Laguna Tools MLA0230-175 User manual

17101 Murphy Avenue. Irvine, California 92614 www.lagunatools.com 800.234.1976
MLA0230-175
OPERATING MANUAL
PLATINUM SERIES 16-43 LATHE

2
Dear Woodworker:
Thank you for your purchase and welcome to the Laguna Tools group
of discriminating woodworkers. I understand that you have a choice
of where to purchase your machines and appreciate the confidence
you have in our products.
Every machine sold by Laguna Tools has been carefully designed and
well thought through from a woodworker’s perspective. I cut on our
bandsaws, lathes, table saws and combination machines. Through
my hands-on experience, I work hard to make our machines better.
I strive to give you machines that inspire you to create works of art.
Machines that are a joy to run and work on. Machines that
encourage your performance.
Today, we offer high-performance machines with innovative
solutions that meet the needs of woodworkers and their ever-
evolving craft.
I started Laguna Tools as a woodworker; I still am.
Thank you again for becoming a Laguna Tools customer.
Torben Helshoj
President and Founder - Laguna Tools
Imagination, Innovation and Invention at Work.

3
Table of contents
Page number
Safety Rules 4
Limited Warranty 5
Noise emission 6
Specification sheet 6
Receiving your machine 6
Introduction to Lathes 7
Parts of the Lathe 7
Where to locate your machine 10
Unpacking your machine 10
Assembly and setup 12
Maintenance and troubleshooting 17
Exploded view drawings 20
Electrical drawing 22

4
Safety Rules.
As with all machinery there are certain hazards involved with the
operation and use. Using it with caution will considerably lessen the
possibility of personal injury. However, if normal safety precautions are
overlooked or ignored, personal injury to the operator may result. If
you have any questions relative to the installation and operation, do not
use the equipment until you have contacted your supplying distributor.
Read the following carefully before operating the machine:
1. Keep the working area clean and be sure adequate lighting is
available.
2. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, necklaces or
ornaments. Wear face, eye, respiratory and body protection
devices as indicated for the operation or the environment.
3. Be sure that the power is disconnected from the machine before
tools are serviced or an attachment is to be fitted or removed.
4. Never leave the machine with the power on.
5. Do not use dull, gummy or cracked cutting tools.
6. Be sure that the keys and adjusting wrenches have been removed
and all the nuts and bolts are secured.

5
Limited Warranty
New woodworking machines sold by Laguna Tools carry a one-year
warranty from the date of shipping. Laguna Tools guarantees all new
machines sold to be free of manufacturers’ defective workmanship, parts,
and materials.
We will repair or replace, without charge, any parts determined by Laguna
Tools, Inc. to be a manufacturer's defect. We require the defective item/part
to be returned to Laguna Tools. In the event the item/part is determined to be
damaged due to lack of maintenance, cleaning or misuse/abuse, the customer
will be responsible for the cost to replace the item/part, plus all related
shipping charges.
This limited warranty does not apply to natural disasters, acts of
terrorism, normal wear and tear, product failure due to lack of maintenance
or cleaning, damage caused by accident, neglect, lack of or inadequate dust
collection, or misuse/abuse or damage caused when repair or alterations
have
been made or attempted by others.
Laguna Tools, Inc. is not responsible for additional tools or modifications
sold or performed (other than from/by Laguna Tools, Inc.) on any Laguna
Tools, Inc. woodworking machine. Warranty may be voided upon the
addition of such noted tools and/or modifications, determined on a case-by-
case basis.
Normal user alignment, adjustment, tuning and machine settings are not
covered by this warranty. It is the responsibility of the user to understand
basic woodworking machinery settings and procedures and to properly
maintain the equipment in accordance with the standards provided by the
manufacturer.
Parts, under warranty, are shipped at Laguna Tools, Inc's cost either by
common carrier, FedEx Ground service or a similar method.
Technical support to install replacement parts is primarily provided by
phone, fax, or e-mail. The labour required to install replacement parts is the
responsibility of the user.
Laguna Tools is not responsible for damage or loss caused by a freight
company or other circumstances not in our control.
Only new machines sold to the original owner are covered by this warranty.
For warranty repair information, call 1-800-332-4094.

