Today I get to break-in my new micro lathe, turning toothpicks into ship's masts.
The toothpicks are 1/8" in dia. they are too thick to look anywhere near scale. They need to be reduced to
1/16" to be closer to scale and not be too fragile for when I start to rig her.
Marked off the toothpick to the required length, and selected the right collate to hold the toothpick. Inserted the toothpick so only 3/16" exposed, to reduce flexing, moving it out another 3/16" as working down the shaft.
I tried using the supplied gouge, but found it to be inappropriate for this job. Instead I found that using the flat
carving blade from the xacto set worked perfectly. "I think I need to invest in some micro turning tools."
I thought for sure I was going to snap one of these on the lathe, but I didn't.
This is the first mast that was completed, compared to the original toothpick. Checked with my calipers and it was even straight across. I haven't turned anything in 10 years.
This is the second mast on the lathe.
And finally the 2 completed masts compared to the original toothpick.
I was very happy with the performance of the little lathe. I just need better tools for it. Definitely needed
to use my magnifier with this job.
Now to colour and mount these two.
Any questions or comments please ask away.
Jim