My Chinese Mill/Lathe Combo - Review and Projects

HQ400 Mill / Lathe by Chizhou Family Machine Tool Works (Anhui Chizhou Household Machine Tool Corporation)
HQ400 Manual - www.privatech.s...
BOSTAR AXA Size 250-111 Wedge Type Tool Post Tool Holders Set for Lathe 6-12"
rover.ebay.com...
amzn.to/35fSTuh
4" Precision vise - amzn.to/2B0iNnT
ER25 Collets - amzn.to/2KsLq1L
ER25 to Morse Taper 3 (MT3) Collet holder - amzn.to/2wYOOOE
Spindle DRO - amzn.to/2Oz1mTq
Good cheap digital calipers - amzn.to/2IDBNg7
The previous links are affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@Brunow007]

I love it how you work with what you got instead of complaining!

[@theeddies]

Complaining does not get anything done, and no one would listen anyway. 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Adapt and overcome!

[@raydenlucca9026]

you probably dont care at all but does any of you know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the account password. I love any tips you can give me.

[@vincentreuben8000]

@Rayden Lucca instablaster ;)

[@raydenlucca9026]

@Vincent Reuben Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@lauraswanson4806]

well it's a lathe kzbin.infoUgkxN9zrzkkhnjUF5PQbuA_B1gYdsfCu9k6z but it wasn't what i would have anticipated. Headstock, tailstock, carriage apron are manufactured from aluminum now not cast iron. The spindle diameter for the bearings is too small allowing for a few play in the spindle so I am using some blue Loctite to take out the play.

[@syrianlionidas]

hello brother.....my i'm Ebrahim..... is it a good machine ???.....is it worth it ????......i live in Syria and i found one at a local store.....the same as yours. should i buy it for my handmade stuff ??

[@theeddies]

Hello, It is a good beginner machine for doing small stuff. Great for plastic, brass, aluminum and mild steel. Great to learn on and I have made some impressive thing with it. Check out my other videos in this playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLAHFt4_nmEpoYg7RAqPOQRwHc963eytuZ Thanks, Eddie

[@DCRNLV]

Just picked up a similar project machine, trying to restore/piece together. Do you still have the old tool post & block? I could use one. Tnx!

[@theeddies]

Hello, sounds like a good project. I do still have the original post and block, I have an Atlas lathe I am working on and will be using the tool post and compound from this one. So I might want to keep the original if I need it in the future. Let me give it some thought. Are you in the US? International shipping would be very expensive, it is a heavy piece.

[@filipvanheer]

My late father had one like this (220 V version). I was 16 or 17 when he bought it. Gave it away yesterday (with all the accessoires he often made himself) to a friends son who's starting with experimenting with 'machine tooling'. Couldn't sell it, to emotional. Hope he'll have fun with it. He's slightly younger now than I was when my dad bought this one. Gave him a link to you channel, btw💪

[@theeddies]

Sounds like your friends son got an awesome christmas gift. And you got to pass on something very special to someone that will put it to good use. Good on you. Thanks! All the best! Eddie

[@zuberrawat5799]

Hi I'm missing a clutch on my lathe any information would help me before I attempt to make one.

[@titantitan3030]

a year the rails of the bench are showing wear as the peacock is going and the wear implies in varying the cylinder capacity, very beautiful, but very bad warm, so it happened to mine and I am for extreme cleaning, I never like to leave the dirty machine

[@zoticrr9638]

Hey greetings from México, i just got one exacly like that one but ints missing some stuff is there a way you can help me figure out what im missing to get it full 100% capacity, i been looking up to find info about it but it has no markings or stickers but I see that its the one, and I am planing to use it for motorcycle parts

[@theeddies]

Start here - www.privatech.se/Document/HQ400%20Manual.pdf If you send me pics on Instagram I might be able to help identify what you are missing. There is an IG link on my channel page. Top right. Thanks, Eddie

[@JustinJennings]

I love the use of a caliper for a DRO. That's clever.

[@theeddies]

Yes it is clever, not original but clever. Thanks for giving a watch. I got your other message and totally understand. There has to be some Farrier supply out there that sells coal and will ship it. I have also seen people selling it on ebay for about a $1 a pound with free shipping, if you have not seen that. All the best!

[@smashyrashy]

cn't be very accurate though esspecially if its a cheap one

[@robertblink4836]

I have the same lathe at home had it for about 15 years it handled all things i put it through

[@theeddies]

I know that these machines do not have great reps, but I agree with you. With a little thought and planning this thing can do a lot of work. I have never put anything in it that it failed to do. Thanks!

[@jeffprestage3821]

I have an HQ-400 Mill/Lathe that is missing the motor. Could you please post a picture of the motor Data plate so I have something to work from when shopping the THOUSANDS of motors available. Appreciate anything you can offer to help me choose the correct motor (115V not 220).

[@theeddies]

I will get you one, it will take me a day or so. Thanks!

[@jeffprestage3821]

@@theeddies Just a gentle reminder. I know you have bigger fish to fry than my request but when you have time could you post a photo of the motor data plate on your HQ-400 Mill Lathe. Much appreciated

[@theeddies]

@@jeffprestage3821 Lol, not bigger fish just a lot of fish. I am going to send you a link but there is a chance you will not get it because of YT comments. If you do not get it right away, email me. My email is on the ABOUT tab of my channel page.

[@theeddies]

@@jeffprestage3821 i.imgur.com/D09U5G5.jpg

[@Chrissrihcify]

Sorry lost the tread, someone queried the gear settings for metric threading on the later HQ400's aka AL280P's in Australia, There are two options one for a Metric Lead screw and the other for an Imperial (inch) . See page 10 of the Link Download Manual images.machineryhouse.com.au/products/L159/PDF/L159%20-%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf Download Parts List images.machineryhouse.com.au/products/L159/PDF/L159%20-%20Parts%20List.pdf

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday, it’s amazing what you can do on a small machine, all it takes is some thought as you said, cheers

[@theeddies]

Absolutely, I am looking to upgrade though, it is time. My area is pretty sparse for good affordable machines but I am looking.

