Originally Posted by
minorhero
1k for lathe and mill is actually in line with my previous advice. Remember you actually can't do anything with just a lathe or a mill or both together. You need the tooling to hold parts, and the cutting edges to create the effect you are looking for. The lathe is going to require at least one chuck, plus centers etc. The mill will require bits. The lathe will also require chisels. (Read more then one)
These things add up. I think you will find that you will need at least another 1k in tooling ontop of the cost of the lathe. Believe me I am not trying to discourage you. I have had the same idea and one day plan to do exactly what you are planning to do right now. I just want to set your expectations appropriately. As far as screwing parts of the hilt together. Well on that end I do have some experience. I am sure this can be done with a lathe, but I have always done it with a tap and die by hand. So long as your parts are the right size for the given tap and die then its real easy to do. Cheapy taps and dies can be had for under 100 dollars for the pair. Nicer ones more suited for actual professional use will run you 5 times that easy.
As for how to do things. Well if I were you I would search on youtube basics of metal lathe etc. You will find a lot of videos, some helpful, some not. Start watching. I think you will see what you need and don't need within a few hours.
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