Do I need a lathe?
 

Hi everybody

I joined this forum today and this is my first post.

The reason I am here is that Im looking to buy a lathe to be able to do some projects with my hobby. My hobby is yoyoing and i guess youd be thinking what id need a lathe for. Well, id need a lathe to modify yoyos to make them play differently or just for aesthetics. Here are some pics of modification other people have done:

this is what a typical yoyo's guts would look like

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/38...425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/36...425x425Q85.jpg


these are the types of mods that can be done

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/39...425x425Q85.jpg
you can see the recessed ring grooves that have been machined

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/37...425x425Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/38...425x425Q85.jpg


and here is another mod that chops down the width of the yoyo

original
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/35...425x425Q85.jpg

modified (chopped)
http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/36...425x425Q85.jpg

Ok, after looking at those photos, would anyboddy be able to help me in finding a suitable lathe.

The yoyos are typically made of aluminium, some are plastic, some are titanium (although very very rare).

They vary in size but wouldnt surpass 70mm x 70mm x 70mm.

I wouldnt want to spend the least possible. Ive seen some mini metal lathes ranging from £160 to £300 and this would be acceptable but i would rather spend less than more.

How accurate would these lathes be? Would i be able to do two identical mods to each half of the yoyo?

What other stuff would i need to buy besides the lathe and cutting tools?

Any help would be much appreciated.

thanks
Kong