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Motor 1,5 HP TFEC
Voltage 110V
Swing over bed 16 in
Distance between centers 43 in
RPM range 600 – 2400 RPM
Spindle 1 ¼ in X 8 TPI
Head & tail stock No. 2 morse taper
Tool rest 12 in
Face plate 6 in
Tail stock travel 2 ¼ in
Weight 300 lb
Shipping weight 400 lb
Noise emission.
Notes concerning noise emission :
Given that there exists a relationship between noise level and exposure
times, measurement is not precise enough to determine the need for
supplementary precautions. The factors affecting the true level of exposure
to operators are clearly the amount of time exposed, the characteristics of the
working environment, such as other sources of dust and noise, etc., for
example, adjacent machines - in other words, the level of ambient noise. It is
possible that exposure level limits will vary from country to country.
Specification sheet.

7
Receiving your machine.
Note. It is probable that your machine will be delivered by a third party.
Before you unpack your new machine, you will need to first inspect the
packing, invoice and shipping documents supplied by the driver.
Insure that there is no visible damage to the packing or the machine. You
need to do this prior to the driver leaving. All damage must be noted on the
delivery documents and signed by you and the delivery driver. You must
then contact the seller [Laguna Tools] as soon as practical. If damage is
found after delivery, contact the seller as soon as is practical.
Note: It is probable that you will find sawdust within your machine. This is
because the machine has been tested prior to shipment from the factory
and/or Laguna Tools.
Laguna Tools endeavors to test machines prior to shipping to customers as
movement can take place during transportation. It must be noted that
additional machine movement can take place between Laguna Tools and the
end-user, and some adjustments may have to be undertaken by the customer.
These adjustments are covered in the various sections of this manual.
Introduction to Lathes.
This machine is designed to give you years of safe service. Read this
owner’s manual in its entirety before assembly or use.
Parts of the Lathe.
The lathe consists of a number of major parts, which are discussed in this
manual. Take the time to read this section and become familiar with the
machine.
Identification.
There is a plate at the back of the
machine listing all the manufacturing
data, including the serial number, model,
etc.

8
Head stock swivel indexing pin
Lathe bed.
The bed is a machined heavy casting.
Lathe legs.
The Legs are cast iron, and their
heavy construction gives the
machine a low center of gravity,
and ensures that it is very stable.
Head stock.
The head stock is cast iron and houses
the variable speed control, motor, and
the head stock swivel mechanism. The
head stock swivel mechanism has an
indexing pin that allows it to be locked
in the following positions:
0, 60, 90, 120 and 180 degrees.
Tail stock.
The tail stock is a cast iron construction, and
the spindle has a travel length of 2 ¼ in. It can
accommodate centers and other tools which
have a number 2 morse taper. The tail stock
can be moved to any position on the lathe bed
and locked to suit the job in hand.
Head stock Legs
Lathe bed

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Tool rest.
The tool rest can be moved to any
position on the lathe bed and locked
to suit the job in hand.
Electrical system.
The electrical control system is
housed inside the head stock, and a
power cord with a 3 pin 110V plug
is provided.
What you will receive with the
Lathe.
Lathe legs
Tools, centers and
tool rest
Lathe bed with tailstock, tool rest,
and headstock assembled

10
Where to locate your machine.
Before you remove your machine from the packaging, select the area where
you will use your machine. There are no hard and fast rules for its location,
but below are a few guidelines:
1. There should be an area at the front of the machine suitable for
comfortable working.
2. There should be sufficient area at the back of the machine to allow access
for adjustments and maintenance to be conducted.
3. Adequate lighting. The better the lighting, the more accurately and safely
you will be able to work.
4. Solid floor. You should select a solid flat floor, preferably concrete or
something similar.
5. Locate it close to a power source and dust collection.
6. Allow an area for the storage of blanks, finished products and tools.
Unpacking your machine.
To unpack your machine,
you will need tin snips,
knife, star screwdriver and a
wrench.
1. Using the tin snips, cut
the banding that is securing
the packing box [If fitted].
WARNING: EXTREME
CAUTION MUST BE
USED, BECAUSE THE
BANDING WILL
SPRING APART AND COULD CAUSE INJURY.
2. Dismantle the box, including the sides as this will ease access to the
machine.

