CARBA-TEC 4SE
MINI WOOD LATHE
After much research we decided to carry the Carba-Tec 4SE as our wood lathe because it has more conveniences and standard features than any of the other mini lathes. It is cast iron which damps vibration., The tool rest is easy to adjust and remove and there is plenty of finger room. A live center is included and 3 and 4 jaw chucks are moderately priced and available. The duplicator is ready to install and can be removed quickly. The variable speed motor and 3 year warranty unprecedented at this price. We have used this machine for many years for duplication and free hand turning.
- Variable speed, ready to use, classic design
- Vibration free, quiet, 3 year warranty
- Easy to install duplicator available

Cast iron construction thoughout, 400-4500 RPM 1/4 HP motor3/8" bore through holes on head stock and tail stock. Turn ends of long parts.
Anker designed duplicator accessory
Tools for turning mini furniture designed & manufactured by Smaller Than Life
Mini tool rest made by Smaller Than Life
We teach WORKSHOPS using the Carba-Tec 4SE lathe at our home. Check our website or contact us for dates and projects.
Spindle 3/4" x 16 threads per inch with #1 Morse taper Tailstock spindle #1 Morse taper
12 1/2" between centers
6" swing over bed
A 1/4" horsepower variable speed motor provides quiet operation
Over all size: 25" x 4 3/2" x 9 1/2" high. Weighs 37 lbs.
INCLUDES
2" face plate Headstock spur center 3" tool rest Live center with cup or point insert Spare belt and knockout bar
ACCESSORIES
Anker type lathe duplicatorYour choice of three duplicator templates and plans
Self centering 4 jaw chuck to turn square stock
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1 1/2" cut down tool rest....................1/2" drill chuck to drive dowels
Set of lathe tools manufactured by Smaller Than Life
METAL WORKING LATHE & MILLING MACHINE
If you need more extensive metal working capability consider the Sherline Lathe and Milling Machine.
Contact us for information on the many packages and accessories available.
ADVANTAGES
Carba-Tec 4SE is the smallest mini lathe available that is designed specifically for turning wood and also is able to use all the chucks and centers of the metal turning machines with a 3/4-16 spindle thread and #1 Morse tapers. This machine is big and heavy enough to stay put and dampen vibration but light enough to be portable. This is why we chose it to use in our classes
DUPLICATOR
Anker Rasmussen modified the duplicator that he invented to fit the Carba-Tec 4SE . We have included a fine follower adjustment option which adds to the performance of the duplicator with very small spindles. The follower allows making a very slight cut by using a lead screw to control the advance of the duplicator cutter. We have found this works very well to keep the work smoother and more uniform.
TEMPLATES
Smaller Than Life has purchased all the kit plans and templates from Anker used to make a large number of pieces of furniture and accessories. These are the kits formerly carried by Dean Jenson's Rainbow Design which is now out of business. We also acquired the machine Anker made to make duplicator templates from any sample turning. We intend to offer this service as well as providing the currently available shapes.
FULL SCALE CAPABILITY
The Carba-Tec 4SE Lathe was designed in Australia to turn wooden pens. For this reason it is heavy and strong enough to make short spindles, spools, and knobs for full scale work. Using the face plate the machine may be used to turn any bowl or dish under 6" in diameter and any normal sized goblet. It is an exceptional pen lathe also.
HAND TURNING METAL
Because of the variable speed motor and very rigid tool rest, the Carba-Tec 4SE may also be used as a jewelers late to turn brass, copper & aluminum with a graver. Metal knobs, finials and wind vane bases are some of the brass items that can be made in miniature. A collet set is recommended for most jewelry turning.
TURNING TOOLS
There are no turning tools available that are small enough to be suitable for making mini furniture spindles. The tools that are available are too large and expensive. The 4 piece set from Micromark is the closest, but is still too large and the steel is not hard enough to hold an edge. We have purchased high carbon tool steel and have manufactured tools which are both reasonably priced, the appropriate size and temper. The standard set of 4 includes a 1/16 parting tool, a 1/2" skew, a 1/4" roughing gouge and a1/16" gpoge. Other shapes shapes include a 1/8" round point tool, a 3/8" skew and a 1/8" parting tool and a 3/32" gouge. Special custom shaped tols can be made.
RECOMMENDED ORDER FOR MINIATURISTS
CARBA-TEC 4SE WOOD LATHE ............$299.00
TURNING TOOL, SET OF 4................. $40.00
1 1/2" TOOL REST........................... $20.00
1/2" 3 JAW CHUCK...........................$35.00
EXTRA FACE PLATE ...................... ..$13.00
FREIGHT FROM CARBA-TEC ................$17.00
TOTAL (Without duplicator)............................$424.00
ANKER TYPE DUPLICATOR...............$125.00
5 LEG & KNOB TEMPLATE SET............$20.00
FIINE FOLLOWER ADJUSTER..............$25.00
STOP COLLAR..................................$9.00
TOTAL(With Duplicator &Template Set).............$603.00
MORE ACCESSORIES
WW COLLETT SET........................................$90.00
3 JAW SELF-CENTERING CHUCK.....................$100.00
4-JAW SELF CENTERING CHUCK.....................$130.00
TEMPLATE MADE FROM YOUR SAMPLE..............$15.00
INDIVIDUAL LATHE TOOLS.............................$12.00
SQUARE CHUCKER (Use with 1/2" 3 jaw chuck
to turn 1/4", 3/16" & 1/8" square lumber).............$10.00
TOTAL CUSTOM ORDER..............................$_________
Allow 2 - 4 weeks for delivery.Guaranteed against manufacturing defects for 3 years
Price does not include shipping from us. If the order cannot be delivered or picked up there is an additional charge for packing and shipping.
Smaller Than Life Pete & Pam Boorum
79 Sebbins Pond Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
603-669-4185
smallife@verizon.net