What are some sellable projects to do with a metal mini-lathe?
I really want to buy the 8x12 metalworking lathe that Harbor Freight sells for a couple of projects I want to do. However, I'm having a hard time justifying the initial cost just for some of my personal uses.
Does anyone know of, or have experience with, making some metal objects with a lathe that I can sell and make up for the cost? Any websites, books, etc.... where I can get some ideas?
Thanks!
~ I would suggest ball point pen bodies…
Make some out of brass, copper, aluminum, titanium, or other exotic metals… do some special ‘knurlling’ to give the pens grip or texture… advertise as built to order with metals of their choice, or of a selection of stock you have or can purchase…
Target a specific group of people for your pens based on the metals or colors.
Although it is a metal lathe, you can use exotic woods, plastics or other materials to manufacture ‘blanks’.
Experiment… go to some websites for manufacturing pen blanks… Everyone needs GOOD pens… specially if they are built by “CJP” …
Well, my brother makes custom bullet casings and various and sundry machine parts with his lathe. You can also make just about anything with a metal lathe that you would with a wood lathe–I’d think candlesticks, lamp bases, etc. Alternatively, you could also find some jewelry applications–it’s a great way to make a uniform ring, and you could also just play with it and get some intersting components.