Mike COX and his SEIG Mini Lathe

摘要

Over the past twenty years or so, the availability of the Chinese '7×12' mini lathe has proven an affordable route in to the hobby for many thousands of people. Mike Cox has described many useful accessories and mods for these machines in the pages of MEW, but now he tells the story of his lathe itself. My education in the 1950's and 60's was totally devoid of any mechanical arts and my only experience of making things was helping my father with the odd bit of woodwork. However, at an early age I developed an interest in all things electrical and I think I built my first two valve (remember those?) radio set by the time I was 10 years old. I can still remember the thrill of buying my first transistor, an OC71, and experimenting with it. I was also interested in all things scientific and from the age of 11 chemistry dominated my reading and learning. My interests in electronics and chemistry were well served by a publication called 'Hobbies Weekly' that included many other subject areas including woodwork, model making and some metal work. Unfortunately, such magazines no longer exist. I think the subject matter would be considered far too risky and dangerous for modern kids (mains electrics, high voltages, chemicals, sharp tools etc.)