[@tantaluss68]

they make a revolving threading die that fits in a tailstock that you can change out the tread dies and will automatically pop open and the end of the cut I used it all the time manually

[@theeddies]

Geometric die head. Would love to have one but the cost more than my machine. Lol.

[@oxtruck8054]

I have the exact same machine. You have shown me what to do with it so thank you. I am a subscriber of your channel now.

[@theeddies]

Awesome, thanks! I will have some more on the machine coming soon. If there is any questions I can possibly help with, let me know. All the best! Eddie

[@luubinhtoan9844]

I know how much it costs for a machine

[@desalvo66]

is there a way to tweak the clutch so u can run the lathe and mill at the same time..??

[@theeddies]

There probably is a way to "jam" the clutch or rig it the transmission so that it will turn both spindles at the same time. Occasionally the clutch slips out of alignment and turns both though the gears are not fully engaged. Of course if it did that each spindle would turn opposite one another because of the way the transmission works. It would probably be easier and less taxing on the motor to just add a motor to the mill head.

[@TheMarcball]

FYI, Chizhou is likely pronounced tchee-joe, and the Republic Of China is the official name of the island of Taiwan (as opposed to PRC peoples republic of China, the communist regime on the mainland)

[@theeddies]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I would thought it would have said made in Taiwan.

[@damienbovingdon1335]

more videos! i just bought one of these 2 weeks ago and im in love with it. im a beginner and have managed to make some great stuff

[@theeddies]

Very cool. I have several videos in a playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLAHFt4_nmEpoYg7RAqPOQRwHc963eytuZ and more on the way. I am going to be adding a digital readout, some general maintenance, and boring out a minibike cylinder. So stay tuned, and thanks for subbing.

[@zondepa5537]

Me too! I am trying to restore it first and put fresh paint onto it. Not a big deal but it takes some time! Does anybody have a manual for it? I want to know where are all the bearing sitting. By the way, great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@theeddies]

@@zondepa5537 The only manual I have found is this one. www.privatech.se/Document/HQ400%20Manual.pdf Thanks for watching.

[@zondepa5537]

@@theeddies awesome, thanks alot! My lathe is little bit different. Is the smaller one at 280s without adjustable moving drill but the rest is the same! Now i see the bearings! Thanks alot!

[@KW-ei3pi]

I've been enjoying your channel. I noticed the Tap/Drill chart on the wall. I believe that I have the same one and refer to it almost every day. I have discovered, however, after breaking several taps, that the chart is not for tapping in steel. Check some other sources online and see if that is the case with your chart. Could save you some time, frustration, and $$$, Keep up the good work.

[@theeddies]

Interesting. I had not noticed that but honestly I often do not use the "correct" size because I do not have a bunch of numbers/letter sizes. I will often use the next fractional size smaller.. I think that chart is based on 75-80% engagement which is pretty tight, whereas many charts give that as well as 60%. I just did a 6-40 thread with the bit listed on the chart in Aluminum and I would say it was the tighter fit thread. Actually now that I think about it. I did break two 10-32 taps a year ago in steel using the listed drill size, I thought I was hitting hard spots and using bad technique but maybe it is too tight. Thanks!

[@sar4564]

Are you able to cut gear Teeth with this ( of course using the right set up) ?

[@theeddies]

Sure, it would do that. It would be slower than a full size mill of course but it can do it. Thanks!

[@oldschool1993]

Smithy was a copy of the Shoptask. Smithy was not made in USA, they just pulled the wool over the eyes of a lot of folks.

[@theeddies]

I was not aware, good info. I will mention that in the next video on this machine. Thanks for watching!

[@neiljohnson9686]

Yeah that’s bullshit. I almost bought one used before I found that out.

[@juancelaya1939]

Does the screw on the very top has to be loose or is it screw on tight

[@theeddies]

Sorry but can you be more specific? The screw on the top of the mill spindle? That would be the draw bar and it needs to be tight when there is a tool in the spindle.

[@Chrissrihcify]

There is a spindle bar down the centre i have found that if you undo the thread 1 or two turns with a gentle tap it releases the MT3 tooling gently , milling collets , drill chuck or er collet holder

[@dass1333]

Nice to have a compact tool. If it gets done what it needs to then it's good tool, if it can do even more jobs in the same space in your shop...better! I have a Harbor F version. I have a southbend lathe so I removed all of the lathe parts and use the mill only. 100% within my skill and needs. Just put dro on it. My claDRO is on the quill. 😎

[@theeddies]

Totally agree. I am always looking for a better lathe but have not found one in my price range that fits my needs as well as this one. When I do I will likely make this just amill like you did. All the best! Eddie

[@1nvisible1]

*For those with small spaces I have the HF mini mill version and this version is about 3x as big. Very nice option to be able to swap Grizzly parts onto it*

[@metusa666]

I bought my lathe mill combo new bacl in 1993 it was badged as a NU TOOL NT500 it has the screw cutting on it as well i modified the mill to drive seperately fron a treadmill motor as i found the beveel gear arrangement noisy. They can do the work what they need is time and patience and know their limit

[@theeddies]

Running the head seperately seems to be more common than I thought. Thanks for sharing!

[@ProfRonconi]

Machines have specifications. Keep within them and you'll do great work!

[@theeddies]

Absolutely!

[@toddenglert4815]

I purchased same unit today gave four hundred for it ..came across your video like you said it will do what I need...

