Smithy CB-1220XL First Time Use (after repairs)

first time using my smithy lathe after i fixed the issues it had.

[@carlomarphis8622]

I have had one for since 2001. Just a hobbyists. I find that my machine has more backlash in both directions than it should. I have just started to try and make it less by doing what the manual says but so far I havent had any luck. I called the tech line but the guy I needed to speak with about the older machine adjustments was not there. The guy I spoke with wasn't really able to help me. I have not called back. It has been a good little machine for many years and I only used it here and there. You do have limitations with it but it was good for me to learn on.

[@michaelstump6933]

Just some tips here from somebody formally trained in a machine shop program and with a lot of hours spent on a lathe making many finished parts... for the person who is just getting started on one of these lightweight machines, practice on aluminum. Use WD40 or kerosene as a cutting fluid. Learn about left-handed and right-handed cutting tool geometry (hint: the tool used in this video was the wrong one). Avoid using brazed carbide cutting tools unless you are willing to sharpen them properly. Those cheap bit sets that come with these machines are not intended to be used as-is. They come unsharpened. They also don't come with geometries optimized for aluminum. Go with HSS (high speed steel) tool blanks, and learn to grind them to the correct profile for aluminum using a typical home bench grinder, then hone to razor sharp. Run them dead nuts on centerline or a hair below. Never above. Learn a little about speeds and feeds, dial those in. You'll be cutting like butter and with killer finishes in no time. Repeat for other cutter geometries and materials. Brazed carbide is great, but it has some quirks you'll need to learn about when you get into cutting harder materials later. For nearly all work, I use high speed steel cutting tools because of their extreme versatility. Sure, carbide has it's place, too, but it can be more challenging for the novice. There are excellent videos on sharpening HSS toolbits and plenty of free resources to show you things you need to know, such as rake and clearance angles, and nose radii. There's no way to be a good machinist without some basic knowledge of proper tool geometry, speeds and feeds, but the good news is that it is very easy to learn, for free. Stick with learning from reputable, experienced machinists. The Smithy machines are fine for somebody just getting started, but you have to read all available literature from Smithy about your particular machine. I've seen and heard people complain about these machines but then at the same time, they're also often not even using them correctly. Keep them clean, properly lubricated specifically with ISO 68 way oil (e.g. Mobil Vactra 2), properly adjusted for all gibs and backlash, strive for setups which maximize rigidity, and you're golden. Best of luck to you and congratulations on getting started!

[@hubertrobinson8825]

Keep going practice makes perfect

[@mt_9076]

Did you check to see if the lathe bit cutter was on center line ? You will know it for sure if facing off a solid piece of stock and if it leaves a small tit on the center. You don't want to go past center cause you will be riding on the underside of the cutter and possibly chip the carbide brazed on cutter of the bit . And in turning down and parting off, you sure need to be contacting on center line or slightly above. I'd like to hear more about the reconditioning of the lathe /mill. I have a Smithy CB 1220-XL myself.

[@michaelwhite2412]

I’m in the process of purchasing one just like it. Any complaints after ownership

[@ricardocastillo2414]

Can you let me know how you ordered the bearings for the