Good day, everyone!

As I am starting to tear down my M20, I am thinking about buying some machining tools to make some of the parts I want. We run into this same problem while restoring cars when specialized bolts go missing.

I was curious to know if anyone is machining their own parts and what type of equipment would be recommended for slightly above hobbyist type work.

Thanks!
Justin Reis

email (option): justininia@gmail.com

Hi Justin...I have a Harrison 300 lathe with removable gap, a 48" bed and QD toolposts...That would be classed as a small Industrial lathe, is well suited to one off work and can handle most motorcycle related jobs....

I also have a small German mill/drill with a 2ft bed, tilting head etc...
It's ok for small jobs but is a bit limited as it doesn't have feed in every axis...

I'd rather have a Bridgeport 'gear head' mill as I'm very familiar with those from my time as a toolmaker...Unfortunately I don't have enough space for one... ....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

In addition to a lathe (I have one of those Chinese 9x20 ones, great for making bushings and bearings), I would suggest the ability to weld things. I have a Lincoln wire welder, which is adequate for most things on a motorcycle, but I have been wanting a gas welding setup for some time now. These two things will be the most utilized in a restoration.

email (option): m20wc51@yahoo.com

Thanks for the replies!

I have several tools already including the requisite MIG/TIG/Oxy welders. I've alos just purchased a small bead roller and am looking into a reasonable sheet metal brake. An English wheel is also in the long term future.

The areas where I am needing to get some tools are in the lathe and machining world. We run into lots of little botls that are custom stepped or the occasional part for fabrication. An XYZ milling machine may be in my future but I think a smaller sized lathe would be useful now. I've also been considering a 3D printer for making part molds but it's not in my budget (unless I can convince work to buy one :).

Thanks for the advice. I will have to research those recommendations.

Cheers,
Justin

email (option): justininia@gmail.com

A Myford ML7 or Super Seven; I bought my ML7 in 1959 and it is still the best machine tool I ever got. And they still make them! Only drawback: the spindle hole is only 14mm

email (option): viaconsu [at] planet [dot] nl