Unimat SL Lathe

Discussion in 'Tools' started by Rob Pulham, Apr 29, 2018.

  1. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    I went along to Leigh show yesterday, and chanced upon a small Unimat SL on the bring and buy within the budget that I hadn't planned so home it came with me.

    It came with a 3 jaw chuck a spare Jacobs chuck (which actually doesn't appear to fit it but hey ho) a small machine vice which is current mounted where the tool post should be but when I got it the machine was set up as a milling machine which I suspect it's so. It also had a few clamps and a collet holder and some collets for holding small diameter bar or tube.

    What it doesn't have and I will need to source are some cutting tools and a tool post. I suspect that I could use the vice but I would prefer a tool post. Any ideas on sources would be gratefully received. Ideally those that won't entirely break the bank in the first instance....

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    I will use this thread to record my journey with it since it's knocking on 40 years since my school days lathe work.
     
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  2. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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  3. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    In my penultimate employment, our Electricians shop had a Myford ML7 with all the accessories. I was the only one to use it in an elementary way, for skimming motor commutators as my school was an academic one (which I'm definitely not!), had no metalwork shop and I had no lathe training except many years later watching the toolmaker at work. When it was decided to amalgamate Fitters and Electricians into one shop, the Myford was 'surplus to requirements' and many times since then I've wished I'd bid for it!
    Keith.
     
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  4. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    Thanks Paul, ironically I had got so lost in looking at engineering supplies firms I haven't looked at ebay yet. - another rabbit hole and time sink...
     
  5. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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  6. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    Thanks Bob, I will have a look through their catalogue:thumbup:
     
  7. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    In the end I opted for a middle of the road twin height tool post which was slightly more than the basic model but not as much as the quick release version. I also got a parting of tool and a small set of assorted cutting tools to get me started. With the remainder of my meager budget I also bought a few feet of belt making material. - All from RDG tools. Good service, I spoke to them on Monday to confirm that the cutting tools would be suitable for my lathe and I received them yesterday.

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    Unfortunately with it being black in colour you can't really see any detail of the tool post....
     
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  8. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    Last Friday I finally got around to trying to fit the tool post to have a go at actually turning something. I was somewhat dismayed to find that the tool post is far too tall taking the cutting tool way above the centre line.

    A phone call to RDG clarified that the toolpost I bought is for the Unimat 3/4 and indeed despite saying basic Unimat in the descriptions none of their tool posts will fit the Unimat SL. To be fair they did off my money back if I returned it and gave me the phone number of Pro Tools who might have a tool post for the SL.

    In the end neither Pro Tools or Chronos have a tool post to fit the SL and after doing a bit of searching I have bought a second hand one from the US $20 for the post which was very reasonable and an eye watering $49 for postage. Having looked at a couple of others that were more expensive with similar postage I bit the bullet and ordered it. I just hope that I don't get stung for import duty as well or I will be crying
     
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  9. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    Hi Ron
    what is the height of your tool center line to the top of the cross slide I may have something that will fit for you
    Bob
    PS sorry just read the last post again see you have bought one.
     
  10. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    Thanks Bob,

    The height is just short of 12mm - just in case the one that I have bought get's lost in transit.
     
  11. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    ill have a look in the shed first thing in the morning
    be seeing you
    Bob
     
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  12. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    Hi Ron sorry I didnot get back to you yesterday.
    Here is atool holder I dug out of the shed.

    the thickness of the bottom of the tool holder is 5 mm.
    the thread of the clamp screw is 9 mm

    so you would need to make some sort of tee nut
    be seeing you
    Bob
     
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  13. Rob Pulham

    Rob Pulham Happily making models Staff Member Administrator Feature Contributor

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    Thanks Bob,

    I am assuming that the tool holders slot onto the dovetail and the whole lot clamps via the handle/tee nut to the top slide?

    How much do you want for it should this one fail to arrive?
     
  14. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    Hi Ron your asumtions are correct.
    You can have them for the cost of the postage or if you are going to the Perth model railway show I could take them there.
    Be seeing you
    Bob
     

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