 | Metal and Woodworking |
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I have been lurking for several days on this site and am very
impressed with it. I am a woodturner interested in starting in
metalworking as well as using the metal lathe and/or mill on wood
turnings. One contact said to be careful as the two hobbies don't do
too well together because the fine wood dust mixes with the oil and
grease in the gears, etc of the metal lathe and causes problems. Is
this a real problem if the metal lathe is reasonably covered? Are
there any groups who use metal equipment on wood?
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That's right they don't go together After working with machinists'
calipers, mics, squares you'll find you need a more expensive table saw et.
al. and using a tape measure just won't. But seriously, it isn't that hard to keep the dust out of a small lathe or
mill. Strategic covers and a vacuum nozzle as close as possible to the
point of cutting are a big help. I have abused an import mill-drill for
years with wood chips and it appears no worse for wear. The usual period
cleaning and wiping takes care of it. On the other hand I wouldn't let
wood near my lathes, and keep all the metal cutting tools covered in sheets
when making lots of sawdust in the shop. That has more to do with the
particular lathes than with wood in general. I figure the simpler and smaller the metal lathe, the more compatible it is
with wood. Investing in a small, perhaps well-worn metal lathe dedicated to
wood is a reasonable path.
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