Hello Steve and welcome. I'm sure there will be people along very shortly to advise. Have you considered a used lathe such as the Myford or Boxford?

What sort of thing are you likely to be making with it?

Brian

I had a Chester 920 for a few years as a second lathe to my Atlas 10F. I found it to be quite a capable machine and it represents good value for money now although for a new lathe it is somewhat outdated. As a beginner you will probably find the 100 rpm lowest speed a bit scary for screwcutting.

When I needed the space for a CNC mill I had to sell one of them. I chose to sell the 920 and keep the much older Atlas as it had more flexibility of use and I had many more homemade accessories for it. I had also fitted a three phase motor and inverter drive.

If you can afford a bit more I would look at some of the similar size variable speed lathes now available.

Russell

Like Mick B1, in his third sentence. Fymords are over-rated, IMO. A good Raglan 5” are another which could knock spots of the them. Just need a little more space.

Need more info. Mkl or Mkll Little John? Raglan 5’? Loughborough? QCGB or change wheel? Single or 3 phase? 220 or 415V, if three phase?

What is there with it? Face plate, steady(s), chucks, tooling?

Remember, too, that there were cheaper versions of the 5’’, sold into educational establishments

All can/will make a difference, as does condition. Still likely a lot less than an equivalent fymord – if there was ever any comparison!

Thought that i had posted a reply to N D I Y

Single Phase, 240 volt

As far as i know it is a Little John, painted green, (Although the Headstock end, with QCGB looks like the Five Inch) The Saddle from memory, also looks like the Five Inch, but the Cross Slide carried a Four Way Toolpost, while the Top Slide which could replace it carried a single tool holder. (I made up a Four Way Toolpost for him, to fit onto the Top Slide so that he could change tools more quickly, and turn short tapers if needed). Three and Four Jaw Chucks, Tailstock Drill Chuck, Centres (i think – haven't spent much time with it for a while). I made him a Handwheel for the Mandrel, to help when cutting threads upto a shoulder, and a Centre Height Gauge.

No details as yet of what Change Gears or tooling is in the cupboards of the stand.

Will update as info becomes available, (They are heavily into packing at the moment!)

Howard