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Microlathe - The Parametric, Printable Lathe by cathalgarvey is licensed under the Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike license.
© 2010 by cathalgarvey
Instructions
Microlathe requires some large printed parts, which may necessitate the use of a heated or pre-heated build platform. Even with a heated platform, my body sections had a slight curve to them that required clamping to a flat surface to remedy. Future revisions may do away with the "Spine" of the Lathe to help prevent this.
In the STL Pack, you'll find all the parts needed. You can alternately print directly from the Gcodes in the Gcode Pack, though bear in mind I extrude at around 230C. You may need to change this temperature manually.
As of my first test print, the tolerances were slightly too tight on these STLs. You will need a craft knife to widen holes that don't fit your nuts and bolts. You may also want a ratchet-clamp to help push in the captive nuts on either bolt-plate. Their tight fit is actually advantageous, as they're used to provide easy threads for the bolts, and you want them immobile. But be careful, as you can damage the Fabject at this stage. Additionally, the spur for the inside of the bearing was too narrow, leading to instability at higher speeds. I aim to fix this shortly!
Assemble as shown in the pictures, using M3 nuts and bolts to secure all the parts together.
You may need to have several sets of M3 bolts of varying length for the boltplates, so that when a dowel is affixed properly by the bolts, the Bolt-Heads are flush with the rim of the BoltPlate. This is because I added housings for the spinning boltplates to help prevent injury (which don't really house the boltplates that well anyway); if you want to render without these housings, it's up to you.
The first draft does work, but is flawed. Take great care, and bolt/clamp down the body to a solid surface if you plan to use it.
Use of the MicroLathe, Dremel, and Makerbot are entirely your own concerns and risks. I take no responsibility for any personal harm you cause yourself, others, or to property through your use of this item in any manner. Wear goggles.
