Unimat 1 Toy Lathe

[@christopherphoenix7421]

This has got to be the world's most badass toy. I would have given my eyeteeth to have this as a young'un. :D But alongside the more serious micro-lathes, this one is definitely a toy designed to teach young people about the basics of machine tools, not to do serious work. Thanks for the look at this interesting toy/tool!

[@sepiathesquirrelofmistmant1516]

Now the Unimat DB 200s and the Unimat SL 1000 are actually really great.

[@martinj9268]

For sure. You can actually buy this as an 8 in 1 kit thing that's like a saw, mill, drill press, lathe, etc. etc. Aimed at younger people looking to learn. With that said, its still incredibly cool, especially for the price

[@davidgreen5099]

Reminds me of the Mattel Power Shop my brother had in the mid 60s.

[@fpreston9527]

.... also, the Unimat SL, Unimat DB and Unimat 3 are very high quality and we're used by laboratories for research and development work. University's also used them . My Unimat 3 has every attachment that was available with it .(Quite expensive). The weight of the attachments and tooling is a clue to it's quality ! . I think the saying goes .." The only thing that limits you is imagination and creativity." and i agree.

[@JanBinnendijk]

i remember i wanted one as a kid, but my father told me "better save some money for a Unimat 3, that's all metal and will do much better for you.. he was right.. so i gave up on the idea, but later i bought an Emco Compact 8 which served me well for many years, Later i bought an Emco Compact 5 CNC, and i got a Unimat SL, the SL is a serious lathe, i used it to make watchparts..

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

Thanks for your comment, Jan. Your dad was very wise! - Dave

[@JanBinnendijk]

Yes, he is.. i was just very eager to start making things myself.. well.. i caught up in the mean time, making titanium watches..

[@sepiathesquirrelofmistmant1516]

Unimat SLs and DBs are great lathes.

[@AliHureiby]

me too, thanks god i dont purchase that unimat 1 :). later i bought a TAIG lathe & sherline lathe, and then i need bigger lathe C2 sieg, and JMB universal milling machine. And recently i do purchase the unimat MK-2 lathe in scrapyard,lucky me the MK-2 is quite rare with cast iron version, based my historical research on internet that the common SL1000 and DB200 is unimat MK-4 with aluminium casting.

[@sf.5895]

Thanks. I will stick to cutting and shaping with a dull butter knife. Nice video though.

[@Johnny241948]

I think it might be called Unimat 1 because you use it 1 time then smash it against the wall. LOL But on a real note Thanks for the video, I'm looking for my 1st wood/metal lathe and a mill. all mini because the largest things I want to make have a finished size of a 4" radius in wood, hdpe and aluminium, then when I get the right kind of experience behind me I want to try brass and ss.

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

This lathe is a toy and would not be suitable for you. If you will be working up to 4 inches I would recommend a 6" or 7" lathe. Always go a little bigger. Thanks for your comment! - Dave

[@Johnny241948]

Any recommendations are welcomed and very appreciated. Thanks!

[@TomKraftOwnsThePlace]

Hi Guys, a very good material for demonstration and playing with this device is polyurethane foam (used to provide heat insulation for buildings). It comes in a variety of densities and can be a great material just to make a show piece or play with on such machines. Have a go!

[@hg2.]

Delrin?

[@pcrengnr1]

Thx Dave for the demo. You are totally right it is only a toy. Unfortunately the only material softer than wood would be Styrofoam and that would not be a suitable material for many tasks. I know now to steer way clear of this little money waster. As you said for a newb kid a much better choice would be a mini or micro metal lathe. It has far more rigidity and could be used for Aluminum.

[@hg2.]

Plastic? ("Delrin")?

[@coburnlowman]

I seen the bigger metal one at a pawnshop with what looked like most ,if not all accessories for $100.00. I think I'll go back and own it. It didn't have threading gears for the headstock and leadscrew tho. I'm not sure if they came with them tho. If I made a set if gears or got a set from another maker this would be great for gunsmithing work. I assume $100.00 is a decent price. I drove off thinking of building one as a project , but with all the accessories this one had I'd probably be over that in parts cost.

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

These are nice but very tiny. Only good for making miniature guns!

[@granny933]

Where can you buy plans for projects?

[@yusdiy]

I have a question.What's the spindle bore when you transform it to lathe mode? Thanks

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

I do not think it is bored. - Dave

[@yusdiy]

Thanks for info Dave.

[@barrypfost2963]

The END MILL IS HANGING OUT WAY TO FAR OUT OF THE COLLET,choke up on it and it will mill a slot much better.add backing plates on z axis you would be surprized.

