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Hello Bob.

You could do a lot worse than have a jolly up the A6 to Leicester and go and see Ketan at ARC

He stocks the Seig C6 which should fit nicely into that space leaving you some room for storage and tooling ect. Plus you being able to move around.

Link to C6 **LINK**

You as somone who has spent time with 'tools in your hands' it would be nice for you to see and feel a machine before you part with your coins I should think.

Don't forget to budget for tooling.

Nick

When I first started (I'm still starting 2+ years on!) someone said "budget 50% for the machine and 50% for the tooling and accessories"

I honestly thought that was mad, "I'll just get what I need" I thought, and to a great extent I did.

So I'll revise that statement for whichever kind sir told me that

"budget 50% for the machine and AT LEAST 50% for the tooling and accessories in the first year"

– I think that's a fair estimation, and I'm still amazed at how much enjoyment I get out of my investment pound for pound despite it costing a lot more than I imagined.

Hi Bob,

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure I can offer any direct advice, but I am happy to talk machine tools and accessories in general. I'll send you a PM.

Andrew

Welcome to the most satisfying hobby there is Bob.

Ditto what Neil said about VFD power.

As soon as I used my lathe for the first time after fitting one, I soon converted all my other machines to use VFDs and never looked back.

Russ B said it, I having spent at least that, if not more on tools and accessories.

Before you install any machines or tools, please insulate the shed.

Do let us know your whereabouts, as I'm sure some of those local to you would be only too willing to be of assistance.

Geoff – Hmm cheese or Mackerel on toast later, decisions decisions

Welcome Bob

I've had my WM250V-F ( pre-inverter days ) & my WM 16 mill since 2012 & cannot complain with either machine; I wished I'd got the WM18 as I wanted the bigger MT to suit tooling I already had but budgetary reasons precluded taking that route, 'ce la vie' as the saying goes. I certainly would consider the Warco range as a good start up system, their aftersales service is very good too. If you're anywhere near their showroom it would be well worth a visit to get a 'hands on' feel, no other connection other than a satisfied customer.

Do remember to allow a good margin for tooling, FWIW I would suggest you invest in the Eccentric Eng. diamond tool holder as this will cover 95% of your cutting tool requirements, it does majority of mine, & easier to sharpen ( usual disclaimer  ), then you've got to think about drill chuck/s, live centres, DTI's, decent set of drills, metric & imperial etc. etc, then gradually build up from there, I'm still getting this & that now 3 years on, dependant on what my pension, & finance director ( SWMBO &nbsp will allow…  

George.

Edited By mechman48 on 21/08/2015 16:27:26

I started off with a clarke 300M lathe and small mill but you soon out grow them once you learn to use them. I now have a Warco WM-250V-F lathe and WM16 mill. But I did end up buying an "engine lift" to help put them in lace.

john w

Hi Bob.

I don't know your situati​on, e.g. access to your workshop etc.

We have all compromised on things in the past and often live to regret it.

If you are going to spend the money, spend it once.
Get the right tool the first time (be it a twist drill for £1 or a lathe at £1500)
I use Dormer Driils. They cost more but last really well and stay sharp. I have several other drill sets bought at various times and they all sit dusty on the shelf now.

Your machine can be moved safely by 4 good men and some ingenuity.
Unpack your machine where they deliver it. Take as much weight out of it as you can.
Use Straps to carry the machine to the workshop. Rollers are another great way to move things (Broom Handles etc.)

Getting it on to your Bench is usually the toughest part. Lift it a bit at a time if you can. Once you can collectively pick it up just do it.

The final and most important part of this job is the last bit. It usually involves a short trip to the Pub !

If you can hang on for 3 weeks The St Albans & District Model Engineering show is on 26/27 September and last year had 2 lathes for sale. (ok one was an Adept) plus bargain tools and free advice.

and cakes.