Using Unimat SL as a tool post grinder

[vpt]

Awesome! Because of the smaller size it looks as those the unimat is easier to mount in different positions than the 6" atlas would be. I'll have o start looking for a complete unimat headstock now I guess.

Thanks for the pics Paul!!

[Paul Alciatore]

It's not only the smaller size, but also the fact that it is designed to rotate 360 degrees on it's mounting pin. The drilling or milling jobs I have shown could have easily been at an angle to the lathe axis.

[vpt]

When I originally thought about getting a lathe head I looked into the unimat and even watched a few auctions on ebay. But than I found some measurements of the unimat and thought it would be to small to handle endmills and small cutters and whatnot. So than I started watching for a 6" atlas. But after the pics you posted and the info I am glad I didn't get the atlas yet.

Now the unimat prices are going to go up because of you.

[Astronowanabe]

unfortunately going to school takes away details ... not unlike sandblasting your brain . so I apologize for not remembering the name of who on this forum I blatantly stole this idea from.



base mounted in the toolpost



base mounted in place of the compound


at some point I expect I will make another mount point off the edge of the disk but I haven't needed it yet.


edit. it is on a 10x24 Logan in this case

[Circlip]

Instead of screwing up a perfectly good lathe, why not try this:-

http://www.hemingwaykits.com/acatalo...ep_Mill__.html

"Model Engineers Workshop" did a couple of constructional articles on the quickstep, so as the Chinese copyists haven't brought one out yet for everyone to have a tool gloat about being so cheap, you could try making your own.

Alternatively, you could always mount a Sheerline on you toolpost.

Regards Ian.

[Bguns]

Thats the beauty of the Unimat..

For 645 UK Pounds (~ $1031.00) for that quick step mill, or the time needed to make it...

I could buy a old Bridgeport Mill.... (don't need 2 tho...)

Or buy 3 or 4 Unimats...

No modifications needed at all to it...

It is already designed for light milling and flexibility.

Especially flexibility

With care, it will do decent light work...

A couple adapters for Compound slot and done ...

I have most of the attachments, and will sharpen some end mills on it, when I get a couple more dull ones..

[vpt]

it is cheaper to get a unimat than to build a head, shaft, pulleys, and buy a motor.

[Circlip]

But a Sheerline would be MUCH better suited and accurate for bolting to the toolpost. Heck, you could even CNC it.

Regards Ian.

[oldtiffie]

I loved it - I just could not help myself!!!

Using the "Unimat" on a lathe - a very good idea by the way - is turning (sorry) a USA-made "good old American iron" lathe into a dreaded "3-in-1" and so apparently cloning or "knocking off" an Asian (read: Chinese) product - "puny round-column mill" and all.

And all with the approval of the "good old American iron" Brigade.

I can see the iron(??) of it all.

This has truly made my day (New Year's Eve) and my year (2009 going into 2010).

It doesn't get better than this.

[Circlip]

Thanks Tiffe, a "Pat" on the head.