Simat 101 or Flexispeed lathe….I have to choose

Simat 101 or Flexispeed lathe….I have to choose

This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 7 September 2022 at 17:14 by SillyOldDuffer.

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

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4 September 2022 at 15:53 #612333
Julian Tolley
Participant
@juliantolley83108
I've had a Flexispeed large for years but recently a Simat 101 lathe cane available near me. I thought I would be able to mix and match but find the spindle is different (well the nose thread). So I now have to choose which one to get rid of. The Flexispeed uses oil for the main bearings while the Simat has grease filled fittings…not sure if they were a later feature or a modification. Anyone out there with experience of both…..and offer advice.
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4 September 2022 at 15:53 #20782
Julian Tolley
Participant
@juliantolley83108
4 September 2022 at 19:01 #612362
peak4
Participant
@peak4
My Simat is oil fed, rather than grease.
Are you sure someone hasn't just drilled out the holes and added oil nipple like on a Myford.

How about making a nose adaptor for one lathe or the other, or if you have access to a larger lathe, maybe make a new spindle for one of them to match the other.

Bill
4 September 2022 at 20:38 #612378
not done it yet
Participant
@notdoneityet
Plain bearings generally need oil lube whereas rolling bearings (ball, taper roller or needle) can use either.

Compare wheel bearings on vehicles – they can go for 100,000 miles without trouble..
7 September 2022 at 14:35 #612687
Geoff Mathews
Participant
@geoffmathews47505
Some Flexispeed lathes – but not all – were serial numbered and had a hand finished bed – if your Flexispeed is one of these it might be worth keeping.
7 September 2022 at 17:14 #612714
SillyOldDuffer
Moderator
@sillyoldduffer
The one that's in best condition! On paper the Simat looks like a refined Flexispeed, which is good, but not if the Simat's bearings have been damaged by being worked on grease. Buying second-hand we always risk being punished for the sins of previous owners!

Dave
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