Another thread on buying a lathe

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Another thread on buying a lathe

This topic has 12 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 11 September 2013 at 18:12 by Bazyle.

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14 August 2013 at 09:51 #126914
Big H
Participant
@bigh
Hi

I'm starting out as a model engineer and need to know the best kit to buy. As a former electronics technician (and car mechanic before that) I have plenty of hand tools and some measuring kit, but need advice on which lathe and possibly milling machine to buy. Certainly in the first couple of years, I'll be concentrating on learning the trade (I've been an office based engineer for 14 years now so need to 'get my eye in' again). I intend making small, live steam engines and workshop tools etc. so won't need huge machines – although I appreciate that you can turn small work on a big lathe.

As an initial start-up investment of £1000, should I concentrate on just getting the best lathe setup I can? (plus he few bits and bobs like chucks, cutting tools and steadies etc. and wait until I've saved up for an additional lathe as it becomes necessary?

I would prefer a new machine unless I really know the history of second hand kit. Reading forums, most sub £800 lathes are from the Seig factory and these have mixed reviews – however, just because they're made in China, doesn't necessarily mean they're junk (might not be bargains either!)

When is the best time to buy? What discount can I realistically expect purchasing from a show? I'm in no particular rush to buy and can wait till after Christmas if that's when the best bargains are to be had.Buying s/h from the larger tool companies is also something I'd consider..

Any help would be much appreciated
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14 August 2013 at 09:51 #17139
Big H
Participant
@bigh
The best way to spend a grand
14 August 2013 at 14:12 #126922
GaryM
Participant
@garym
Hi Big H,

Welcome to the forum. The subject has been covered quite a lot. If you haven't read it already, this thread is a good starting point

**LINK**

Or search at the top left for 'lathe'

I was in a similar position to yourself about two years ago and decided to buy a mini-lathe (Sieg C3 equivalent) just to see if the interest would last. Now wishing I'd gone for something bigger but that's what everyone will tell you. However I've learnt a lot and if in the future I buy a bigger lathe, I'll know what features and capacity are important to me.

Gary
14 August 2013 at 15:12 #126925
Big H
Participant
@bigh
Thanks Gary

As I don't know enough (yet) about lathes to restore or repair a used one, a new model looks favourite, albeit restricted to the size of work it can accomodate. I may opt for a good quality new one (but on the small side), with a view to up-sizing, maybe a s/h one in time…

Does anyone have any recommendations for Super C6 variants and when/where to buy one?

I know that Chinese kit isn't always up to scratch, but they're catching the Japanese quickly wrt. quality and reliability – in some but not all respects! You get what you pay for, but there can be bargains out there….
14 August 2013 at 16:03 #126927
GaryM
Participant
@garym
Posted by Big H on 14/08/2013 15:12:25:

……Does anyone have any recommendations for Super C6 variants and when/where to buy one?….

How about

**LINK**

Metric out of stock at the moment though.

Gary
14 August 2013 at 18:27 #126935
Thor 🇳🇴
Participant
@thor
Hi Big H,

a friend of mine has an older Sieg C6 and is satisfied with it. Warco 250 VF has a larger spindle bore (25mm) and power cross feed, but a slightly higher price. As you say, you get what you pay for.

Thor
14 August 2013 at 20:17 #126942
NJH
Participant
@njh
Hi Big H

You pose a bit of an impossible question really. My own experience of home workshop lathe ownership over some 40 years is only of Myford all bought S/H ( ML4 old, worn but useable, ML10 lightly used but with some limitations and my current Super 7 which, although S/H, is in very lightly used condition.) All these were suitable for my requirements at the time I bought them. If I was starting out again and seeking new I might well look at chinese machines.

You say that your interest is small engines and workshop equipment so a large lathe is not essential and, as long as you are sure that your interest will remain thus, then that's OK. Remember that buying the lathe is only the start and chucks, tool posts etc can all add to the cost. I think, in your place, I would want to consider the supplier. I don't know him personally but Ketan from Arceurotrade has often posted here and he seems to be a knowledgeable and straight guy. Why not give him a call and discuss your requirements with him ? I feel sure he would advise.

As far as the best time to buy I'm not sure that is quite as critical as it used to be. At one time the shows were the best place to strike a bargain but my impression now is that margins are tighter and the costs to dealers for attending the shows eats into their profit margins. I know from past experience that when buying a machine it is often possible to get good deals on accessories ( chucks, vices, cuttung tools etc.) if bought at the same time and that is worth considering.

Whatever happens – an exciting prospect for you – good luck in your quest.

Regards

Norman
14 August 2013 at 20:59 #126945
Bob Perkins
Participant
@bobperkins67044
Welcome big H

inhave a couple of SIEG machines, the lathe being an SC4, bought from Axminster tools. Minus the the car mechanic bit, perhaps a similar background. I'm really pleased with both my machines. As per other threads, it appears over time that the quality of these machines have improved greatly. I've had mine for @ two years so no experience of the quality of older machines. Perhaps watch out if you buy an older one.

regards

Bob..
14 August 2013 at 21:30 #126949
michael cole
Participant
@michaelcole91146
My second lathe was the Chester version of the C6 about 10 years ago. A good strong lathe but crude around the edges. Bits i didn't like was the cross slide( too much play on the nut) and the chuck mounting which was a bolt on affay. I would not have one again, there are much better lathes out there.
16 August 2013 at 20:51 #127075
Big H
Participant
@bigh
Thanks for all your comments and advice, I'll do some more research and window shopping…..
11 September 2013 at 12:59 #129272
Big H
Participant
@bigh
Well, after far too much thinking about it, I've managed to procure a Myford ML7 from Ebay – picking it up on Friday. Seems to be a good'un and comes with loads of extras, so fingers crossed that it all works.

Might convert it to metric though, as being a child of the eighties, I'm all mills and litres. Imperial conversions are all very well, but if it's a hobby, I might as well make things simple(ish).

Thanks for your help so far guys….
11 September 2013 at 14:04 #129277
Danny M2Z
Participant
@dannym2z
G'day.

For other lathe purchasers, this is on ebay U.K.

**LINK**

Regards rom the land of the kangaroo

* Danny M *
11 September 2013 at 18:12 #129320
Bazyle
Participant
@bazyle
For those thinking you have to have a big lathe I was just re-reading a piece from 2010 about Keith Wilson which pointed out that he built multiple 7 1/4 locos professionally on a 3 1/2 in lathe…….
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