Yes, I have several sets of their tools and am satisfied.? Made in USA, not China.

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I've always been interested in HSS inserts, but didn't know enough about them to know where to look, or what to look for.? Care to share some part numbers?

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One advantage, though it ?may seem counter intuitive, is that they are HSS not carbide. Really sharp HSS actually works better than carbide on smaller machines. I am a big fan of Warner HSS inserts.

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Has anyone had direct experience with AR Warner HSS inserts?
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http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972
?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?
?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS
?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS
?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS?
?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET
?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION

The original model is posted in several places. This one is on thingiverse.?

This is the original design:



I’ll post the 3d model files for my changes after I confirm that everything works together properly.?

The original model was intended to be a ‘Dremel’ drill press. I liked the robust design of the column and rack gear operation, so I adopted it as the starting point. It had an insert to hold the rotary tool and two threaded spots to anchor that.?
I have added ‘tool heads’ and changed the way they are inserted into the main housing. Originally they were installed from the bottom. I didn’t like that so it changed. Now they go in from the top and are firmly anchored in 3 places.?



Above are two tool heads. One is blank for future use and the other holds the soldering iron for use with heat inserts.?



That’s the iron installed in the tool head.?



And the tool head assembly installed and ready for use.?



During the build I found various knobs for use on the machine and designed a few installation bits too. I like to print spares while making small parts like this. They will come in handy I’m sure.?

I added shims (made of aluminum flashing) to tighten the tool head holder on the rack gear. The fit was fine as originally designed, but I wanted a more stable setup. This worked perfectly. Those shims with the addition to an adjustable gib on the left side of the tool head holder makes it possible to lock the head in one position or adjust the up and down movement to the desired tension. The gib itself is made from a bit of polyethylene (I think) from a broken Sterilite storage box. Nice and soft and slick.?

Of course I added the knobs to the adjustment bolts.?

The tapping head is on the printer now. I still need to add a spring, the original design has a spring loaded ‘carrier’ to keep the main tool head holder at a given height and give a spring powered movement.?

I’ve created a little machine by mixing various 3d printed models I found online and adding my own Tinkercad bits.?
It is designed to help with creating accessories for the Unimat and other tools. It facilitates tapping alignment, hot insert additions to 3d models and probably a lot more to be discovered yet.?







It facilitates tapping alignment, adding hot thread inserts to 3d models and probably much more to yet be discovered.?

颁辞苍迟颈苍耻别诲…

One has to pay attention when using any tools, or suffer the consequence. Oops, blood everywhere!

If you have the switch on the motor you could switch that off while setting up the lathe and only switch it back on when you're ready to start turning. Of course you might forget . . .

Me too, never looked back.

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I use the same thing.

Peter B.

I agree with Carl, a foot switch can be a option for a Unimat.
I've been using momentary foot switches almost exclusively on my Unimats and several other tools that benefit from "hands-off" power control. I wouldn't suggest anything but "momentary" operation as these supply power only when depressed (like the accelerator pedal in your car). I think a "latching" or on/off footswitch could be dangerous in some situations.?
I haven't upgraded to DC motors yet, but when I do, there will be a foot control option built into the power distribution.?

I have a couple TEMCo branded switches pictured below which have been working flawlessly for hundreds of hours. The $12 Wen in the link looks similar and a good value.?

WEN WA0392 120V 15-Amp Momentary Power Foot Pedal Switch for Woodworking

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Hi Gang:

I used a foot control from a sewing machine for a while. It was great for polishing.

Carl.

I was surprised at him using that switch. It really is no different from using one on a full size lathe, IMO. I do enjoy watching him, he makes me smile. But, I’ll use a regular switch.?