SPC Racing

what is a good lathe to get on a budget and would you suggest getting a brush serrator.

MManson

iTrader: (2)

integy makes a v-block one for around 90 dollars, you need your own slave motor...


a brush serrator is a good investment too

marvi

iTrader: (82)

hudy is one of the best when it comes to lathes but costs a bit more. cobra have good lathes but dont cost as much. i suggest getting one with v-guides instead of ball bearings. also, get a carbide bit rather than a diamond bit.

i use a brush serrator only to break in new brushes or clean (skim) old brushes. most of the time, i reuse my brushes even after cutting the comm. i think integy makes a great serrator that creates deeper serrations on the brush. if your budget allows, get a brush factory because it can also make custom brush cuts, aside from making serrations.

SciFi

Why is a lathe with v-blocks preferred over a lathe with ball-bearings?

BP SHADOW

iTrader: (24)

I have a Hudy having recently upgraded from an old Trinty and I really like it. It doesn't come with a bit so it is a significant investment, but I think it was worth it. To me it is much smoother than the Trinity and it also comes with the slave motor.

marvi

iTrader: (82)

v blocks require almost no maintennance compared to ball bearings. when youre using the lathe, comm shavings sometimes find their way into the bearings and may cause binding or vibtration.

fatdoggy

Once bearings gain slop you can replace them or even just fill then with jb weld and turn them into v-guides.

Phatkat

iTrader: (14)

I just chuck the arm in a drill and use sandpaper........
Not really, I have a Trinity lathe, and it is capable of all I need it to be. Its case also holds 2 motors and 6 arms, and has bearings and v-blocks. A pretty good package for $150.

Matt

karter

iTrader: (1)

Are you suppose to use any oil on the comm itself while cutting it? If so what kind?

Fire

from my experience trinity's brush factory is a POS, get integy's new serrator instead

also hudy's lathe worth every penny you give up for it, it cost a little more initially, but it will last you thru your ep carrer

Speedie

Cobra gets my vote for the best cheap lathe. And cutting fluid is needed when cutting comms. Itll work ok without it if your careful, but its alot better smoother cut with cutting fluid.

Bugle

iTrader: (1)

I've had my Cobra for maybe 7-8 years still as good as new

karter

iTrader: (1)

what kind of oil should I use for cutting fluid? Will any lightweight oil work or do I need some special stuff?

Speedie

A thin oil will work better than nothing but there are special cutting fluids that will work better. You can get a small bottle at your LHS. Or you can go to a hardware store and buy a large bottle for about the same price.

marvi

iTrader: (82)

put a drop of bearing oil on each contact point (v-guides or bearings) and spread it around a bit. dont use too much - if you turn on the lathe, the oil might splatter in your face when the armature spins i use a sharpie on the comm so it will be easier to see if im removing just enough material to make it round again. i used to put comm drops as a lubricant when i cut but it doesnt last that long.