mini lathe suggestions

[master_photog]

I'm case prepping quite a bit more of the smaller stuff (17s, 20s and 22s) and my hands get tired a lot faster with the smaller type work.

A lathe investment will likely prevent physical therapy to the hands, ortho surgery and a lot of aggravation.....at least that's how I justify to wife!!

Can I have some suggestions on a tabletop or a minilathe for such work. Case trimming, inside/outside neck deburring, flash hole cleaning, primer pocket cleaning, etc.

Here's a couple images of my cases, just to give you some perspective on the size I'm working with.

 

[Papa Charlie]

If I were looking for a table top unit, I would buy the Grizzly 7x14

http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-X...wcB&utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

 

[dcali]

If you are going to be sticking pretty much to cases and other small, very light work, take a look at the Sherline products. They're a lot more precise out of the box than the chinese stuff. They're easy to outgrow, but they're about perfect for what you're talking about.

The chinese 7x lathes are all pretty much the same - crappy and cheap, but usable. I have a Grizzly that's acceptable, but it's rough.

 

[JLT]

I would recommend the MicroLux bench top mini lathe; it is a very good little machine. I'm very happy with mine and I use it, among many other things, to neck turn my brass. Variable speed control, good power, surprisingly precise. Great little lathe for all kinds of small jobs and it's not that much more than the little bitty Harbor Freight jobbies.

https://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-7x16-Mini-Lathe

No affiliation, just a satisfied customer . . .

 

[Papa Charlie]

I would recommend the MicroLux bench top mini lathe; it is a very good little machine. I'm very happy with mine and I use it, among many other things, to neck turn my brass. Variable speed control, good power, surprisingly precise. Great little lathe for all kinds of small jobs and it's not that much more than the little bitty Harbor Freight jobbies.

https://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-7x16-Mini-Lathe

No affiliation, just a satisfied customer . . .

The Mirolux are pretty good but require the metal gear upgrade for better accuracy.

 

[JLT]

The Mirolux are pretty good but require the metal gear upgrade for better accuracy.

Agreed. A worthwhile upgrade.

 

[6MMsteve]

I would recommend the MicroLux bench top mini lathe; it is a very good little machine. I'm very happy with mine and I use it, among many other things, to neck turn my brass. Variable speed control, good power, surprisingly precise. Great little lathe for all kinds of small jobs and it's not that much more than the little bitty Harbor Freight jobbies.

https://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-7x16-Mini-Lathe

No affiliation, just a satisfied customer . . .

that's a good lookin lathe, looks almost like a heavy 10

 

[master_photog]

If you are going to be sticking pretty much to cases and other small, very light work, take a look at the Sherline products. They're a lot more precise out of the box than the chinese stuff. They're easy to outgrow, but they're about perfect for what you're talking about.

The chinese 7x lathes are all pretty much the same - crappy and cheap, but usable. I have a Grizzly that's acceptable, but it's rough.

Damon, precisely the info I was looking for. The new chinese stuff is one thing I want to try and avoid. Your suggestion of the Sherline is appreciated. Do you have any suggestions on vintage lathes? Many thanks! Here is my Hamilton variable drill press that I got from the Purdue University's overage inventory store.

 

[dcali]

I don’t know about the old stuff - I’ve only ever owned grizzly and sherline. Sherline is by far better quality if you can accept the machine’s size/material limits and can take your time.

 

[billlarson]

For the operations you describe......... it does`nt require a lathe.......
for brass prep.... RCBS prep station......deburr,chamfer inside and out,clean primer pockets,clean and lube case neck......
brass trimming.... WFT in a drill press or hand drill.......
when you do buy a lathe get one with at least a 1-5/16 spindle bore.....
OMHO
bill larson

 

[master_photog]

Thanks Joe, I agree, i wouldn't use this for neck turning. I would prefer to do it by hand anyway. However, I have seen quite a few videos of guys trimming, cleaning the flash hole, cleaning the primer pocket and deburring the inside and outside of necks. If I can do all of those tasks with a decent miniature lathe and just do the neck turning (which my Mink cartridges don't require it with the type of brass I'm using), I'd be happy.

Thanks!

 

[dcali]

You *can* do those things on a lathe, but it's easier to just do it the normal way.

 

[master_photog]

You *can* do those things on a lathe, but it's easier to just do it the normal way.

I was thinking the same thing, but when I stumbled on this youtube video illustrating on how to use a table top lathe for many of the necessary functions of case preparation, I figured it would make life a little easier.

 

[dcali]

Yeah, some guys like to do that and it seems to work fine. I don't see the point myself. Maybe if you were clever you could make some tools that would speed up the process for high volumes, but I only run through about 2-300 at a time, and it's easier, faster, and probably more precise to just use a neck turning tool and an electric screwdriver. You might look into the "case prep centers" that the reloading companies offer. Way cheaper than a lathe, and designed to speed/ease the run of the ill chores like neck brushing, primer pocket cleaning, etc without screwing around with a lathe.

However, sometimes a guy just wants a lathe.

 

[master_photog]

However, sometimes a guy just wants a lathe.

I agree, and I'm definitely not trying to justify a lathe, but I am looking for something a little easier on the hands, a little faster and the same precision.

 

[Just Dave]

I agree, and I'm definitely not trying to justify a lathe, but I am looking for something a little easier on the hands, a little faster and the same precision.

Well after watching that video, I'm convinced I don't NEED a lathe, actually feeding cases in that setup looked like more work.

 

[Papa Charlie]

While I agree with many that it seems to be more work. My hands get to aching, the OP indicated his hands hurt holding onto those small cartridges, which I can fully understand.
The lathe may not be for everyone or the easiest, but there are quick mounts for the tail stock, and this would help take some of the strain off his hands.
Let's try to help a member with and see past ourselves here. We may all be in his shoes some day.

 

[USMCDOC]

While I agree with many that it seems to be more work. My hands get to aching, the OP indicated his hands hurt holding onto those small cartridges, which I can fully understand.
The lathe may not be for everyone or the easiest, but there are quick mounts for the tail stock, and this would help take some of the strain off his hands.
Let's try to help a member with and see past ourselves here. We may all be in his shoes some day.

i love a positive attitude!

 

[dcali]

I can symapthize with hand pain, I'm just not sure a lathe set up will help it as well as a case prep center. I would try that first.

The fun part about a lathe is that you always find more uses for it, which is never a bad thing. If you're inclined to tinker, a mini lathe is fun. If not, it might be overkill.

 

[PatMiles]

Master-photog,
I'm sure you realize that what any of the folks who have replied to your query, pro or con, should have no bearing on your decision regarding a mini-lathe. If using one makes your life easier, go for it.
As Eric Cortina explained in his YouTube video, your post #14, a mini lathe can make life easier and faster when it comes to case prep. In case you are wondering about Eric, he is a very well known and respected shooter and reloader, do a Google search for him.
Every situation is different as yours is with hands that hurt afterwards. Given that, I would say go for it, just buy a quality machine. Cheap junk will just cause headaches down the road.