Capt,n

If you have had some experience running the machines, running the 9x20 won't be much different. Actually, the work setup isn't any difference than a large lathe, just the size of tools needed. I ran a number of lathes when I was on my apprentiship, the largest being around a 20x196 or so and the smallest an old flat belt driven 6 x 18. I've done some really fine work on the big old guy, turning a three step screw that had #2-56 threads on one end and was only 1/2" long. A job like that is a lot eaiser on the small lathes.

There is more to a conversion than turning on a lathe though. I would expect some drilling and tapping is required and some milling also. That is why I suggested a mill attachment for the cross feed. If you have the bucks to spare, a Taig Mill would be money well spent. You can even turn on the mill with the right setup. Same as you can mill on a lathe with the right setup. Both are compromises though, and one of each is best if you can.

Another group you might enjoy looking at is the Taig group on Yahoo. It covers both their lathe and mill. The Taig lathe lacks power feed, so threading on a stock lathe is limited to using dies. There are a number of modification though that have been done and the result is a very nice, small lathe. Guys have CNCed their lathes and mills. I did my mill and it is impressive what you can do with it.

Don