Which lathe?

[Max DesmoParticipant @maxdesmo86741]

Hi all, thanks for the space you're kindly allowing me on the forum. The question is simple: which one would be a good metric lathe to get with a 1k budget? Maximum size of parts worked on would be around 20cm. I know metric are hard to come by, so how hard would it be to use an imperial to make metrics, especially threads (if this is even possibile at all..) sorry for all the questions but I'm a complete newbie on the subject. Thanks in advance, Max

[Max DesmoParticipant @maxdesmo86741]

[Nick_GParticipant @nick_g]

Posted by Max Desmo on 19/10/2014 21:27:08:

I know metric are hard to come by,

Not so.!

I would imagine / guarantee there are far more metric machines available and sold these days than imperial ones.

Don't drink beer for a month and stretch your budget a little bit for (perhaps) **LINK**

I predict that there will be many contributors to this thread for the best place to spend sub 1K on a suitable metric machine for your needs.

Nick

[Roger Provins 2Participant @rogerprovins2]

Where in the world are you?

Roger

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

Hi Max, Welcome

I think you'll find that there is a predominance of metric lathes/mill as opposed to imperial, although you can still get decent imperial lathes second hand… Myford, Boxford & the like. For your budget have a look through the suppliers e.g. Warco, ArcEuro, Chester, Amadeal, etc (usual disclaimer). I have a Warco WM250V-F with power cross feed for the same price as Nick's suggestion (Sieg C6) so I would check sizes, capabilities & what you get for your money from all of the aforementioned, don't forget that you may (will) end up forking out half as much again + for 'extras' 4 jaw chuck, QC tool post (?) etc… happy hunting.

George

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Maximum size of parts worked on would be around 20cm

What about width? If you have two machines that tick all your boxes and one machine has a bigger spindle bore than the other then go for that one.

If you end up doing a lot of stuff a big spindle bore is a godsend

[Max DesmoParticipant @maxdesmo86741]

Hi all and thanks for the replies. I'm in sunny London and there us a distinct lack of lathes down here it seems. I was offered a chester 3 in 1 which on paper ticked all the boxes but extensive research on the net showed a) poor customer service b) apparently substandard built. I don't want to be in a position to have to buy as many spares as tooling tbh.

Thanks and keep the suggestions coming

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

May be a lack of sun but hardly of lathes. Check out Amadeal for new, Warco is not far out of London either. Second hand there is Home and Workshop Machinery in Sidcup and G&M tools out of town in Ashington. For larger machines there are lots more within 10 miles of the M25.

Lots of lathes on ebay in London don't get much interest due to the problem of pickup inside the LEZ.

You should be able to get a Boxford for under 1k off ebay or a bit more from  from the two used dealers above.

Edited By Bazyle on 20/10/2014 19:11:55

[Tony RayParticipant @tonyray65007]

Max,

If you want a new machine there is a lot of choice, if you go for used it may take a little longer to find one. A well equipped metric Boxford AUD is in your budget range but not from the most well known dealers. Do bear in mind that there is a vast difference in the rigidity and weight and size of a hobby machine vs a Colchester. Remember too that you could fit a DRO which will work in the units of your choice. For me one of the most important points is whether you will want to cut imperial threads and how easy it is to set up the machine to do so – the change wheels for some machines are very hard to obtain and expensive. Actually thinking about it one of the newer Boxfords ( still in production) sts280 eg could do you nicely they were sold to schools usually metric and the come up in very good condition on Fleabay. If Buying secondhand do try to get someone experienced to help you. Your budget is good but by spending a little more on a more desirable machine your investment will be more protected if you need to sell it again.

[Rufus RoughcutParticipant @rufusroughcut]

Hi Max

Just Spotted this on EBay and metric

Current Bid £850

eBay item number: 321550989305

[Oompa LumpaParticipant @oompalumpa34302]

Posted by Max Desmo on 20/10/2014 18:28:20:

a chester 3 in 1 which on paper ticked all the boxes but extensive research on the net showed a) poor customer service b) apparently substandard built.

Max, with respect I would take exception to that.

I have both a Chester Mill and Lathe and Chester – especially Tony – have been exceptional in their help and service. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them – and what's more I will be at their winter open day again this year..

Goes to show, don't believe everything you read on tinternet!

graham.

[richard 2Participant @richard2]

Hi all

I'm 82 and have just been able to start a little light model engineering after 30 years without a workshop or engines.

I decided that as I was going to build only a small stationary engine (ETW's Theseus) I would buy my first love.A Myford Super 7B to which I have added DRO.

I also bought a Warco mill/drill with which I am very pleased.

I have added a 6" bench free-hand grinder, (for which I have made two adjustable tool holders), an Axminster linisher and an old Warco band-saw.

The Myford is like an old friend and does all that I want. I cannot think that I would ever need a larger bore.

And I have a Myford vertical slide and a Picador drill grinding jig. So I do not think I need anything else.

So buy the lathe etc., to do what you want and enjoy using it.

My workshop is a 12' x 8' insulated shed just outside the kitchen door. A 120w cylindrical heater keeps the temperature up sufficient to stop rust and I can feel the slight warmth when I open the door. I then add a 1k oil-filled

radiator and life is wonderful.

