Air flow and spray mist volume adjustable design, easier to use.
  • √ Widely Used - In the liquid without pressure output required to ensure that the air pressure in the range 5-7KGF / CM2.

User questions & answers

Question: Can this act as a mini flood system? On milling machine? On mini lathe? On horizontal bandsaw
Answer: I used 5/16 OD poly tubing and it fit perfectly in the air connector.
Question: how are you attaching an air line to the 8mm line? What coupler/connector
Answer: I epoxied neodymium magnets you mine.
Question: What are the mounting hole sizes
Answer: It has two ports. One of them accepts the clear plastic hose that you see in the photo. This hose is inserted into the fluid lubricant of your choice. The other port hooks up to a hose coming from an air source such as an air compressor. When the air from the compressed source is forced through the unit, it syphons the fluid through the unit much like how a Venturi Vacuum System works. The amount of air or lubricant can be adjusted to fine tune the mist/flood coming from the tip of the flexible nozzle.
Question: how do you hook this up
Answer: the tool bi the 3/8"tool bit set came with carbide inserts.

Anytime Tools 5 Center Drill Countersink Lathe Bit Mill Tooling Set

Anytime Tools

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Top Quality M2 HSS



Drill accurate center holes in material prior to turning, or use as a starter bit for accurate holes in stock. Sizes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, 60° tip angles.

  • Top Quality M2 HSS
  • Drill accurate center holes in material prior to turning, or use as a starter bit for accurate holes
  • Sizes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, 60° tip angles.

User questions & answers

Question: do the numbers on the bits correspond to numbered drill sizes
Answer: Nope. They are numbered #1-#5 No imperial or metric sizing is indicated
Question: Are these made to fit in standard R8 collets
Answer: I would use them in a drill chuck to save time , as long as they run true a collet is not needed. They are designed to put a starting point for a drill bit.
Question: Are these good for drilling steel and iron metals or would they not hold up
Answer: Yes. They are good for drilling metal. My are holding up well.
Question: Where is this product made
Answer: Nothing about where they are made on the label, and only "HSS #1 -#5 on the tools themselves. But they work great in my lathe or drill press.

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