Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessories

Q: What accessories are needed to get started with the Metal Lathe?
A: None. Unless a 4-jaw chuck is required for holding square stock.

Material Types

Q: How well does the aluminium wear?
A: The lathes are anodised and hardened to temper 6 that eliminates wear.

Q: Can high tensile steel be machined on the metal lathe?
A: Yes, with lighter cuts and a sharp tool.

Q: Can carbon steel be machined on the metal lathe?
A: Yes, also with lighter cuts and a sharp tool.

Chucks

Q: Is there a three-jaw, self-centring chuck available?
A: Yes, a 3-jaw scroll chuck is available (#105) and a drill type chuck (#110).

Q: What is the drill size capacity of the tailstock chuck? (#300)
A: 1/8 (3.2mm) 0 Morse.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to using the chucks all the time?
A: No, they are hard wearing, made from steel and can withstand most applications.

Headstock

Q: Is the headstock bored all the way?
A: Yes, the headstock will accept bar material.

Q: Does the headstock have ball bearings?
A: Yes, the headstock now offers bearings rather than plain.

Q: Is the headstock rotatable for taper turning?
A: No, not at present.

Q: What is the diameter of the headstock mandrel?
A: .500".

Q: What is the inside diameter of the headstock mandrel?
A: 5/16 " (8mm).

Q: What is the length of the headstock mandrel?
A: 3 1/8".

Q: What is the flange diameter of the headstock mandrel?
A: 3/4".

Q: What is the flange width of the headstock mandrel?
A: 1/8".

Q: What is the nose length of the headstock mandrel?
A: 1/2".

Q: What is the thread of the nose of the headstock mandrel?
A: 1/2" x 20.

Tailstock

Q: What is the taper size in the tailstock?
A: 0 Morse tapering up to 5/16" at the larger end.

Q: What is the diameter of the tailstock poppet?
A: .500"

Q: What is the length of the tailstock poppet?
A: 1 1/2".

Q: What is the thread in the tailstock poppet?
A: 1/4" N/C L/H

Bed

Q: Is there a longer bed available?
A: Yes, we offer a 5" longer bed with the metal lathe (CML 1000).

Cross Slide

Q: What is the maximum swing over the cross-slide?
A: 1 1/4 (32mm).

Collets

Q: Do you supply collets?
A: No, not at present.

Q: Does the lathe adapt collets?
A: No, not at present.

Q: Can one modify the mandrel to accept collets?
A: A new mandrel would have to be made to accept SHERLINE collets.

Spindle Thread/Drive Screws/Hand Wheels/Cutting Tools

Q: What is the spindle thread?
A: 1/2 x 20 threads per inch (N/F).

Q: How much hysteresis (play) is there in the drive screws?
A: The endplay in the lead screw totals about 0.005.

Q: Are there graduations on the hand-wheels?
A: Yes, they are 0.001 (0.025mm) and 50 increments per wheel.

Q: Can a standard size-cutting tool be used?
A: Yes, 3/16" (#400).

Power

Q: What is the lathe powered by?
A: You can use a 12-volt car battery, 12-volt DC battery charger or a 12-volt DC transformer, which is supplied at your local hobby store.

Q: What is the motor wound for?
A: 12 volts (4 amps) 5 pole motor.

Q: What is the motor shaft size?
A: 2mm.

Q: Is it a complete machine besides the 12-volt motor, or is there something else one needs to buy in order to run the machines?
A: A 12 volt 4 amp power supply is needed.

Q: What is the fastest cutting speed running at 12 volts 4 amps?
A: Since 4 amps is the limit of the motors capacity, it is recommended that one work below this figure. Under general cutting loads such as 2-3 amps, the spindle is rotating at about 1,200 rpm.

Milling Machine

Q: Is there a vise for the Milling Machine?
A: Yes, a Milling Machine Vise is now available (#770)

Q: What are the ranges of the three axis (X, Y, Z) used on the Milling Machine?
A: X – 4.000/Y – 2.000/Z – 4.000

Q: Are there any special attachments for milling etc?
A: Yes, the headstock of the lathe can be used for drilling etc. (#215).

Q: Are there spare parts available?
A: Yes. (Refer to the Accessories page for available spare parts)

Manual/Instructions

Q: Are there instructions with the lathe?
A: Yes, the Clisby lathe manual is included.

Q: Is there a manual on lathe turning available?
A: Yes, the Clisby lathe manual has basic turning skills and we also recommend 'Tabletop Machining' by SHERLINE'S owner, Joe Martin.

Children

Q: What is the recommended age for children to use the lathe?
A: The lathe is not recommended for children under 10 years old.

Second-hand

Q: Are there second-hand machines available?
A: Currently we sell only new stock.

Warranty

Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Yes, 12 months upon receipt of all products.

Q: Is there a return policy?
A: Yes, 30 days upon receipt. International orders 60 days upon receipt.

Any questions we missed? - Email us