warco lathes.

[Antony PowellParticipant @antonypowell28169]

Hi David

Hadn't thought of that option , do you have the number ???

 

Hi Ian

Having surveyed the market over the last few days …..

Its proving difficult to find a sensible option

Tony

Edited By Antony Powell on 27/04/2017 08:03:48

[David Standing 1Participant @davidstanding1]

Tony

 

How far can the budget stretch? Boxford can still sell you a brand new, British made machine:

 

 

 

http://www.boxford.co.uk/equipment/manual-machines/

 

 

http://www.boxford.co.uk/cms/boxford-content/uploads/2014/05/Centre_Lathes.pdf

 

 

And if money were absolutely no issue, I would park one of these in my workshop:

 

 

https://www.technologysupplies.co.uk/harrison-m300-lathe-1000mm.html

 

 

 

Edited By David Standing 1 on 27/04/2017 09:27:31

[Ian Skeldon 2Participant @ianskeldon2]

Posted by David Standing 1 on 27/04/2017 09:18:08:

Tony

How far can the budget stretch? Boxford can still sell you a brand new, British made machine:

**LINK**

**LINK**

And if money were absolutely no issue, I would park one of these in my workshop:

**LINK**

Edited By David Standing 1 on 27/04/2017 09:27:31

Thanks for the links David, wish I could afford the Harrison, looks as though it would be very useful.

Thanks,

Ian

[Antony PowellParticipant @antonypowell28169]

HI Dave

Thanks for those…

With the Waro GH1236 at £2495 + vat

My Budget is too small for the Harrison from £15900 + vat (although it looks great, will have to talk to the accountant. would it be worth the investment ??, Would it get enough use to be viable ??)

and would be seriously strained for the boxford from £8900 + vat ( Although a lot less less grovelling would be required)

My best option at the moment is the Runmaster 330 from Axminster Tools at £4163.33 + vat single phase or £4374.97 + vat. three phase single phase is 8 speed, three phase is 16 speed.

Its also the only one to offer a full three year on site parts and labour warranty, others are all 12 months, except Warco who are 6+6 full / parts only

down side is 21 day wait for three phase or 42 day wait for single phase and they are both end of line limited availability.

Decisions Decisions ……

Tony

 

Edited By Antony Powell on 27/04/2017 18:53:03

[David Standing 1Participant @davidstanding1]

Tony

If it is down to the Axminster, and then the only decision is 1ph or 3ph, given that you already have 3ph so no additional cost for phase conversion, it's a no brainer – go for the 3ph, it will be a much nicer machine (particularly as it will give you an extra 8 speeds).

[LathejackParticipant @lathejack]

The Runmaster lathe from Axminster is loosely based on the Harison M300, just a little simpler. So if you fancy a new M300 but can't stretch to one, then the Runmaster is not a bad choice.

The Birmingham company Rotagrip also offer lathes in the Machines section of their website. They list a lot of Chester machines, but amongst these is one lathe called the C300 which appears to be identical to the M300.

I seem to remember a few years ago the C300 was priced around £8000, Rotagrip still list it now but there is no price shown. Capacity is 330x1000mm.

 

 

Edited By Lathejack on 27/04/2017 20:22:06

Edited By Lathejack on 27/04/2017 20:27:27

[MalcBParticipant @malcb52554]

Excel Machine Tools do a very similar range of conventional lathes to the Axminister range, may be worth a look.

The XYZ Machine Tools Trainer lathe is also similar but only 750mm twixt centres which sounds as though may be a tad short for you.

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

.

This looks very similar. **LINK**

Give them a call and ask for Alan. Decent guy that has been in the machine tool supply business since Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a nipper.

Nick

[thaiguzziParticipant @thaiguzzi]

Two Model A Smart & Brown lathes on Premier Machine Tools website in Notts. One for £850 and the other just over a grand. Well tooled.

I would buy either or both in a heart beat if i still lived in the UK.

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

I bought an ex college M300, still had its transit packing grease on much of it. Bargain at the time and still is!! The C300 is very much like the Harrison, I cannot see any difference on the pictures. £8K + vat, a good buy if you have the wherewithall.

[Antony PowellParticipant @antonypowell28169]

Whilst looking for an alternative machine ,I have come across loads of posts on multiple websites including this one all with one thing in common it would appear that many of Warco's customers are having wiring issues on several of their machines, lathes, mills etc some brand new but most little used with various ages involved.

Various issues from simple loose wires to full meltdowns as in my case, but all wiring related !!

Tony

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

I you try the link Nick_G gave above the photo shows the lathe labelled as Gate. That's the company Elliott/Victoria turned into. Their website is close to useless as so often with British tool companies and has a scrolling photo that might be the M300 copy and might be a G_340E, or G_350E, or a G_360E but does mention an interesting variant I have not seen before – a gear head with a Norton box. their G_305EB.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Posted by Antony Powell on 07/05/2017 10:32:09:

Whilst looking for an alternative machine ,I have come across loads of posts on multiple websites including this one all with one thing in common it would appear that many of Warco's customers are having wiring issues on several of their machines, lathes, mills etc some brand new but most little used with various ages involved.

Various issues from simple loose wires to full meltdowns as in my case, but all wiring related !!

Tony

 

Problem is you don't get people posting when their machine is OK so don't see a balanced response. My warco has been fine for the 8 years I have had it as has my 10yr old Far eastern X3 mill.

