Process Notes: The Real Lathe (Patreon)

I'm hard at work on the Real Lathe. I bought a 10 foot length of black iron pipe (surprisingly affordable at $17) and cut it in half. This will give me a total machine length of 5 feet and maybe 36 inches between centers. 

Then I cut and drilled some lengths of heavy wood. I used teak and oak because I have them and what the hell. The two closer pieces will support the headstock and the farthest piece keeps the pipes level and parallel. 

I made the holes in the wood tight on purpose and pounding the pipes in was...challenging. But I got it done. The pipes are about as straight as you could expect and the whole thing has a very solid and rigid feel. It's also quite heavy. 

Next, I'm starting on the headstock and you can see one support piece in the foreground. I'll cut three more of those, tie them together with pieces of hardwood, and then install the bearings. 

The plan is to be able to put in a motor and at least turn the thing on in next week's video. 

We'll see. 

--Rex