building a spider?

[SPM]

hey fellas,
I'm wanting to build a spider for my lathe. I'm new at this whole machining bit and have few questions. where can i get the material for it, what type, size, dimensions etc. i would like to build one for the chuck like gre-tan and also for the rear. any info would be a great help.
thanks,
SPM

 

[tightneck]

I used hot rolled round tube from Metals Depot. For the blueprinting jig, I used 3"ODx.5" wall and for the spider on the back side of my spindle, I think it was 2.5"O.D.x.5"wall.
Of course it depends on the O.D. of the spindle on your lathe. You'll want very sturdy walls on both spiders so they won't flex when you tighten the bolts up.
http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/hrsteel2.phtml?page=rndtube&LimAcc=%20&aident=

 

[Eddie Harren]

Try a visit to a local scrap metal dealer. We used to call them junkyards, nowdays they are recycling centers. I take a lot of scrap copper to a local yard and quite often bring home as much T-6061 aluminum and brass stock as I can buy for my copper money. Sometimes I'm amazed by the quality of some of the "scrap" that ends up being sold.

 

[SPM]

thanks guy's,
also is there a certain screw to use for adjustment,size of screw, or does it really matter.
thanks,
SPM

 

[Eddie Harren]

I use 5/16 socket head screws with Delrin inserts.

 

[tightneck]

I use 5/16ths socket heads too, with a fine thread so it's easy to make fine adjustments. I use aliminum busings between the screws and the workpiece to avoid marring, but I woule like to try the ones with the delrin inserts..Where did you get your's from DocEd?

 

[SPM]

thanks guys,
the steel is on its way
SPM

 

[Eddie Harren]

I made mine.

 

[JamesinAsheville]

Here is the one I made. If I was to redo anything it would be use fine thread screws. It sure does a lot of work for what it is. I couldn't do without it. Oh I used brass inserts in the screws but Delrin probably is better.