.

Anthony,

May I suggest that you read this thread: **LINK**

http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=122544

MichaelG.

choice depends quite a bit on what you want to do with it

I have a Warco WM180 – fine, the belt drive has saved me a few times during the still protracted learning when dig ins has struck – it will screwcut RH threads fine but not easy to get it to do LH – there is no mounting mechanism (eg T-slots)on the cross slide thus using a boring bar between centres for aligning bores in mounts is not easy
– the leadscrew is not easily disengaged so you can’t use a handle to do fine movement – the chuck is held by 3 x 8mm screws so can happily reverse but the single banjo restricts altering the fixed relationship between the chuck and leadscrew – however plain turning is fine – Warco generally include 3 + 4 jaw chucks + a few other tools

Have a look also at Amadeal, good products with brilliant after sales service.

1) Buy from a 'proper' dealer; most of the companies that offer good after sales service, stocks of accessories and spares, warranties and understand the needs of hobbyists advertise here and in ME and MEW (I'm not just saying that to please our advertisers, it's true). These bigger companies also demand the better quality machines – you can guess where ones that fail QC at the factory end up.

2) Compare the specs and accessories, these usually account for most of the price differences. Not all differences are obvious, they can be things like better quality electronics (but these days reports suggest the Chinese-made boards are no less reliable than USA made ones).

3) Talk to the 2 or 3 companies whose machine/price seems the best fit for your needs and see what advice they have to offer. They may have New Year deals coming up

Above all, enjoy the process of deciding, it's all part of the fun!

Neil

Sounds like a Chines lathe to me – in several respects.

Some models do have a sort of T slot arrangement but none as far as I am aware have a traditional one. Just 2 on the outer edges of the cross slide. Use them and the cross slide may distort and seize up or go loose unless parts are rather flat. Once upon a time Neil made one for his mini lathe – on it I believe. There can't be much call for them otherwise some one would be selling them. The traditional ones will reduce the max dia over the cross slide – bad for the numbers game.

The lack of a handle on the end of my none chinese lathe leadscrew has never caused me a problem. There is no scale on the rack feed, i don't generally use the screw cutting indicator to do a similar thing but it does have a micrometer bed stop. I usually just measure and then finalise the size one way or the other depending on how accurate it needs to be. A 6" rule is usually adequate. Sometimes it needs to be longer. Sometimes the scale on the end of the rule is more appropriate.

I have had lathes with a handle on the leadscrew including a Myford. Can't say that I miss them.

The absence of any sort of screw cutting gearbox even ones that can only cover a very limited range and need change wheels is as I see things a serious disadvantage because it's such a pain to change feed rates.

The alternative is a used traditional lathe but for many there is no saying what it will need doing to it if it needs to be in very good condition.

John

–

T-slotted cross slides are a boon for milling on the lathe – although if you can make one on the lathe you have probably worked out away around the problem of not having one… and then you will probably buy a mill anyway…

Neil

Might be worth a look at —- Axminster Tools & Machinery ME series C4A bench lathe, A nice straight forward lathe with induction motor with speed control by belt change on pulleys , so no need to worry about torque / power problems or failed circuit boards i"m sure some will say it is a bit low on the range of speeds ! and so it might be, but you wont be long in getting the hang of it to make modifications of your own ,

Every body does sooner or later no matter what lathe they buy, new or s/h.

One thing i would recommend is learn to sharpen hss tool bits, some folk swear by tipped & insert tooling , but it is worth getting the hang of grinding your own

A clock maker of note once said " It is easy to make a small clock on a larger lathe, but not so easy to make a large clock on a small lathe"…………………….b

**LINK**

Hi all i got the link sussed now

Edited By bodge on 26/12/2016 14:37:49

The Chester 9 x 20 is very similar in appearance to the C4 ….but has the added benefit of a gearbox….and is cheaper….

Quality is good and generally I feel it a good first lathe ( it was my first purchase)….

I've added a vfd-3 phase motor conversion on mine, qctp and a few other mods….

For a first time lathe I feel it a good buy, 6 speeds, gearbox for screw cutting ( if needed) ….no motor or speed controller to burn out…. 9 inch swing and 20 in centres….plenty of accessories if needed….

Edited By John Rudd on 26/12/2016 14:53:18

Edited By John Rudd on 26/12/2016 15:02:51

Hi John

I think the Axminster one is made by Sieg which is why it might be costing a bit more ,

The Chester one looks a pretty good buy , all accessories included !! —– Just one or two small problems

A, its out stock . B, Chester have not been doing to well on delivery times going by what some have said on the forum……………b

If & when they do restock be sure to check for any spec" changes

I would not just go off their web site if you get interested in buying from Chester. When i initially called to view a Crusader Deluxe, they were showing no stock when in fact they did have three in stock. Do a telephone check with Tony If at all interested.

Its always difficult to judge from a few negative comments on delivery which are usually the ones that get published. Its how many of those in relation to positive situations which never seem get published that matters, but unfortunately never seem to able to get quantified. You need to go off gut feeling when talking to them.

Malc B

Yes valid point , I would phone first , As its a good deal for the money, have dealt with Chester in the past no problems……………b