[@theeddies]

Hello, That is the same I gave for mine around 12-15 years ago. It can do a lot. I have many videos on this machine with mods and tips. If you have any questions along the way, I would be happy to help. All the best! Eddie

[@toddenglert4815]

Ok thanks friend

[@jamesmcalarney2991]

What size belts mine are worn

[@theeddies]

Hello, After a lot of trial and error I settled on a main belt that is 3/8" x 41" Kevlar which holds up better because the back of my machine leaks oil on it. amzn.to/33ukR76. I have not replaced the mill head belt yet, but it will be trial and error as well because the one that is on it is not right. It is a bit too tight to switch pulleys easily. But it works and I will wait until it breaks or slips to change, or until I just get tired of it. Thanks for watching! Eddie

[@davedegan12]

I have the same 3in1 mill but with the thread gears. I have on used the threading once - lol. I also need a new motor, I have rigged up another motor, but lost reverse direction. I will check on getting a grizzly one. Thanks for the info

[@theeddies]

Thanks for watching. Grizzly should have what you need. Grainger also has a good selection if you are in the US.

[@teegee2556]

Hey man, I always come back to your videos trying to figure out my own HQ 400 . One problem I have, I can't seem to find a good fitting belt for the motor. The ones I find are either too short or too wide. Can you tell me where you got yours, and what size? Thanks :)

[@adzythepwcblokeinaustralia5467]

I have the same lathe and I would really love a cross feed so I can turn tapers on a The lathe .

[@theeddies]

I can do short tapers without much issue, but longer ones like for tooling are a bit challenging, it can be done but requires 2 setups.

[@martinhauk1852]

I looked at this machine when I was in the market, but without a powered lead screw it's pretty much useless to me. I finally settled on a Grizzly 9415Z and later upgraded to a Grizzly 9729.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

thanks for sharing! i bought mine in the 90's mostly the same only my milling spinal is R8.

[@theeddies]

Thanks for watching. I had heard some came with an R8 spindle but not sure I have seen one. All the best! Eddie

[@peterjones6945]

II have almost identical mill/lathe combo but bit newer.(maybe 2004?) Don't know as I got it used. The tail stock has adjustments plus it has compound slide on a very lightweight rotating base. (that flexes like crazy if cut is too deep or I hit shoulder, etc) It's also a horrible maroon colour but I can't be bothered to re-paint it. Mill quill has R8 but I've never used it. This is first time I've seen another one even similar. Nice to see someone else making small parts for motorcycles on one

[@theeddies]

Hello, yours might be the one that Northern Tool sold for awhile, based on the color. It was probably made in the same factory. I did a few things to stiffen mine up and make it more useful. They are all pretty useless without some mods. The R8 quill is interesting, I had not seen that before, and I would love to have tailstock adjustment, I am dealing with it being a few thousands off right now. All the best! and thanks for watching.

[@tomwagemans1872]

I'm about to buy the same lathe/mill. Thanks for the review. This combo is just what I need to start my new hobby. Subcribed! Greeting from Belgium.

[@theeddies]

Welcome to the channel, I have a playlist of this machine and more are coming. Thanks, for watching.

[@tomwagemans1872]

Thanks again for the review. The one I'm about to buy even has the option for turning threads!

[@theeddies]

That makes it much more useful. I am very pleased with mine but would love to have the threading option. I am always looking for a better one but so far I have not found one for the right price (cheap) and close to me. Send some pictures when you get yours setup.

[@helmuthpoersch1214]

Cuánto dólar cuesta dis machin

[@theeddies]

$300-$1200

[@SteffanoDucati]

I have one of these but newer 2010 and a bit smaller ..... use it for my motorcycle projects as well :) ..... mine has a cross slide ... mill head and lather are powered separately off the motor .. independent swithces .... and will do threading .......also its metric which is perfect for me ..... has saved me TONS of $$ in time and project costs .... btw Im not a machinist either ......

[@theeddies]

That's awesome. I actually have a few videos coming up motorcycle machining related. I am going to attempt to bore out a cylinder for the first time. It is only a 50cc but is a vintage motor so it should be interesting.

[@petomor]

Compré ese modelo de torno. Fué mi primer torno. El mismo modelo. Trabajé con el en la década del '90. Una máquina muy versatil. Gran altura de volteo. Muy preciso.

[@theeddies]

Gracias por ver!

[@jamesmcalarney2991]

Thanks I just got the same machine any tips would help Las Vegas millwrights jimmy mac retired

[@theeddies]

Not sure I am qualified to give tips to a retired millwright. Only thing I can recommend is learn it's limitations and then figure out how to exceed them. :-)

[@stevexiao1488]

How does it compare with JYP290VF?

[@LEGOCAMARO]

Recently found a smithy for sale definitely thinking of picking it up for my shop. Just have no experience operating that machine.

[@theeddies]

They are great machines for light to mid work and easy to learn on. There is also lots of documentation available for the Smithy as well as replacement parts available.

[@joshuagibson2520]

What kind of price can a person expect to pay? I understand it can vary depending on what all tooling it may come with, but gimme a ballpark. I'd spend far more on associated tooling I'm sure. I am a machinist and been out of the trade a while. I'm dying to setup something at home. Of course a surface grinder as well. Lol

[@theeddies]

I would say for this particular machine as it bought it, good but in need of some tinkering, $400 tops. More from there if there are additional features like power feed etc. Top of the line for these used is still under $1000 in my opinion. No surface grinder attachments unfortunately, lol.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@theeddies very attainable then it seems. Thanks for your answers.