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Remove sides Remove clamping bolts
Lathe bed shown with the
head stock removed.
[Head stock removal covered
later]
3. Remove the bolts that secure the legs to the bed of the machine.
If you do not have a lifting hoist or forklift, you may find it easer to remove
the bolts that secure the legs together, and remove one leg at a time.
Note: The legs are heavy, and you must use caution when removing the
fixing bolts. Also you must use caution when removing the legs from the
bed of the machine.
4. Remove the base mounting bolts that secure the machine to the base of the
box.
5. It is recommended that the bed of the machine be removed from the
packaging by lifting it with a hoist or forklift using a "SLING." Remove the
packaging and lower to the floor.
Note: The machine is heavy. Ensure that you have sufficient people.
Note: If you have any doubt about the described procedure, seek
professional assistance. Do not attempt any procedure that you feel is unsafe,
or that you do not have the physical capability of achieving.
6. Lower the bed of the lathe
onto 2 stacks of wood. This
will allow access to the
underside of the bed.

12
Fixing screws
Head stock clamp nut
Headstock
assembled
Headstock
clamping
nut
Lathe bed
Assembly and setup.
The machine comes mostly assembled. You will have to assemble only the
legs and the tool rest to the bed of the machine.
Note: It is recommended that the head stock be removed from the bed of the
lathe to ease assembly [Covered later in the manual].
Assembling the legs to the bed of the machine.
Remove the nut that secures the head
stock. Lift the head stock off the bed.
This will reduce the weight of the bed
and make assembly easier.
Lift the legs to the vertical position and
lower the bed onto them. Secure with
the fixing screws provided.
Note: Each leg must be
supported to ensure that it will
not fall when positioning the bed.
Note: To ensure safety you will
need 4 people to assemble the
bed to the legs-
one on each leg, and one at
each end of the bed.
Note: If you have any doubt
about the described
procedure, seek professional
assistance. Do not attempt
any procedure that you feel
is unsafe, or that you do not
have the physical capability
of achieving.
Assemble the head stock
back onto the bed of the lathe and
fit the clamping nut.

13
Power cable
Headstock
locking handle
Tool rest
clamping nut
Tool rest
Adjust the headstock clamp nut until the
locking handle secures the headstock.
Locate the headstock so that the casting is
level with the back edge of the bed. This
will allow the maximum amount of the bed
to be used.
Assembling the tool rest on the bed of the
machine.
Remove the clamping nut and washer.
Fit the tool rest onto the bed of the
lathe. Refit the washer and nut.
Adjust the nut until the clamping
handle secures the tool rest.
The tool rest can be moved to any
position on the bed of the lathe, and
also in/out to suit the job in hand. To
move the tool rest, loosen the locking
handle, move to the required position
and lock.
Connecting the electrical supply.
Ensure that the electrical supply corresponds with that of the machine
[Single phase 110V].
It is recommended that you use a 30-amp main breaker.
Note: A qualified electrician must carry out the installation.

