Unimat Tools. (Unimat 1 classic, metalline etc).

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It is fun making things. For models these little tools are fun. Ok, for working heavy metals these are not exactly the right tools for the job, but for working soft metals and other materials like wood, plastics etc., then these tools maybe the answer.
There are also cheaper copies available online which are an option (Which I have not tried), but if you want the better Unimat set, I would get the metalline. It may cost more, but things work so much nicer and more accurate. It is worth the extra money if you are considering one.

If you are looking for just a dedicated lathe then probably something like the Axminster C1 or similar would be a lot better. But for a versitile little tool just for the fun of making things then Unimat is a nice gadget to get.

If you are on a budget, keep your eyes open for a secondhand one, as I happened to come across an early secondhand 4 in 1 Unimat which is 6 volt so can run on 4 batteries, though it did come with a cased transformer as well. It was at a reasonable price so I bought it to expand my system. The older Unimats have the advantage of having tighter slides as the modern ones have been tooled so many times from the moulds in the factories that they have a little play to them. It is why I recommend the metalline which has silky smooth slides, a proper tool post, and any slack in the slides is adjustable. The toolpost can hold 4mm, 6mm and 8mm tools for lathework. Buying spare belts is useful. The only main thing that as a lathe it does not have is a form of power feed, but if one is considering powerfeed, one really needs a dedicated lathe.

Don't expect miriacles with the Unimat, but if one wants a fun adult toy to make things, then it maybe what you are looking for.
Here is the Unimat 1 in action. Note that the machines do more then just what has been shown.



And it is not limited to adults. They do a child friendly version as well!
Here is the child friendly one in action.

Looks a great system to have, and with all the additional add-ons you can get for it, makes it very versatile! Loved the children’s version too! I used to teach woodwork to children 6-12 yrs and this would have been a great tool to use(under close supervision). We used to drive to the timber yard and were allowed to choose any offcuts of timber we liked totally free of charge, as they were very generous when it came to encouraging children to enjoy and learn.

So good to see. Thanks for sharing .

The saw with the small cam is child friendly so will not cut skin.

I am being patient as I ordered a new machine bed.

One of these?

Yes, but a black one.

Also I am slowly upgrading motors for the saws. Lower power motors will be used for other things.

That’s good to hear! Just before I became unwell, I was able to do some sawing too. I’ve made a second gaming machine. This time it’s a pinball machine... I’ve kept the sawdust to use on the train layout... I’m building a retro timbermill for the layout. Here’s a photos of the new pinball machine ...

You have been busy! Well done.

Sorry, that last image didn’t go through... trying again ... it’s not finished as yet(the paint for it should be arriving when I get back home again, and the artwork on the sides will be completed then.


Virtual Pinball Machine in progress ... (homemade) Cost is £100(as I already had bits n pieces, just needed wood) compared to £4000 commercially bought.



This is a commercially bought one ...https://www.libertygames.co.uk/store/pinball_machines/brand_new_pinball_machines/multipin-virtual-pinball-machine/

Clever!

I am trying to decide if I need to keep this machine bed long, or cut it down and use parts of it for other things. Big decision to make. Cut down I then have useful parts... Uhmmm. Decisions!

I mentioned above somewhere that the Unimat turning tools are 4mm. They are not. They are 3.5mm.
They are actually really nice looking. Of course, I can use up to 8mm lathe tools but the larger tools are a little oversized for the work these little lathes are normally used with. I do have a set of 6mm tools and they are large compared to the 3.5mm tools. I can see why the 3.5mm tools are expensive. They are lovely!

Nothing beats quality tools, that’s for sure!

I did cut the machine bed to make it more useful for my needs. It is tougher then I expected to cut through. I have also looked at the copies of these machines made in the Far East. They are quite good value so look tempting!

Glad you wound up cutting it(was hoping you would)... You did well to cut through it, can't have been easy!

I finished the pinball machine ...

Wow Juliette. That is amazing!