[@antonsujarwo2956]

My like... It's ok machine and I'm , complete the time review and the you good 👍 ok terimakasih... Mrs ? I am sorry,, ANTO S

[@theeddies]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@antonsujarwo2956]

@@theeddies ok boos so good

[@backwardsmachining7526]

I was actually going to convert one of those machines to CNC myself instead of have two different machines. Plus I figured there might be a way to convert the lathe spindle to a 4th axis but in the end laziness won out lol. If you end up wanting to thread on that machine it doesn't cost a lot to put some steppers and breakout board on it... That machine looks fairly simple to do it too ( The lathe part)

[@theeddies]

I have never really wanted to CNC this machine, I enjoy manual controls and it makes one off parts so really not worth it to me. However, I have thought about and looked into using steppers to control threading. I think I ended up deciding that I could buy a mini lathe or an old small Atlas for near the price and time. It could certainly be done and I am sure someone has done it but not sure it would really be worth it. The timing issues between a belt fed drive system running off a conventional motor and a stepper on the lead screw...ah it makes my head hurt and my own laziness take over. If you have any resources of a similar one that has been done, I would love to see it. Also turning the lathe spindle into a 4th axis would necessitate a total redesign of the drive mechanism. The 2 spindles share the same drive but operate independently and are not meant to turn at the same time. They are switched by a selector clutch. They also turn opposite one another so if you could lock them together somehow, one or the other would spin backwards. You reverse the motor when switching between lathe and mill. That has caught me out a few times, lol. I have seen a lot of attempts at making this design into CNC and not one has been 100% successful (by not successful, I mean I never saw a real part come out of one and that is the only thing important to me), not saying it cannot be done but most end up with a CNC lathe (with a bunch of parts and wires sticking out of it) and give up on the mill. Check out my videos on the cross slide DRO I installed, just putting something simple like that on it was a bit of a challenge and took away a bit of machine capacity. Sorry if I sound a bit negative Nancy, probably a bit of laziness mixed with a lot of pragmatism. Thanks for watching and I subbed to you, looks like you have some interesting projects.

[@backwardsmachining7526]

@@theeddies you don't sound sound negative at all. In fact that sounds realistic and very well researched. I personally don't know anything about these machines( lathe/mill combos) as I have no hands on experience. For me it was a passing glance and one of those visions of granger which as we both know would have most likely turned into exactly what you said. Possibly a CNC lathe with not much else lol.

[@theeddies]

@@backwardsmachining7526 I initially had the same thoughts (CNCing it) when I bought it. I pretty quickly gave up as I found a lot more experienced people than me try and fail and it is just more useful to me as a manual machine for one off parts and prototyping.

[@stevexiao1488]

I am thinking about he same thing. I have a cheap CNC mill, which control system could be used for CNC retrofit. Need to replace screw bars and tied to steppers.

[@Szeki28]

Nice video and machine! This manufacturer is one of the leading in china probably. (Current name: Anhui Chizhou Household Machine Tool Corporation. Brand name: White Eagle) I ordered one 1440 lathe directly from china, (in 2018 May), it will arrive end of December this year. I hope my machine will good also...

[@theeddies]

Thanks for the info and watching. I hope you enjoy you enjoy yours as much as I do mine

[@Szeki28]

@@theeddies Yes...... I hope.........

[@jimmacaulay844]

Kewl to see how someone actually gets along with the same piece of c... I mean low end machine I have! Some questions: The adjustable Gib on the left-right (x-axis?) is ineffective, and I can't see how to adjust it. Any ideas? I see you have a nice handwheel on the quill fine adjust. Mine has a little knob, difficult to use. Added, or just a newer model? I bought mine new in the 80's. I notice 2 years ago you had 2 handles on the quill feed, but only one now. Did it break off like mine did, or did you remove it intentionally? Some day I'll fix mine. I'm likely to have more questions later! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@theeddies]

Hello, I changed out the little knob with a little handwheel that I think came from a an old table saw that was parted out. The little knob was annoying. I changed the lead screw handwheel out to a Bridgeport style but that was because the original was broken. One of the handles on the quill was actually broken before I got it. They replaced it with a piece of dowel rod covered in a rubber hose and bunch of electrical tape for the hand hold part. I am finally getting around to making something to replace it. It was also in the way of filming in a previous video so there is a chance I just may not put it back on. The gib on the right to left carriage attached to the leadscrew would actually be the Z, it only makes sense if you are looking at the lathe long ways from the tail stock or head stock. Tool height would be Y. So the gib on mine works as it should but it is double locking set screws. There are 2 screws holes right and left of the carriage that are accessed from the front underneath. Those have 2 set screws in each hole. One to set and the other to lock once set. So you have to take the first ones out to adjust. Then there is a middle single screw attached to a small lever that acts as a means to lock the carriage for rigidity when using. I do not have a specific video showing how it all works but the following video shows me taking the carriage off to install a DRO. You might get a bit of idea what's going on looking underneath. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iniso3Sur5p7bdU&ab_channel=the_eddies

[@jimmacaulay844]

@@theeddies the little lever on mine hits something before it can lock. Maybe tightening the screws will fix that? I'll have to examine it more closely, and of course watch your video! Not right now, I'm in the doctor's office waiting for him to come in... Thanks!

[@thefretfiend]

I have an HQ400/3a like that. Mine has the power feed and can cut threads. Has the Enco name on it. I think I only paid about six hundred for it new back in the nineties. The mill is a little limited, but the lathe has a very large swing for its size. Not a lot of rigidity tho. Don't try doing cutoffs on it.

[@theeddies]

That was an excellent price even back then. I paid $400 for this one 4-5 years ago but I have put several more hundred into tooling and upgrades. I don't have much problem with cutoffs, IF the stick out is short and the tool is set perfect. However, I think my tool holding setup is more rigid than stock, and I also have my cross slide dialed in fairly tight but still moves easy. I have been meaning to try a method I have seen where you mount the cutoff tool backwards and reverse the lathe and cut from the back toward you. Others with small lathes have had some success with that. Might be a better solution for steel. Best!

