[dedfish]

I have a mini-lathe that is in pretty poor condition:


What would you do to revive this thing and get it operational again. Like most people these days I have a very tight budget and need to keep costs to a minimum. I'm not planning on doing any super precise work with it right now, just some parts for a motorcycle project I'm working on. I had to move quickly about a year ago and this thing sat in the back of a crappy garage for a year. Am I going to have to replace all the rust parts or do you think I can salvage anything?

I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you.

[dedfish]

Ok, maybe this is the wrong place to ask this question. How about another forum? Can anyone recommend another forum where I may get some help?

[BAMCNC.COM]

It's all fine, hit it with WD-40 and metal (maroon)scotchbrite.

Probably was never polished and deburred when it was made, once clean make as many surfaces as you can flat, by using some known flat surface and 320-600-1200 grit wet/dry sand paper, then adjust and fit everything, I think it will be better than new.

[dedfish]

It's all fine, hit it with WD-40 and metal (maroon)scotchbrite.

Probably was never polished and deburred when it was made, once clean make as many surfaces as you can flat, by using some known flat surface and 320-600-1200 grit wet/dry sand paper, then adjust and fit everything, I think it will be better than new.

Thanks for the response. I'll give that a shot.

[Al_The_Man]

Also look for Naval Jelly.
Usually no abrasive polishing is required.
Al.

[BAMCNC.COM]

I disagree, these are known for not being square and smooth.

[Al_The_Man]

You could always dissolve the rust with the Naval Jelly first and then polish them up smooth afterward?
Al.

[BAMCNC.COM]

Oh, I see what your saying, ill have to look into that stuff.

[RotarySMP]

That rust is pretty irrelevant. Check out this guys lathe...
South Bend lathe in Hungary


A razor blade is also good for scrapping off surface rust.

There is not that much rust on the sliding surfaces. Most of it is only cosmetic. As others have said, these chinese machines are not that great out of the box. If you blue up the sliding surfaces, you will probably find their is little contact, and they should be scrapped into alignment.