14
Rotating
centre
Removal
shaft
Head stock
drive cent
e
r
Cleaning the machine.
Remove the rust protection grease with WD 40 or a similar solvent.
It is important that you remove all the grease and relubricate with a Teflon-
based lubricant. Teflon has fewer tendencies to attract sawdust, and cause
clogging.
Fitting the rotating
center.
Ensure that the bore of the
tail stock is clean. The
rotating center has a
number No. 2 morse taper
that fits into the tail stock.
Push the center into the
tail stock, bore firmly, and
ensure that it is securely
located. To remove the
center, push the shaft into the back of the tail
stock and give it a sharp knock. This will
remove the rotating center.
Note: Do not leave the removal shaft in the
tail stock with the machine running.
Fitting the drive center in the head stock.
To remove the face plate from the head stock
spindle, insert a screw driver into the hole in
the face plate shaft. Fit the wrench onto the
head stock spindle and unlock the face
plate.
Ensure that the bore of the head stock is
clean. The drive center has a number No 2
morse taper that fits into the head stock.
Push the center into the head stock bore
firmly, and ensure that it is securely
located. To remove the center, push the
removal shaft into the back of the head
stock, and give it a sharp knock. This will remove the drive center.
Face plate hole

15
Removal
shaft
Head stock rotation
indexing lock pin
Variable
speed lever
On-off switch
Head stock
clamp lever
Note. Do not leave the removal shaft in the
head stock with the machine running.
Fitting the face plate.
Reverse the removal procedure, described
earlier.
Head stock controls.
Head stock clamp leaver.
The head stock clamp lever
allows the head stock to be
released and moved to any
position on the lathe bed.
Variable speed lever.
The variable speed lever adjusts
the spindle pulley. This changes
the speed of the lathe spindle to
10 fixed speeds.
Note: The motor must be
running when changing the
speed of the lathe.
Head stock rotation indexing
lock pin.
The head stock rotation indexing
pin, when released, allows the
head stock to be rotated from 0
to the 60, 90, 120, and 180
degree positions.
Note: Do not rotate the head stock with
the motor running.

16
On-off switch.
The on-off switch activates or deactivates the motor.
The switch is provided with a safety pull-out. With
the yellow pull-out removed, the switch is
deactivated.
Variable speed.
The lathe has a variable speed system that utilizes
two variable diameter pulleys. By changing the
diameter of the motor and spindle pulleys, the speed of the lathe spindle
changes. The lever located on the head stock adjusts the spindle pulley, and
the motor pulley adjusts automatically under the action of the drive V belt,
and a spring. Because the spring on the motor drive pulley adjusts to suit the
position of the drive V belt there is no need to adjust the belt tension.
Motor drive pulley
Spindle drive pulley
Pulley tension spring
On- off switch
Safety pull out

17
Tail stock
The tail stock can be moved to any position on
the bed of the lathe. To move the tail stock,
unlock the locking handle, slide the tail stock to
the required position and lock. The tail stock
spindle can be extended and retracted by
rotating the handle located at the back of the
tail stock. The spindle can be locked in position
with the screw on the top of the tail stock.
Always lock the spindle when operating the
lathe.
Maintenance.
General.
Keep your machine clean. At the end of each day, clean the machine. Wood
contains moisture, and if sawdust or wood chips are not removed, they will
cause rust.
In general, we recommend that you only use a Teflon-based lubricant on the
lathe. Regular oil attracts dust and dirt. Teflon lubricant tends to dry and has
fewer tendencies to accumulate dirt and saw dust.
Periodically check that all nuts and bolts are tight.
Drive belt.
The drive belt should last for many years [depending on the usage] but needs
to be inspected regularly for cracks, cuts and general wear. If damage is
found, replace the belt.
Bearings.
All bearings are sealed for life and do not require any maintenance. If a
bearing becomes faulty, replace it.
Rust.
The lathe is made from steel and cast iron. All non-painted surfaces will rust
if not protected. It is recommended that they be protected by applying wax
or a Teflon-based lubricant.
Tail stock