[@pcrengnr1]

@@theeddiesThx to taking the time showing what you have done with this machine and it's capabilities. Wow they were branded by so many companies; Enco, Bolton, Grizzly, Smithy and others I can't recall at this time. My only gripe is that that cross-slide screw pitch is 2mm like the main leadscrew. This makes for turning diameters touchy and you really do need a DRO for the cross-slide. When you do that the cutoff tool cannot bind. The geometry is such that the tool moves away from the work piece instead of digging in. It's a worthwhile method to use. I have the bigger brother to this one. It is the Smithy 1220 combo machine. Fortunately, it can thread. I've been wanting to convert it to an electronic leadscrew. What I have found is that these machines are rigid enough to break tools and hold tolerances. You were right about working on appropriately sized work pieces when you do these machines do quite well. Thx again.

[@theeddies]

@@pcrengnr1 Thanks for watching. I still have not tried the reverse cut off, I honestly have not had much trouble with that as long as I have a good straight square cutoff tool. Still might be something i will give a try sometime though. You are right there are a ton of these machines and most seem to be made in the same area of China. Northern Tools was selling one of these with their branding, just like mine up until about 10 years ago. The cross slide DRO is essential. The dials on this machine are not accurate at all. I actually just got a new DRO, a bit of an upgrade, though still cheap. I will be putting it on soon. I think a lot of people don't give these machines enough credit or are just beginners who do not have a good grasp of machining in general. If you take the time and give the setup some thought these can do some pretty impressive mill work. And rigidity can be had but you have to work with the machine to find it. It helps mine is bolted down to a very heavy base as well. All the Best! Eddie

[@silly800ify]

Can remove the tail stock spindle?

[@theeddies]

Yes, just keep keep extending it. It will eventually come free.

[@silly800ify]

@@theeddies ok cool, thanks!

[@kenisvlogph6566]

That was the same as mine. The shop task lathe mill drill combo.

[@theeddies]

Do you use it still?

[@kenisvlogph6566]

Yes and i am planing to make it a cnc. But i will remove the milling 😊

[@theeddies]

@@kenisvlogph6566 It will work great without the mill. :-) I guess you saw the other video I just released on that very topic?

[@worldcollections2839]

the drill chuck will not reach to the workpiece in the vise

[@theeddies]

Yes. For many parts you will need a riser. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZnPdmB7ZtCorsU

[@7ann3]

I just bought the exactly same lathe today. a heavy title fucker :) But it has power feed on the slide. Got a small vice winch also works as a top slide. Got confused since i thought i would be able to adjust the mill head vith the black ring? I hav a Emco maximat 10P with millhead. What i like with thisone is the distanse from bed to chuckcenter. I will change to a thee phase motor and inverter for adjustable speed.-

[@theeddies]

Nice! Yes, I intially thought the black ring was the adjustment as well, turns out it is just the fixed part of the pivot. Some of the other clones have an up and down adjustment that is made by the ring. The power feed will be very useful for you. The center distance is very useful for odd or oversized pieces. I think just the lathe alone is much better than most small lathes out there because the machine is heavier and the center distance. The 3 phase with speed control is something I am looking into as well. Though the single phase motor on it is plenty strong enough for my purposes. Thanks for watching!

[@7ann3]

@@theeddies I have some yskawa inverters wich i have figured out how to set for 3 phase motors. I can then adjust speed with at external pot and fow/rev with a -swtitch. Like i said i have a couple of Emco lathes wich is supposed to be Q mashines but the distance from bed to chuck is poor. Only like 12 cm. On this chinese lathe it is around 22cm and thats what i like. It feels very rigid and i think it is more than enough for me as a hobyist who just needs to lathe some bras bearings, keyways and so on. maby some break disk? Åöz, if y-ou have more tips and so on let men know or make a vid about it :) BR 7anne

[@theeddies]

@@7ann3 It should work well for you for those uses. I have a playlist of videos using this machine and different mods I have made to it. But I am always doing more so there will be more videos in the future. The best tip I can give is change the chuck mounting bolts to studs. It makes it much faster to change from lathe to mill. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHe6qoaZbs1ljKs It is a very easy mod but incredibly useful.

[@T0BBi94]

Great video! Im taking a machine shop course right now and I am having a lot of fun, never knew machining was this accessible to hobbyists. Just saw the exact same model that you have for sale near me for $850. Nothing that Im considering buying (dont have the funds, space or time), but Im tempted to one day own something similar.

[@theeddies]

Thanks for watching. Yeah, four years ago i knew nothing about machining, I always sent my parts out to be done. Now I can do a lot myself. $800 is very high if it is the same machine, I paid $400 for this one though I did have to do some repairs.

[@T0BBi94]

@@theeddies Wow! Alright, good to know, its really hard to know when there isnt that much used machines on the market near me, and everything new is crazy expensive in comparison.

[@silly800ify]

How do you oil it? What kind of fitting?

[@theeddies]

Hello, I put a link to the manual in the description of the video. It will tell you all about oiling. Thanks, Eddie

[@silly800ify]

@@theeddies thanks

[@cabinetdr.labbene6512]

I bought the same one a couple of days ago and think it would be great for a beginner like me. Indeed very rare data available about this model but it should be great for small pieces of soft material. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@theeddies]

It is a great beginner model. I have a whole playlist of my experience with the machine and am always adding new ones. All the Best! Eddie

[@stevexiao1488]

Where did you buy? Thinking about one, too

[@dziggy3004]

Your ending part says it all! ;)

[@theeddies]

👍

[@snaponjames]

I like this. Because the mill head rotates, couldn't you build a mill table on the other axis, and not have to switch everything around each time? It would use a lot more space, but???

