Model Engine Maker
Help! => Machines, Tools and Fixtures => Topic started by: Bruno Mueller on March 24, 2023, 09:54:01 AM
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I refer to posts from this discussion.
https://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,8573.0.html
My first lathe, which I bought around 1986, was a Unimat 3. I had equipped it with all the accessories for metalworking and used it for many years.
Over time, however, the machine became too small and I had to get a bigger machine.
I then sold the U3 with all the accessories.
Via a Minilor TR1, which corresponded to an Emco Compact 5, I finally ended up with a Taiwanese lathe, somewhat larger than an Emco 8. It's a 9 x 20 lathe.
A few months ago, I got my hands on an Emco Unimat DB200 MK4 for just a few euros and refurbished it. The MK4 was the last model that was still completely made of grey cast iron. After that came the Unimat SL. This machine was then made of die-cast aluminium.
This little Emco stands on a small ledge on the wall in my office and is actually only used to look at. Occasionally I use it to rework very small parts, when a small part has to be reworked during a machine assembly. Shortening M2 screws, for example.
Recently, I made a small auxiliary piston for a steam feed pump that needed to be reworked with the Unimat. It was a matter of a few 1/1000 mm. The Unimat is very suitable for such small parts.
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There are hardly any parts or accessories left for this machine. If something is offered, it is actually overpriced.
I made some of the accessories myself. I would like to show them to you here.
In detail.
Clamping disc.
Driving disc for the fixed centre.
Fixed centre.
Rotating centre.
Two-stage belt transmission.
New tailstock quill with stop ring.
Vertical column.
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I spent a while tricking out my SL, thought with the purchase of a bigger benchtop lathe the unimat would just gather dust, but there are many jobs that it is easier and faster to use, the addition of a quick-change tool post was a great improvement as cutters can be adjusted simply.. I did score some micro cutting and boring tools..
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I see they have equipped the machine with the spindle elevation and installed the long guide rods.
I think this is a good idea, but I have to say that I think there is a risk of overloading the small spindle with larger workpieces.
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you have to understand the limits of the machine, as a ship modeler the extended rods allow for mast and spars to be turned, the raising blocks lets you increase to diameter of projects.. the unimat dividing fixture is a great and useful if you can get the inserts,, I did modify the mill/drill column but this was weeks before my mill arrived so it has not seen much service..