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A few weeks ago I built my full size bungee lathe based on 2×4s and a couple of pipe clamps. I had two competing ideas in my head when I chose to build the larger one. The other idea kept nagging at me. So even though I didn't need a mini-lathe, I couldn't put the idea out of my head…. I had to build it.

So the benchtop mini-lathe was born. Using a 12" handscrew (as the head and tail stock), a couple of bolts (as the dead centers), a 12" barn spike (as the tool rest) and a pair of F-clamps (to keep it in place). The treadle and bungee setup are the same one I used in my full size bungee lathe

It works as well as the first bungee lathe, but is faster to set up and takes up less space. The only drawback is that it is limited to ~ 7.5" length and a little over 5" swing.

It can be made with either a fixed tool rest w/adjustable centers, OR fixed centers w/adjustable tool rest.

And best of all. When it is not being used as a lathe, the handscrew clamp goes right back into active duty as a clamp.

As always you can find the full build details and more images about the bungee handscrew mini-lathe on my website.

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Very clever!!
 

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I love it! Clever.
This is one to bring in the toolbox.
Best thoughts,
Mads
 

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LOL As I was writing this, I was thinking to myself that Mafe is going to be bringing one of these to France with him. Now you just have to come up with a clever way to talk girlfriend into letting you string a bungee from her ceiling ;)
 

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All you need is a flywheel for torque!

Neat idea!
 

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As usual, a pretty inovative solution. Very cool.
 

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All you need is a flywheel for torque! - And hook up an electric drill for power…
 

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I wouldn't want to go noising it up with electricity. ;)
There is something very hypnotic about the sound it makes. Once the wood is round, and you get the right rhythm, it sounds like a big cat purring. It's one of the coolest things I like about the spring lathes. For anyone that has found hand planing relaxing, spring turning is the same kind of experience.

Torque is rarely a problem. A change in foot placement and you can generate a lot of torque. The nice feature of a spring lathe is that the torque varies on its own based on the size of the piece. A large diameter piece only makes a few rotations with each pump, but generates a lot of torque. As the piece gets smaller, the number rotations goes up and the torque, no longer needed, drops off.

A flywheel could be fun but takes up a lot of room and also increases the danger fairly dramatically. With it configured like it is, I can have my toddler son in the shop or even turning with me. A flywheel would make that too risky. The way it is now, the lathe has built in lathe-stop technology (patent pending) :)
 

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Ah heck, I'm just gonna have to try this! Need some chisel handles any way. Good on you swirt!
 

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I don't think a flywheel would be appropriate on a lathe that goes back and forth like this. It would just make it harder to use (all that stopping, changing direction, stopping, etc.). Now, a lathe that only spins one direction, that's where a flywheel helps.
 

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very nice can't wait to see a project off of it…
 

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For anyone contemplating the flywheel, JJohnston is right. The flywheel would need its own axle and would be connected only indirectly to the spindle by a cord.
 

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My favorite project in a long time. Totally awesome.
 

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I love this little lathe.
 

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Favorited and added to the ever growing "List"! Thanks for sharing, and thanks to Mads for steering me here!
 

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Hi Candy,
Glad you like it. Unless you are sold on the novelty of it, I'd recommend building the bigger version referenced in the original post. It is easier to make and is much more flexible. The length limitation on this one pretty restrictive.
 

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Swirt I do like the flexibility of the full size version and SteveMI's idea of using it to remove finish from balusters (I have chair spindles I'd like to do the same to). My projects have a tendency to spread out on the workbench top I share with my husband. He has labeled it in the past.


Therefore small is good…maybe… I'll let you know!
 

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