18
Troubleshooting.
Lathe will not start.
1. Check that the start switch is in the correct position.
2. Check that the electrical power cord is plugged into the power outlet.
3. Check that the electrical supply is on [reset the breaker].
4. With the power disconnected from the machine, check that the wiring to
the plug is correct. Check that the rubber insulation is stripped enough and is
not causing a bad connection. Check that all the screws are tight.
The machine will not stop.
This is a very rare occurrence as the machine is designed to be fail-safe. If it
should occur and you cannot fix the fault, seek professional assistance. The
machine must be disconnected from the power and never run until the fault
has been rectified.
1. Stop switch faulty. Replace the stop switch.
Motor tries to start but will not turn.
1. With the power disconnected from the machine, try to turn the spindle by
hand. If the spindle will not turn, check the reason for the jamming.
2. Capacitor faulty. Replace the capacitor.
3. Motor faulty. Replace the motor.
Motor overheats.
The motor is designed to run hot, but should it overheat, it has an internal
thermal overload protector that will shut it down until the motor has cooled,
and then it will reset automatically. If the motor overheats, wait until it has
cooled and restart. If the motor shuts down consistently check for the reason.
Typical reasons are dull cutting tools, motor cooling fan clogged or faulty,
motor cooling fans clogged, overfeeding the job, and excessive ambient
temperature.
Squeaking noise.
1. Check that the motor cooling fan is not contacting the fan cover.
2. Check the bearings.
3. Check the drive belt.
Spindle slows down during a cut.
1. Dull cutting tools. Replace the tool or have it resharpened.
2. Feeding the wood too fast. Slow down the feed rate.
3. Oil or dirt on the drive belt. Clean or replace the drive belt.

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Machine vibrates.
1. Machine not level on the floor. Re-level the machine ensuring that it has
no movement.
2. Damaged drive belt. Replace the belt.
3. Job is not balanced. Change to a slower speed and/or balance the job.
4. Damaged pulley. Replace the pulley.

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Part No Description Size Qty Part No Description Size
Qty
W1 Screw M5X8
4 W45 Angular setting assembly 1
W2 Cover – motor 1 W46 Special Screw 1
W3 Hex screw M8X30
3 W47 Index Bracket 1
W4 Washer 3 W48 Clamp 1
W5 Motor 1 W49 Nut M18 1
W6 Pin-injection 1 W50 “C” ring 24 1
W7 “C'' ring 35 1 W51 Lever 1
W8 Screw M6 2 W52 Handle 1
W9 Motor Pulley Set, L&R 1 W53 Screw M8x25 1
W10 “C” ring 62 1 W54 Nut M8 1
W11 Bearing 80107
1 W55 Screw M5x12 2
W12 Bracket-Shifting Lever 1 W56 Plate 1
W13 “C” ring 35 1 W57 Bed 1
W14 Rack 1 W58 Bolt M8x40 4
W15 Switch Box 1 W59 “C” ring 19 1
W16 Headstock 1 W60 Handle 1
W17 Key 4x4x80 1 W61 Shaft 1
W18 “C” ring 16 1 W62 Tool Rest Body 1
W19 Sleeve 1 W63 Nut M18 1
W20 Spring 1 W64 Clamp 1
W21 Spindle Pulley Set, L&R 1 W65 Bolt-A 1
W22 V-Belt 625 1 W66 Handle Assembly 1
W23 “C” ring 16 1 W67 “C” ring 19 1
W24 Plastic Jaw Nut M20x1.5 3 W68 Handle Assembly 1
W25 Power Wire 1 W69 Extension Tool Rest 1
W26 Screw M6x10
2 W70 Tool Rest 1
W27 Screw M6x10
2 W71 Centre 1
W28 Base 1 W72 Shaft 1
W29 Digital Readout 1 W73 Tailstock 1
W30 Wrench 2 W74 Tail Spindle 1
W31 Drive Centre 1 W75 Tailstock Screw 1
W32 Disc 1 W76 Handle Assembly 1
W33 Spindle 1 W77 Handle Wheel 1
W34 Key 4x4x80 1 W78 Screw 1
W35 Bearing 6205 1 W79 “C” ring 10 1
W36 “C” ring 52 1 W80 Special Bolt 1
W37 “C” ring 52 1 W81 Clamp 1
W38 Bearing 6205 1 W82 Nut M10 1
W39 “C” ring 25 1 W83 Screw M5x12 2
W40 “C” ring 24 1 W84 Plate 1
W41 Label 1 W85 Washer 8 4
W42 Gear Assembly 1 W86 Nut M8 4