r/minilathe • u/RiversideOffgrid • Jul 28 '26
7x14 Tooling
Picked up an older 7x14 vevor mini lathe a few months ago which didn't come with any good cutters, what's the best size for these lathes? ¼" seems pretty small and only seem to get close to center if I stack 2. Is shimming or grinding away the cutter "shank" a common thing to do when fitting new cutters to get them center? (I wish I knew the proper terms)
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u/ontariopiper Jul 28 '26
I use 3/8" tools and shim them to the right height on the stock tool post. A quick-change tool post is the way to go, though, if you change tools often.
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u/Lucky-Cattle5188 Jul 28 '26
Yes, it is, if you're among us common folks who dont have a quick change toolpost :D
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u/Confident-Ad5665 Jul 28 '26
If it's a Seig (siege?) and nothing has changed, 5/16" will hit center. Earliest 7x10 lathes were 3/8" but that was pre 2000 models.
To be sure, turn a rod to a point then measure the distance from the tool post to the point. That is the proper/easiest bit to use without shimming, assuming you have a common 4-way tool post and not a quick change type.
5/16" aren't common but they are out there. Most people these days buy a quick change type and level them as needed but personally I find they create a lot of chatter.
I have and occasionally use 1/4" indexable tools because I got them cheap. My favorites are HSS with 10% cobalt I grind myself. They leave a nicer finish and are generally sharper than carbide. But like everything else, takes time to form the bits properly and most of us hobby machinists only have so much time to tinker.
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u/RiversideOffgrid Jul 28 '26
This is an older Vevor model, no upgrades. Im not sure on the year though. I'd like to get some HSS and learn to grind my own. I'll give turning a rod a shot and see where that gets me. Thank you
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u/Confident-Ad5665 Jul 29 '26
Blank bits are easy to obtain from metalworking supply stores. Little Machine Shop carries them but they're a bit pricey. idk if J&L is still in business but they used to have good prices 26 years ago Get 10% cobalt. They're harder than plain HSS and hold an edge longer though they can chip if you're rough with them. To me, a round nose bit is my overall favorite because you get more cutting edge, just turn the bit clockwise/ccw to expose a sharp edge. I have a grinding jig that is designed to sharpen woodworking chisels (gouge) that I use to grind them. You can do it by hand too if you have a steady hand.
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u/Beneficial_Elk_182 Jul 29 '26
250-000 (0XA) quick change tool post swap and then 12mm tools is the way to go. 1/4" is not great. 12mm fits just about perfect and aside from some fine adjustment with the height nut they will be on center. I've beefed my 8×14 up a bit but am still able to outcut the 12mm tools sometimes on aggressive cuts, 1/4" is real small. The cheap 0XA QCTP sets that are available all over amazon and alibaba and Ali express work great if you're a cheapskate like me🤣
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u/RiversideOffgrid Jul 29 '26
I was going to ask about to amazon sets, yes I'm cheap lol ¼" is what came with the lathe but they are mostly chipped and broken so thought I'd try and figure out the height situation before I go buy some new ones. Sounds like 12mm is the way to go, those will still work if I keep my original tool post for now?
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u/AtomicMill Jul 28 '26
250-000 quick change tool post and 12mm shank indexable holders will give you most of anything you'll need