Light Milling
A simple mini lathe can function by itself, pretty much, the way a standard lathe should. It does the basic functions, and if your mini lathe is of high quality, it does them pretty well. But what sets a great mini lathe apart from a good mini lathe is the ability to expand its features. For example, a mini lathe with the milling tool attached has functions that are used in light milling.
Here are some basic facts about mini lathe attachments:
A mini lathe attachment doesn’t always have to come from stores and etc. You can make your own mini lathe attachments. If you’re good enough, that is.
An example of a mini lathe attachment is the milling attachment. This attachment adds a vertical axis to the existing horizontal axes of the mini lathe, allowing it to be used for light milling.
Here is a list of technical terms for mini lathes:
Compound – It is a movable platform where the tool post is mounted. Depending on the user’s preferences, the compound can be set at different angles to the work piece.
Compound Handwheel – Basically a wheel with a handle, the compound handwheel is the mechanism used to move the compound platform.
Cross-slide – A moving platform that moves at perpendicular motions to the lathe axis.
Cross-slide handwheel – This is used to move the cross-slide in and out of the lathe.
Toys for the Big Boys
In this regard, the mini lathe is a lot like a Barbie doll or a Lego toy—it has tools, add-ons, accessories, attachments, and those other parts in between. A mini lathe by itself, without any add-ons or tools, simply isn’t complete. A good all-around mini lathe is one with a complete set of attachments for every situation.