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Mini Metal Lathe 7 x 12
OWNER’S MANUAL
Operating Instructions
WARNING:
• Only trained and properly supervised personnel should operate the lathe. Make sure
operation instructions are clearly understood.
• Many machines will eject a workpiece toward the operator. Know and avoid conditions that
cause the workpiece to “kickback”.
• Do not use the lathe with a malfunctioning switch. Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the power switch is dangerous and must be repaired by an authorized service
representative before use.
• Always lock mobile bases (if used) before operating the lathe.
• Put the switch in the locked or off position before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting
the tool accidentally.
• Do not force the lathe. Tools do a better and safer job when used in the manner for which
they are designed. Plan your work, and use the correct tool for the job.
• Keep guards in place and in working order. Never operate the tool without the guards in
place.
• Do not leave the lathe running unattended.
Settings and Adjustments
Occasionally, it may be necessary to readjust various components in order to maintain optimum
performance. The adjustments that may be performed are as follows:
TAILSTOCK ADJUSTMENTS
The tailstock (9) is locked by two lock screws at the front of the tailstock. When the lock
screws are loose, the tailstock can moved to the left or right; when the lock screws are tight,
the tailstock can be fixed any position on the bed (11).
CROSS-SLIDE ADJUSTMENTS
The cross-slide (6) is mounted on a dovetail slide, as shown below. Between the sloping
surfaces on one side of the dovetail, a “jib strip “is inserted, which may be tightened against the
dovetail by three adjuster, or “jib” screws mounted along its length.
The jib screws are found on the right-hand side of the slide, directly beneath the compound
slide handle. In time, wear will occur on the mating surfaces resulting in a “sloppiness” of
action.
NOTE:
It is important that the cross-slide and compound slide adjustments are correctly set
and that there is no “sloppiness” of action. Any sloppiness will seriously effect on the quality of
the work. It is vital that there is as little movement as possible.
Adjust the jib strip to account for wear and ensure the slide moves evenly and smoothly as
follows:
1. Loosen then tighten the lock nuts and screws on the jib
evenly, i.e. use the same torque for each screw. The
slide should be held firmly. Test by trying to turn the
handle, but do not force it.
2. Screw out each jib screw by one quarter of a turn only,
and snug up the lock nuts.
3. Test again, by turning the handle, the movement should
be even and smooth along its complete length.
4. If the movement is too slack, screw all adjusters “in” by
one eighth of a turn, and re-try. Similarly, if the movement is
too stiff, screw “out” the adjusters by one eighth of a turn
until the correct adjustment is attained.
5. Tighten all lock nuts taking care to ensure you do not move the jib screws while doing so.
6. When completed, retract the slide fully and apply oil to all mating surfaces and the feed
screw thread, then wind the slid back to its normal position.
CROSS-SLIDE FEED HANDLE
The cross-slide (6) feed should run smoothly, and the scale must rotate with the handle.
If any stiffness occurs, it is probably the result of shavings lodged between the mating surfaces.
Undo the screw securing the handwheel. Remove the handwheel and pull off the collar with the
scale taking great care to retain the small spring plate which sits in a groove beneath the collar.
Clean the assembly and reassemble it in reverse order. It is necessary to hold the spring plate
in place with a small screw driver, or similar tool, and pushing down on it to allow the collar to
be correctly located on to the shaft.
THE GEAR BOX
Gear Charts
Change Gears
The following is an example to cut a 0.5mm thread on a piece of round stock:
1. Turn off the power switch and unplug the lathe!
2. Remove the gear cover.
3. Loosen the adjuster to disengage the gears from each other.
4. Remove the gears in place and replace with the A=20, B=50, and D=60 gears in the positions
shown below.
5. Reposition the adjuster to mesh the gears.
Mini Metal Lathe 7 x 12
OWNER’S MANUAL