[@theeddies]

Thanks. The little table on the side of the machine was the previous owners attempt to use the head away from the lathe bed. he had it set up as a drill press table. Unfortunately, even with the machine bolted to the table the rigidity of that set up was not great, the table btw has a 1/4" metal top and heavy bracing. For drilling, it was usable but for milling it would only be good for really light cuts, not much better than milling on a drill press. The weight of the machine working with itself provides a lot more to the rigidity than even I expected. And this thing needs every bit of strength it can get. I guess that is why good machines are heavy and huge. Switching around is actually not that bad, it only takes about 8 minutes. It really only bothers me if i have to do multi processes on the same part, but that is pretty rare for me. I had the same thought as you initially but it just flexed too much for me, so I changed the little table to a workspace and just use my drill press for holes. All he best!

[@snaponjames]

@@theeddies that makes perfect sense. I am a 24 year millwright in the gold mines and have used the big machines at work. I am going to buy a mill and a lathe for the home workshop this year, but they won't be heavily used. I considered the bench top ones, but for the same money really, I can get some industrial sized machines that might need a little work. That's my thinking anyway. We will see. Cheers mate!

[@theeddies]

@@snaponjames If I had the space, I would go for a Bridgeport and a smallish engine lathe like a South Bend or Rivet or even a good size Atlas . But for the space I have this fits ok for now. I will say if I worked on big machines all day this would feel like a toy:-) I am looking for a smallish bench top lathe, something with threading and auto feed but prices are high around me for something decent. I would like to use this for milling and have a smaller lathe that would handle 90% of the turning I do. Best!

[@MrOzzyCam]

I have had one of these now for a few years now and it has served me well. I made it an easy variable speed with a treadmill motor and that has worked for me. In Australia we have 240 V at 10 amps and that helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d16rZphthtGFec0

[@theeddies]

Hello, I actually remember seeing your videos when I was researching mine. Thanks for that. Yes, I much prefer 240v and have my shop wired for it, if I ever replace this motor it will be with a two phase type. All the best! Eddie

[@raymondj8768]

wow dude thats a great machine thanks for sharing !!

[@theeddies]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@luubinhtoan9844]

我想買一枱,价钱？我在越南請報价吧！

[@theeddies]

I have no idea how much one costs or how to get one in Vietnam.

[@TheBabias]

Good machine! Do you know how to check/change the oil of spindles?

[@theeddies]

There is a plate on the back, directly behind the spindle. You remove it and then basically fill the cavity until it is level with the bottom of the opening. I use 10w30 but will probably use straight 30 wt next time. I am actually going to be checking it very soon. If you are interested, I can video me doing it. Thanks for watching.

[@TheBabias]

ok, thank you very much for the info! I have understood how to check it, so the video is not necessary, but if you make it I will watch it for sure. Thanks again!

[@toolman7540]

Once you can do all that you are a machinest

[@theeddies]

I would not call myself a machinist, but it can do a lot.

[@QwikKota]

The outside of that carb spacer came out great. I would not have been able to freehand that and have the same result.

[@theeddies]

Thanks! It's just a matter of going slow with the bandsaw and belt sander, slower with the hand sanding on a flat plate, and then scotch brite. I wish i would have gotten some pics after my dad finish polished it. It was like a mirror.

[@QwikKota]

@@theeddies Surface finish I am pretty good at. Roughing the perfect shape is another matter. It definitely helps when you are not in a hurry!

[@hhe5218]

Does the mill have a drawbar?

[@theeddies]

It is set up for one. I assume it orginally came with one though mine did not have it. I made mine.

[@jontefiegert7355]

I got the same machine but I didn't figure out how to change the milling head... Could you give me some advice?

[@theeddies]

I am not sure what you mean by "change the milling head". Do you mean how to change the tooling or how to make the milling head work or what?

[@jontefiegert7355]

@@theeddies sorry haha yes I meant change the tooling... It's kinda stuck I think

[@theeddies]

@@jontefiegert7355 There is 2 ways to do it. There is a slot in the side of the quill, if you extend it you will see it (pause the video at 9:57 and you can see it on the quill). In there you can put a thin wedge of steel to knock the tooling loose. The tool is called a drill drift I think and looks like the one at following link, I made mine. www.abmtools.com/wp-content/uploads/drill-drift.jpg OR you can use a long piece of metal rod (draw bar) and a hammer from the top through the middle of the quill. Hope that helps!

[@Chrissrihcify]

@@jontefiegert7355 unbolt the drawbar down the centre of the spindle... Undo one or two turns then a gentle tap and the MT3 releases from the spindle. I use a collet spanner working against the spindle bolt

[@richardsellars8598]

Smithy was made in China

[@patdudley7635]

I built a cnc router that mills m/c parts in aluminium very good. I wouldn’t know where to start if I hAd hand controls instead of a computer . Nice video

[@theeddies]

I 100% learned to operate a manual lathe and by watching KZbin videos. I have read a lot since and learned about how to make stuff from that but as far as knowing how it operates, it was all youtube. I can take a computer apart,, rebuild it and use it but 3D software a G code is like early machine language to me. I work at it once in awhile and will get there though. I would like to do something like what you descibe in the future though. All the best! Eddie

[@patdudley7635]

@@theeddies Im in NZ and there are no grizzly type lathes available. We can import new chinese lathes from Aliexpress but Im a bit skeptical on the build quality and accuracy of these machines. They dont look half as solid as the one you have there.

[@theeddies]

​@@patdudley7635 It would surprise me if the factory in China are not still making an upgraded version of this. I know Clarke had a model that was sold in the UK and Australia as well I think. Honestly the only difference between the name brands and straight from China are maybe a bit more quality assurance. Though the Grizzlys I have seen need as much tune up as anything else from China. I spent quite a few hours on this one getting everything in line when I first got it. The lathe is actually very good for what it is. The mill head can do any milling but steel parts are sometimes challenging and setups are always a chore. For the space I have though it is perfect. And for nearly everything I do it get the job done. I am always on the lookout for a small lathe that can thread though.