Richard.

P.s. After all it is only a hobby!

[John DurrantParticipant @johndurrant47282]

Don't forget that buying the lathe is only the start, there are tools and accessories which can cost as much as the machine you started with. A 4 jaw chuck is essential, then there are a running center, a drill chuck, clocks and mag base, micrometer, digital calipers,cutting tools,drills, taps and dies, – the list is endless.

I spent £650 on an Amadeal AMA210, by the time I was ready to roll the total bill had come to about £1200 and had my wife screaming about a new bathroom before I bought anything else.

[Steven KingabyParticipant @stevenkingaby28820]

I've had a Warco 240 for a year now and it has met and exceeded all my requirements. Big enough to handle most jobs and small enough to fit in my shed – with the help of my son I managed to man handle it into place – it weighs about 140Kg. At first it sat on the shed floor but later I built a concrete plinth for it.

Its metric – with hindsight I would have bought gone for the Warco 250 that has a gear box so it is faster changing the back gears. They supply (extra cost) a compatible vertical milling vice that isn't as good as a real mill but does a great job. As the reader above says – you are going to spend a good few hundred on tools and consumables but you can buy these as you go along.

If I upgrade in the future then I'd probably be able to justify the extra spend (i.e. prove to my self that the expenditure was returning value) and go for a Myford or similar but I wanted to buy new so I'd be sure there was a warranty and no surprises.

There a lot of lathes similar to the Warco's on the market and I can't say they are better or worse but I can certainly give the thumbs up to Warco's customer service and accessibility. I live quite near them in Surrey and often stop by to visit their well stocked show room. Being within visiting distance of the vendor is a great help – an important factor when deciding.

You said you are in London – If you are North East then AMADEAL are in the Leytonstone area. If you are South West then I recommend a drive out to Warco who are near Cranley. Also G&M are 30 mins drive south of Warco so also worth a look in – lots of second hand machines and tools – but maybe not ideal for a first time buy ?

[ChrisHParticipant @chrish]

John – that's the trouble with women, no sense of priorities!

[JonParticipant @jon]

Posted by Tony Ray on 20/10/2014 19:19:28:

Max,

Do bear in mind that there is a vast difference in the rigidity and weight and size of a hobby machine vs a Colchester.

For me one of the most important points is whether you will want to cut imperial threads and how easy it is to set up the machine to do so – the change wheels for some machines are very hard to obtain and expensive.

Top advice Ray but will just add to above.

Likewise I swore blind after the faffing about with an ML7 22 years ago I would never ever buy another lathe where you had to mess about with change wheels. Some of these Chinese imports its near on a full strip down on rear to change a change wheel, totally unnecessary. Next job on same scenario and so on. At least a machine with a gearbox gives more scope like the robust well made Boxfords.

I have had alarmingly poor service from Warco and to be spoken to the way that woman does begs the question do they have any customers. Many months passed and eventually delivered to wrong address. Exceptional as always from Amadeal, always next working day. Chester can have good service, depends who is dealing with it. Any new Chinese machine parts can a major problem, often a new machine is took apart to supply or a long wait and be ripped off on cost ie motor £256 whole machine brand new £650, transfer box £244 part of elevation head whole machine £930 brand new. They got you by the short and curlys.

S/h dealer prices are expensive and I would never take a punt on ebay machine tools without vetting first seems a dumping ground for worn out stuff. Boxford above looks ok though but needs vetting.

Your dosh, your risk.

[JonParticipant @jon]

Posted by Tony Ray on 20/10/2014 19:19:28:

Max,

Do bear in mind that there is a vast difference in the rigidity and weight and size of a hobby machine vs a Colchester.

For me one of the most important points is whether you will want to cut imperial threads and how easy it is to set up the machine to do so – the change wheels for some machines are very hard to obtain and expensive.

Top advice Ray but will just add to above.

Likewise I swore blind after the faffing about with an ML7 22 years ago I would never ever buy another lathe where you had to mess about with change wheels. Some of these Chinese imports its near on a full strip down on rear to change a change wheel, totally unnecessary. Next job on same scenario and so on. At least a machine with a gearbox gives more scope like the robust well made Boxfords.

I have had alarmingly poor service from Warco and to be spoken to the way that woman does begs the question do they have any customers. Many months passed and eventually delivered to wrong address. Exceptional as always from Amadeal, always next working day. Chester can have good service, depends who is dealing with it. Any new Chinese machine parts can a major problem, often a new machine is took apart to supply or a long wait and be ripped off on cost ie motor £256 whole machine brand new £650, transfer box £244 part of elevation head whole machine £930 brand new. They got you by the short and curlys.

S/h dealer prices are expensive and I would never take a punt on ebay machine tools without vetting first seems a dumping ground for worn out stuff. Boxford above looks ok though but needs vetting.

Your dosh, your risk.

[Max DesmoParticipant @maxdesmo86741]

Hi all, thanks for all the replies. I've been extremely busy with all those pesky desmo engines but a suitable lathe has been located and I'm going to see and possibly buy it today. Will post pictures/updates and I'm sure I'll have a few more questions in the coming days

[Author]

Posts