Learning Center
We all start somewhere. This is a good spot. Whether you are considering purchasing a mini lathe, mini mill, or already have, these pages will help you on your journey.
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Getting Started
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Shopping Guides
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How to Guides
Here is a wealth of information about many machining topics.
Machinists References
Cutting speeds
This page gives cutting speeds for turning, milling, and drilling of several different materials. It includes a calculator to figure the spindle speed required.
Cutting Speeds – LittleMachineShop.com
Dimensions of Standard Tapers
This page give the dimensions of Morse, Jacobs, Brown & Sharpe, and Jarno tapers.
Dimensions of Standard Tapers – LittleMachineShop.com
Drill Sizes - Lettered
This chart shows the diameters of letter gauge drills size A (the smallest) to size Z (the largest).
Letter Drill Sizes – LittleMachineShop.com
Drill Sizes - Numbered
This chart shows the diameters of number gauge drills size 80 (the smallest) to size 1 (the largest).
Number Drill Sizes – LittleMachineShop.com
Fraction - Decimal - Metric Conversions
This is a chart of fractional inches represented in decimal inches and millimeters.
Fraction - Decimal - Metric Conversions – LittleMachineShop.com
Fuel for Stirling engines
Suggestions for fuel for powering Stirling engines.
Fuel for Stirling Engines – LittleMachineShop.com
Lathe spindle threads and adapters
This chart shows the spindle thread of many lathes. But don't count on it. Measure the threads on your spindle.
Chuck Backplate Adapters – LittleMachineShop.com
Paint colors
We have identified paints that match the various colors used to paint mini lathes and mini mills.
Paint Colors – LittleMachineShop.com
Rake & relief for lathe tools
This page give rake and relief angles for turning various materials with high speed steel tool bits.
Rake and Relief Angles – LittleMachineShop.com
Symbols used on our drawings
These symbols are used on the Mechanical Models engine drawings as well as on many other drawings.
Symbols Used on Our Drawings – LittleMachineShop.com
Tap & clearance drill sizes
This tap and clearance drill chart shows tap and clearance drill sizes for standard threads. There is also a printable version that has both metric and inch threads.
Tap & Clearance Drill Sizes – LittleMachineShop.com
Machinists Resources
Here is a wealth of information about machining topics and resources for every machining project.
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Machinists Magazines
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Home/Hobby Machinists websites
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General Machining Sites
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Machining & Tool Repair
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Model Engineering Clubs/Events
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Machinists Projects
View References
Machinists YouTube Channels
See YouTube channels that relate to machining. These guys do some amazing stuff!