[@patdudley7635]

I’m looking at a few local places who obviously import and add their brand. I can understand I have to buy one to work the size of the parts I need to make, but I’m unsure of a few other things. I work mainly with aluminium m/c parts. Sometimes a few small steel parts. How important is the swing over size ?. Is 550w a good power for a motor or maybe A lathe 1hp would be better ? Are there any features that are “must have” when buying a new one.

[@theeddies]

@@patdudley7635 If you mean swing oer size for the lathe. Not very. I do mostly MC parts as well and the biggest swing item I have done is an 8" brake drum, so 8" swing. Mine actually will do close to 14" (7" between center of chuck and lathe bed). But I have never used that much. Get as big a motor as you can, much better to have too much motor than have too little. I think mine is 1 HP and the belts will slip before it bogs down. Those little 550w treadmill type induction motors would be pretty useless the way I use it. What I would look for if I was going to buy one would be weight (heavier the better), threading capability (can it do many different metric and imperial threads), metal gears and pulleys, length (17" or longer the better, you always need more room than you think even for short parts), spare parts availability. Just off the top of my head.

[@firsttimejongbuild]

Hey man! Love the video! Great info! I have this machine also but it has sat more than ive used it. I want to do more milling and love your mill work. Hope to watch more and maybe connect :)

[@theeddies]

Thanks! Anything I can do to help, let me know. Best! Eddie

[@firsttimejongbuild]

@@theeddies thanks! Maybe connect on Facebook? My name should be showing? Plz add me!

[@theeddies]

@@firsttimejongbuild I don't really do Facebook, Instagram @ecchrist23

[@firsttimejongbuild]

@@theeddies ok i added you! Can you reccommend a good collet chuck and collet set for it? Its been my wished upgrade since day 1 but never have got one. This is now my priority!

[@theeddies]

@@firsttimejongbuild I use the ER25 collets and holder that are listed in the description to this video.

[@yt-djw1419]

can you mill cross ways

[@theeddies]

Absolutely. The travel is about 7" across the lathe bed.

[@azinfidel6461]

How did the AR lower turn out ?

[@theeddies]

They were a fun project, I learned a lot about milling and set ups making them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boaTpYCerc-Wo5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYPcmoeGg82csJI You are the first one to mention that bit.

[@azinfidel6461]

Its like a Inkblot test, I can spot an ar under a pile of chips. BTW good video about the machine . i have 2 similar machines that work well.

[@theeddies]

@@azinfidel6461 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@pouya4116]

Can you turn brake rotors?

[@theeddies]

I have a video where I turned a brake drum successfully. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqnZk4iHaaycZ9E But it is funny you mention rotors, I have a Honda one that is scrap, I am going to try to turn it soon, probably in the next couple of weeks. But (spoiler) I am pretty confident it will work, I just have to get creative with getting the bit far enough out to the edge.

[@dvig3261]

Pretty sure the grizzly version was also made in china...

[@theeddies]

It definitely was, maybe the same factory.

[@Gouchybear]

Very nice video, thanks for taking the time to produce it. My brother in law gave me one of these several years ago. The machine sat outside for many years, sometimes covered, sometimes not. Mostly not. Fortunately there wasn't any water intrusion in the bearings, and the bed had been well greased so no rust issues there, either. I did have to make a new nut for the feed screw. I am now looking to replace standard 4 way tool post with a quick change model. I notice you have a BOSTAR AXA wedge style QCTP. I would appreciate it if you would share your thoughts with me about this tool post. Thank you!

[@theeddies]

Hello, thanks for watching. Bang for the buck, I like the Bostar. It is probably a step below a Phase 3, but for my use, it was well worth the price. I have not had any issues with it. Even the holders appear well built. I have heard alot of people have trouble with the threads and set screws stripping on the cheaper QCTP's , but I have not had any of those problems. The threads on the center post are also still in great shape after several years of use. The quick connect is solid as long as you give the lever a good palm tap to lock it. I have some other videos planned on some of the mods, so consider subscribing if you have not already. All the best!

[@jenngill7772]

@@theeddies how many nugga-nuggas is a quick palm slap?🤔 😂. Honestly I found this video because I’m considering buying a similar machine and wanted honest opinions about it. Thanks for the review. 😁👌

[@theeddies]

@@jenngill7772 Thanks for watching. The nugga nugga went right over my head.

[@jenngill7772]

@@theeddies it’s a form of measurement my millennial friend taught me. 😸 One or two nugga nuggas is snug, 3 or 4 is tight, anything over 10 is stripped. 😹 Refers back to air impact guns...

[@theeddies]

@@jenngill7772 Ah, I have heard that same idea several different ways. Chunkas, uggas, etc. I just did not make the connetion for some reason. I like nugga but it seems they missed an obvious opportunity. Just make it snugga. Sungga, sungga, snugga, snugger...snuggist... TIGHT!... snap... loose

[@michaelwest7844]

I bought an identical machine in 1989 whilst living in Hong Kong and use it now in the U.K. The 230V 3/4 HP Chinese motor didn't last long, so replaced it with a 1/2 HP Italian unit and the feed screws/nuts have worn badly but it's O.K. for the odd jobs I might need to make. Don't get old - you won't like it....

[@ProgressorMusicAcademy]

These things were also sold as Wemas VM 400 HS in Germany.

[@geraldelliott6161]

I have an HQ500 Combo Lathe/Milling Machine . Lathe has 3 speeds, powered transverse and feed so I could do threading. I use it mostly to make small parts for my road race car. I am by no means a machinist . Find I am constantly learning. I do very little milling but a few of my crew have been using it. I have had to replace all the bearings in the head and recently had to repair the emergency shut off and replace the Forward / Reverse switch.