[@hg2.]

I think there are stronger-made versions of this; has the word "metal" in the name.

[@MrGlinglo]

That is no t a toy, such a great tool!!!

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

Yes, it is a fun little device. - Dave

[@freddoflintstono9321]

They're not *that* much of a toy - the Unimat 1 also exists in a metal version (Unimat Metal Line, or ML) and options exist to take it all the way up to CNC controlled. Also unusual is that the product is offered with 5 (yes, FIVE) years of warranty - even the plastic one. But yes, if I was in the market for one (I lack the time) I'd probably go for the metal version too. Beautiful machinery.

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

Yes, this seems to be a unique little crossover from a toy into a more serious lathe.. - Dave

[@hg2.]

@@smallmetalworkingmachines1378 Thank you for making! Yes indeed -- "Entry Level" -- this looks great way to introduce the basics ("to kids of all ages"; I suspect there are more than a few would-be machinists out there who need to machine-shop out of their system).

[@davidtran7131]

I'm thinking of buying one of those because i've started with hobby wood working. It seems functional with useful "machinery" that would help out and introduce me to these machines in the first place and the price seems cheaper then most other hobby and micro lathes i've found. Would you recommend getting one for wood working?

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

It is a fun novelty item. Do not expect great work to be produced by this little toy. - Dave

[@johnjohn-ed9qt]

Reminds me of Fischertechnik

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

I think you have a good point!

[@SurgingApocalypse]

Mine's are metal jaw

[@fpreston9527]

Those lathes are not toys, they are machine tools. Especially the SL lathe . In the right hands, the SL will produce work equal to a large lathe on a smaller scale. As will my unimat 3. The plastic unimat might get you out of trouble in an emergency. . If you know what your doing.

[@มิตรภาพเรสซิ่ง]

Very good how much thank you

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

Thanks!

[@AliHureiby]

nice video :). how much it cost? that's is decreased quality from unimat hobby lathe, from unimat SL1000/DB200 & unimat 3, unimat PC (on this point, the body of unimat PC was made by steel plate, not casting anymore) and then unimat 1 with plastic and thin aluminium.

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

I think you can buy a similar outfit for about $100 on Ebay, but the Unimat name makes these a bit more pricey.

[@djo9941]

This is NOT for metal, but for soft woods like balsa.

[@supallama6254]

how does the lathe work on brass?

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

It is just a toy. Don't expect fine quality work from it. It is just for fun. - Dave

[@asbaDoce]

No kid has the patience for spending that time in a single cut. I encourage my nephew use the full-metal Unimat. Not even weekend or armchair machinist take serious plastic on tools, even labels and plates are somewhat offensive.

[@hg2.]

To each his own. A full "serious" little shop is over the head and budget of beginners -- but this could suit the need and get people started, cheap. The goal here is practice and skill, not production, that come later.

[@ashsehgal]

Where did you get this

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

Grizzly still sells them. - Dave

[@barrycass2820]

It sounds cheaply made. What's new. Thanks for the video.

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

It's not exactly cheaply made. It is a very high quality toy. - Dave

[@koglianc]

What is the total weight of the set? Thanks

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

I would guess about ten pounds.

[@oldhick9047]

When is the last time you let your kid play with a "toy" like that pal

your cutting tool is sticking out too far so thats why so much chatter

[@brianbrown4965]

a chocolate fireguard is more use than this

[@smallmetalworkingmachines1378]

Hmmm.... sounds delicious at least! Thanks for your comment, Brian!

[@kalleklp7291]

It's a piece of shit. It can't even mill some soft wood anyway near satisfactory..! It's hard to believe the other one you have is from the same manufacturer, cause it looks like one can actually use it for small parts.

[@coburnlowman]

I seen the bigger metal one at a pawnshop with what looked like most ,if not all accessories for $100.00. I think I'll go back and own it. It didn't have threading gears for the headstock and leadscrew tho. I'm not sure if they came with them tho. If I made a set if gears or got a set from another maker this would be great for gunsmithing work. I assume $100.00 is a decent price. I drove off thinking of building one as a project , but with all the accessories this one had I'd probably be over that in parts cost.

[@coburnlowman]

I seen the bigger metal one at a pawnshop with what looked like most ,if not all accessories for $100.00. I think I'll go back and own it. It didn't have threading gears for the headstock and leadscrew tho. I'm not sure if they came with them tho. If I made a set if gears or got a set from another maker this would be great for gunsmithing work. I assume $100.00 is a decent price. I drove off thinking of building one as a project , but with all the accessories this one had I'd probably be over that in parts cost.