I like that idea! Future spindles are in the works. One of which will have a threaded section to hold screw on chucks or other holding devices. Another will have a complete bore all the way

You could bore the spindle you have and insert a hardened, ground center -Guy-

The spindle is not likely to be a cast part. IIRC, it is supposed be drill rod or cold-rolled steel. If you make it of drill rod, you can heat and quench it, but that can warp it. If you're using

How complex are the objects you want to cast, and how many copies do you need? Both of those questions, answered, can help you figure out what YOU need, and when. If you need fairly simple parts

Not a problem! Thanks for the updated feedback.

I honestly misread the question and thought you had mentioned the headstock, not the spindle. I'd say it would be worthwhile if you wanted to case harden the end of the spindle with the center. Until

The spindle is 1018 mild steel. And yes that is shown in the picture on the left. Currently I only have a faceplate and plan on building the Gingery 4 jaw and other accessories. It's all between

I'm pretty sure all of the cast parts are aluminium.

What material did you use to make the spindle out of in the first place? What work are you planning to do with the spindle, and is that it shown in the picture? Do you intend to use something like

I'd say start with lost foam, simply because you're more likely to get something decent with minimal trouble, and you don't need to worry about all of the problems associated with getting a split

Question for those who cast with lost foam, would you recommend that people new to casting start with lost foam, or work with wood patterns first?

Aye, though I was hoping to not take them out first, although it's not like I need to run the mill every day. sat in my garage and then this shed for at least 6 years unused, so...

The easiest way I've found to match bearings is to take them with you to a supply house and have them match them . The second easiest way is to measure the OD , ID , thickness , and what type of

I thought maybe someone here could help me figure out what bearings are used in the idler shaft on my South Bend vertical mill. The manual shows them as sealed bearings PT7061M1. The motor is nice

I realize I am late to answering this (over a year), but my footprint for the lathe is approximately 38"x25". Probably not the most efficient use of space, but there is room at least on the bench to

The spindle should not ever get mangled from hard materials. You'll likely use a center in it, or a chuck or faceplate on it, and the material should never actually touch the spindle. Bill in

Thanks for posting this - I just subscribed to his channel. That took a while for him to complete. Very cool project.

Thanks Ethan, Thanks Bill. I am moving forward and if the spindle gets mangled from harder materials, I will clean it up and re-evaluate the need for hardening.

I don't think it needs to be hardened. If you just want to, that would be up to you. Be aware that hardening it will cause it to warp. Then you'd need to grind it. You essentially open several cans of

I would say no. It shouldn't need hardening. If you want to protect it go with an enamel or epoxy paint.