[@ronstudd3788]

I have what looks to be the identical machine. Mine is an Enco 109-1005, I think perfect for my learning purposes. I hope to establish very good accuracy and precision - eventually. Mine was free - it was going to be scraped. - manufactured 08/2000. Thank you for sharing your video! Cheers!

[@theeddies]

They can do very good accurate work, just have to go slow and stay within the limitations. thanks!

[@johnstrange6799]

It seems a lot of people are down on them, but it looks pretty cool to be honest. I'm not sure about more modern versions, but yours looks decent enough to do some good work and learn on. What is the swing over the ways? Thanks.

[@theeddies]

It is perfect for me because I get the mill and lathe function in one small space. For the size parts I deal with it is just about perfect. The total swing is over 14" but to reach that you would have to be creative with the tool post. I have another video where I turn an 8" brake hub kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqnZk4iHaaycZ9E I had to turn the tool post past 90 degrees to reach the outside, so that is probably the usable limit with the set up I have now. Thanks for watching.

[@johnstrange6799]

Even near 14" is impressive. The machine's overall size is also surely a plus. It was pretty slick of the previous owner to add the vise table on the side for drilling. I suppose you could also use a little cross slide table on there for other small/quick milling or drilling operations if you didn't want to disassemble the machine's cross feed out of lathe mode. I forgot to mention before that of course the first thing I thought of was, "There's one like Mustie1 has." :) @@theeddies

[@theeddies]

@@johnstrange6799 I have used it with a drill vise and stop jig when I made my shop press for drilling 3/4" holes that were all in the same relative position. For drilling those holes in 5/16" box frame it was perfect because of the rigidity. But honestly, the drill press with a movable table is more versatile for me for most of what I deal with. It makes a great tool tray and base for indicators, though, and is still there if I need a more rigid setup. Yeah, Mustie has the slightly upgraded one with the driven main screw. I have reached out to him because I have manuals and info that he might be interested in but have not heard back. I am sure he gets a thousand emails a day so no big deal.

[@johnstrange6799]

Yeah I feel you. A clear flat area in a shop is sometimes hard to come by, so I can imagine that a set up tray area could also be mighty handy on a machine. I just eliminated my workbench to make more room. What a mistake that was! At some point Mustie told me he would sell me his for $400 I think it was. Nice thing about a machine like that is there is always someone looking for one, so when or if it comes time to upgrade (Depending where you live of course) you should have little trouble selling it. @@theeddies

[@theeddies]

John Strange A clear space just means you have a place for a new project. :-) I wish I lived closer, I would snatch that in a minute for $400. I gave that for this one about 4 years ago. I am sure I could get at least that now with all the mods and fixes, in Georgia. I can throw a carb in any direction and hit an aspiring amateur bike builder that would kill for one of these, around here.

[@tannerhammons581]

Awesome videos you have on this machine. I just bought the exact same model for a couple hundred bucks as my first lathe and I've been working on gathering more information on it. Your videos are appreciated!

[@theeddies]

Thanks, it is a fun machine for sure.

[@atown4428]

That bird in the background is epic.

[@theeddies]

I am guessing you mean the neighbors rooster who used to do the soundtrack for many of my videos. He has expired.

[@ihateemael]

@@theeddies came to dinner!

[@theeddies]

@@ihateemael I believe he did, lol.

[@andrewcole6367]

Being English you got me looking out to see if I'd missed an attractive woman

[@theeddies]

@@andrewcole6367 lol, Anytime I think of bird used in that context I either hear Eric Idle's or Benny Hill's voice in my head.

[@carlmclelland7624]

Yep, I've had that same machine for going on twenty years and like you said... it does a great job for what it's designed for. I never needed to do threading, so the lack of drive motors didn't bother me. I like the tool stand you made... there's a lot of flutter in the original one that you showed. For milling, I made a plate that bolts to the table. It's drilled and threaded for the 3/8" clamping set. I didn't use the mill feature for long, though. I bought an Enco gear drive mill/drill. Between those two tools there isn't much I couldn't do. You also said the 'magic word.' The machine will do "Almost" anything you want it to do, you just have to give it some thought and adapt.... OH... the one thing I always contemplated doing was fabricating an intermediate pulley setup so I could slow the lathe down. It turns too fast for trying to turn brake rotors or flywheels. (A buddy at a 'real' machine shop used to let me use a big lathe for doing that).

[@theeddies]

I agree with everything you said, lol. Good breakdown.

[@jacknissen6040]

mine has pulleys for six speeds. 3sets. one long v belt and 2 shorter ones for the slow speeds. on the motor, the pulley has 4 grooves. smallest goes to the jockey only. then theres on other pulley theres 3 grooves for the slow speeds.

[@theeddies]

Yes, I have seen that setup. It is a little bit more refined than my machine.@@jacknissen6040

[@AGEngineering]

Thanks for the machine tour. I always wanted one of these type of machines years ago, they were sold as Chester brand over in the UK. When I had a small workshop in a terraced house it would have been ideal as there was restricted access to the workshop down what we call an 'entry' , a narrow passageway between 2 houses maybe 3.5ft wide, no way could I have a full size mill and lathe.

[@theeddies]

Hey Ade, thanks for dropping by. It is a simple machine but it does a lot of what I need, making widgets and spacers and things. I am about to see if it will accurately overbore a cylinder for the first time. It is just a little vintage 50cc Moto Morini cylinder. Check out the conclusion to my DIY Coax indicator build if you have a few minutes. I did get some acceptable precision out of the machine in making the tool which was a step towards my boring experiment. Full disclosure, the beginning of the video is just a bit of fun for a tool making competition. But the rest shows how it works and the tool working. The design ( not my own) is perfect for this machine because it significantly reduces the headroom needed to use it unlike a Blake indicator. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIvcnHt4osl0bck All the best and always look forward to your videos, Eddie