Sherline 4530 lathe machine

[Prime]

I need a bit of help. I'm planning on buying this lathe. I have never used a lathe. I would like to make my own 1/24 scale wheels. Can anyone tell me which turning tools I should buy with this lathe. Center drills and cutting bits.

[Chief Joseph]

Hi William; I've been using a small Taig lathe for a few years and I absolutely love it. With a small lathe like this you can easily make certain kinds of wheels with just the basic left/right cutting tools. You should get a set of center drills just because they are handy, but most hole-making operations are done with a boring bar. For the past couple of days I have been trying to figure out how to reproduce a Shelby Vector wheel in 1/24 scale using my lathe to make the basic shape and then adding the fins with styrene. I have an index wheel on my lathe that allows me to lock the spindle at different positions; I use it in conjunction with a Dremel tool mounted in the toolpost to drill holes and mill flutes/slots/whatever around the workpiece at precise intervals. For instance, the lug holes on a wheel can be drilled with perfect accuracy with the workpiece still mounted on the lathe. Some more complex work on the wheels just can't be easily done on a lathe, like cutting spokes. That kind of work usually requires a mill and some fairly costly items like a rotary table. These days, real wheels are designed in 3D with a computer and cut out with a CNC mill, which is sort of out of the scope of what you probably want to do. I'd be happy to help you with any other questions you have.

[MicroNitro]

That is a great little lathe I have three and just ordered a fourth yesterday. You may want to get the 4500A as it comes with a chuck and tail chuck that you will need. I would not get any bits or cutting tools from Sherline they sell some real junk bits. A2Z has much better bits. You will need a left and right hand tool and a cut off tool. Good luck I have been machining for almost forty years and still enjoy it.

[Dr. Cranky]

I don't do it as often as I used to, but I have a Sherline, both the lathe and the mill, and I love them. I wish I could tuck them both under my pillow at night.

[Sixx]

That is a great little lathe I have three and just ordered a fourth yesterday. You may want to get the 4500A as it comes with a chuck and tail chuck that you will need. I would not get any bits or cutting tools from Sherline they sell some real junk bits. A2Z has much better bits. You will need a left and right hand tool and a cut off tool. Good luck I have been machining for almost forty years and still enjoy it.

Jim has got some AWESOME wheels!!!!!!! I've got several sets. Right now I'm using a set under my slot car bodies for pics.

[Dr. Cranky]

Derrick, you have a link?

[Prime]

Thanks to everyone for the responce.