Of all the sellers of far eastern ME machines in the UK I would say Warco also have the largest share of the market so again you will see more posts about warco than you do the smaller sellers like Toolco, SPG, Amadeal, etc

Edited By JasonB on 07/05/2017 13:17:07

[Gray62Participant @gray62]

Posted by Antony Powell on 07/05/2017 10:32:09:

Whilst looking for an alternative machine ,I have come across loads of posts on multiple websites including this one all with one thing in common it would appear that many of Warco's customers are having wiring issues on several of their machines, lathes, mills etc some brand new but most little used with various ages involved.

Various issues from simple loose wires to full meltdowns as in my case, but all wiring related !!

Tony

Don't think it is fair to make such comments without a properly balanced viewpoint. I have had 3 lathes from Warco, 2 of which are still in my possession, and various other pieces of equipment including mills, bandsaws, drill press etc. None of which have suffered any electrical (or other) problems. Like Jason says, people often only post when they have a problem therefore giving a distorted view of reality across all machines sold.

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

Posted by JasonB on 07/05/2017 13:13:50:

My warco has been fine for the 8 years I have had it as has my 10yr old Far eastern X3 mill.

.

Yeahh, But you never use them hardly ever do you.

And when you do you only make pens, plumb bobs and fire pokers.

Nick

[NJHParticipant @njh]

Well I've had a Warco Mill/Drill for about 20 years and a Warco bench drill for about 15 years – no problems with either of them. Sure the mill/drill is a compromise and, if vertical movement outside of the quill travel is required, then methods of maintaining alignment are needed. A bit of a fiddle but generally all that is required is some thought when setting up ( always advisable!). In terms of the robustness of the machine – no problems at all. Sure a Bridgeport would be nice but so would a Merc ! For the price I think Warco is a great buy.

Norman

PS My lathe is a Myford – I know, I know, like them or loath them – I Like!

Edited By NJH on 07/05/2017 14:01:25

[Antony PowellParticipant @antonypowell28169]

I Agree that people only seem to post when they have an issue

But

Don't think it's a case of not fair as it is a comment upon failure issues not on numbers sold or good machines or position within the market.

this whole post was written as much as information for those like me (now) who are looking for a new machine and want information upon quality standards and service.

You have and are free at any time to post about how good your machines are as is anyone else, if they can be bothered to or not is up to them.

I feel the quality of my first warco lathe a 10 year old second hand BH600 was excellent, which is what prompted me to buy my next lathe from Warco but This lathe and the ensuing lack of good customer service has tainted that opinion badly

All my posts are my personal opinions based upon how I feel I have been treated, to which I am entitled as are you.

It's Called freedom of speech……..

If people didn't post negative comments companies like Vauxhall for example could get away with the Zafira fire debarcle scott free and loads of people who's cars burst into flames for no apparent reason would be well out of pocket or someone could even have been killed. I am sure there are plenty of Zafira owners who love their cars and don't post about it !!

Further to an older post on this thread as to if Warco monitor this site the answer is yes as a comment made by me about warco was raised in a conversation the other day but was previously only been made on this site and not verbally, so either they do or someone keeps them up to speed.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

+1 to Graham and Jason. For what it's worth, my experience with Warco is 2 lathes, 1 milling machine and a bandsaw none of which have had any kind of electrical fault so far.

It would be wonderful to have proper statistics on this. As it is, I think the most that can be said is that 'cheaper lathes tend not to be as well made as expensive ones'. Amazing! Who'd have thought that might happen?

Dave

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

Posted by Antony Powell on 07/05/2017 14:13:24:

Further to an older post on this thread as to if Warco monitor this site

.

I am lead to believe (from a reliable source) that Warco have a policy of not engaging in debates on internet forums regarding their products and any issues. They like to keep their discussions regarding such 'in house' via their customer support. – Others choose to do so apparently Warco do not.

No idea why, you would have to ask Warco themselves the reasoning behind this.

Regards, Nick

[Gray62Participant @gray62]

Anthony, freedom of speech is fine, and I fully understand your disappointment with your recent Warco lathe, I would no doubt react in a similar manner. On the point of fairness, to say 'many of Warco's customers are having wiring issues on several of their machines' is the point on which I would say is unfair as there are 'many' on here and throughout the ME arena that are perfectly happy and have had no issue with their machines.

[John Stevenson 1Participant @johnstevenson1]

Yes it’s called freedom of speech.

You have had your say now shut up.

[Sam Longley 1Participant @samlongley1]

deleted

Edited By Sam Longley 1 on 07/05/2017 15:53:04

[Gray62Participant @gray62]

Posted by John Stevenson on 07/05/2017 15:20:16:
Yes it's called freedom of speech.

You have had your say now shut up.

If that's directed at me JS, then who the hell do you think are you to tell me to shut up!. Talk about downright rude and obnoxious!!! So I don't have the right to freedom of speech, I have to shut up? I know you can be an arsey git but right here and now butt out, nothing to do with you or to coin a phrase once used by yourself –  ' nothing to see here move on'

Edited By Graeme W on 07/05/2017 16:16:36

[Roger Williams 2Participant @rogerwilliams2]

Graeme W, well said mate.

[Rik ShawParticipant @rikshaw]

+1 for that Graeme .W – and this individual is supposed to be a moderator? What sort of a joke is that? Get a grip Neil!

Rik

[Author]

Posts