====== CX704 Metal Mini Lathe ======
^ Status | Operational |
^ Training | Required |
^ Hackable | NO |
^ Usage Restrictions | Members Only |
^ Owner | VHS |
^ If it Breaks | Contact Machine Shop Committee |
^ Arrival Date | June 2025 |
^ Location | Machine Shop |
^ Champion | See [[tool:compendium_of_champions#tools|Compendium of Champions]] |
{{tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:cx704_mini-lathe.jpeg?600|Mini Lathe Image}}
===== Safety =====
There is a **mandatory** 1-2 hour safety and training course or shorter checkout that must be taken before the mini-lathe may be used.
===== Specifications =====
This is a **Craftex CX704 7" x 12" Mini Metal Lathe**, purchased from [[https://www.busybeetools.com|Busy Bee Tools]]. It's a clone of the [[https://www.sieg-machines.de/Mini-Lathe-C2-Distance-between-centers-300-mm-370-W|Sieg C2 mini-lathe (sieg-machines.de)]].
**Serial Number**: 40089
VHS has a store account with Busy Bee Tools under the email: **directors@vanhack.ca** — use this when ordering parts or accessories.
{{tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:vhs-mini-lathe-info.jpeg?350|Spec plate for CX704}}
This benchtop lathe provides core functions suited for hobby machining and small part fabrication. It features variable spindle speed control with a high/low gear range, forward/reverse direction switch, a cast iron bed for stability, and standard tooling such as a three-jaw chuck, change gears, and a threading dial.
==== Technical Specifications ====
^ Feature ^ Specification ^
| Motor | 300 W (≈0.4 HP), 100–120 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Spindle Speed Ranges | Low: 0–1100 RPM \\ High: 0–2500 RPM |
| Chuck Diameter | 3-1/8″ (80 mm) |
| Swing Over Bed | 7-1/8″ (180 mm) |
| Swing Over Cross Slide | 2-1/8″ |
| Swing Over Saddle | 5″ |
| Distance Between Centers | 11-3/4″ (300 mm) |
| Compound Slide Travel | 2-3/4″ |
| Carriage Travel | 10-1/2″ |
| Cross Slide Travel | 2-3/4″ |
| Spindle Bore | ~18–20 mm (label states 20 mm, measured values vary by model) |
| Spindle Taper | MT#3 |
| Tailstock Travel | 2-1/2″ |
| Tailstock Taper | MT#2 |
| Number of Inch Threads | 18 |
| Inch Thread Range | 12–52 TPI |
| Number of Metric Threads | 10 |
| Metric Thread Range | 0.4–2.0 mm pitch |
| Maximum Tool Bit Size | 5/16″ |
| Headstock & Bed Construction | Cast Iron |
| Overall Dimensions | 28″ × 12″ × 12″ |
| Weight | 75 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years (manufacturer) June 2028 |
**Note:** Specifications are based on the machine’s labeling and manufacturer documentation. Some values, such as spindle bore or power rating, may differ slightly from real-world measurements or across clone models.
===== User Manuals =====
[[tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:cx704_usermanual.pdf|CX704 User Manual (PDF)]]
[[tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:lms_minilatheusersguide.pdf|Little Machine Shop Mini Lathe User Guide (PDF)]]
[[tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:grindingtoolbits.pdf|Grinding Tool Bits (PDF)]]
===== Video Learning =====
**BlondiHacks: Lathe Training Video Series**
This YouTube playlist covers beginner to intermediate lathe operations, safety, tooling, and machining techniques. Clear instruction with demonstrations using a mini-lathe.
▶️ [[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY67-4BrEae9Ad91LPRIhcLJM9fO-HJyN|Watch the Playlist on YouTube]]
===== Materials =====
**Allowed Materials**
* Aluminum
* Steel
* Stainless Steel, non-hardened grades like 303 or 304
* Brass (with [[https://example.com/chip-welding-tooling|special tooling to reduce chip welding]])
* Delrin, ABS, PVC, etc (most plastics)
**❌ Banned Materials**
* Wood
* Fibrous materials
* Carbon fiber
* Fiberglass-epoxy composites (e.g. G10)
* Stone
* Anything that creates dust or grit
* Pretty much anything that's not metal or plastic
This mini-lathe is not powerful enough to handle hardened, tempered, tool, or annealed steels.
==== Cutting Speeds ====
Cutting speeds can be determined easily by using this {{:tool:cutting-speed-nomogram.png?linkonly|cutting speed nomogram}}.
===== Helpful Links =====
* [[http://mindworks.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Cutter_Types_(Lathe)|Cutter types]]
===== To Do =====
* Purchase quick change tool post and tool holders
===== Tooling Storage =====
Currently a plastic container. A more permanent location should be found.
===== Maintenance Log =====
^ Note ^ Date ^ Who ^
| Wiki entry created | Jul 10, 2025 | Majicj |
==== Maintenance Information ====
===== Purchase History =====
This lathe was purchased through a successful community fundraising effort. The original proposal and discussion can be found here:
👉 [[https://talk.vanhack.ca/t/fundraiser-proposal-purchase-cx704-mini-lathe-for-vhs/16304/17|Fundraiser Proposal: Purchase CX704 Mini Lathe for VHS (vanhack.ca forum)]]
A huge thank you to all the donors who contributed, and to VHS for providing matching funds to make this possible. 🛠️❤️
===== Included Accessories Gallery =====
Click any image to enlarge. These photos document the accessories and paperwork included with the CX704 lathe.
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe1.jpeg|Lathe Overview
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_4jaw_chuck.jpeg|4-Jaw Chuck
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_drillchuck.jpeg|Drill Chuck
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_fuse.jpeg|Fuse (spare)
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_gears.jpeg|Change Gears
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_live_center.jpeg|Live Center
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_serial_no.jpeg|Serial Number Tag
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_user_manual.jpeg|User Manual (Paper)
tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_warrantee.jpeg|Warranty Card