What do you think of this mini lathe?

[SignWave]

Hi Guys (& Gals),

I came to the conclusion that this might be a handy unit to have on hand.
I'm finding out that my drill press just isnt going to be able to give me the precision I was looking for and yesterday I was making some weld-on hinges for my boats cabinet doors... They looked like they were made by a blindfolded, one handed monkey with epilepsy.... sigh.

This machine is of course made in china...

anyone have a better idea? I'd love to hear it

Rich.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82710

[mattb]

Looks like it will be better than the Brand X they mention, which I have. Your $200 extra will probably be worth it, mine is very useful but it is not a precision unit and a little play is a very bad thing.....
Also having 14" of travel over 12 would be nice, when you put on the drill/live center section you end up losing about 5" of travel

Had I had the $ I would/should have gone with one like this
YMMV
Matt

[HMW]

I bought the 9" x 20" from enco and its not that great. Its not really true. Use it to bore some small holes in the end of shafts and turn a few things. But if I relly want it accurate I have to use the 4 jaw chuck and a dial indicator, sucks , takes too much time. Or maybe its just me

[mattb]

Also mini-lathes.com, which is an excellent source of info, had good things to say.
go to

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Versions/Versions.htm#Which_lathe

Matt

[tdkkart]

This place is a "don't miss" for owners of mini lathes and mills

http://littlemachineshop.com/default.php

[monte55]

Should I have a lathe..."OH YEAH"

Any lathe is better that no lathe..........you can get a cheap lathe and with a little bit of "tuning up" make it do lots of neat stuff. A quality lathe in the hands of an idiot produces similar results. My smallish lathe and mill help make
my cnc machine and lots more. Click on links below to see

[SignWave]

So many choices.... Thanks for all the great links you guys. Ive been doing alot of reading for the last two hours.. My eyes hurt...
Im not sure if I should go this route or actually go out and get a full size.. The old saying- go big or go home.. kinda applies. The mini thing would be great but what if I want to make something larger than 2" in Dia...
could leave me a bit stuck and back on square one.

[bob_e95482]

That looks like a nice little unit. Go for it.

[aametalmaster]

You can always buy a bigger one later. I started with a 6x12 24 years ago and now have 2 South Bends plus 2 of the 6x12's...Bob

[Fishy Jim]

But Bob, you make little stuff all the time.

[tdkkart]

...........you can make small stuff on a big lathe, but you can't make big stuff on a small lathe...............

A small lathe is a good addition to a shop that already has a big lathe, and vice-versa.


Personally, I'd go with bigger before smaller, but it all depends on what you're needs are. I like the 10-12" sizes for my needs.
If your needs and space demand a small lathe by all means do it.

[arc]

looks just like the same 1 that they have at princess auto 4 $499 lots of other manufactures make equipment for them

[SignWave]

You can always buy a bigger one later. I started with a 6x12 24 years ago and now have 2 South Bends plus 2 of the 6x12's...Bob

you've got one too many.. Can I have one? PPPPPPPPPPlease!?!?!
A big one....

[SignWave]

second choice better than the first?

Hi Everybody,
This is what I found today... Of course once again it is an offshore.
this would be a little better as I have some space restricitons..

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?&NETID=1629071215071668857&NTITEM=B2229

any thoughts?

[PLWeld]

A very handy addition

Sign, I have a Smithy mill/lathe combo and I LOVE IT. The machine you're looking at is somewhat similar, just without the mill head. Otherwise, if you'll use it, get it! My girlfriend always tells me if purchasing a certain machine or tool makes the shop more efficient and more productive then get it. As long as it's going to be used or needed! If you're looking at getting a smaller machine (like the one your looking at), check out the Smithy lathe/mill combo. I would say worth the "little extra" money to go that route, the mill has come in handy for me. I got mine used and paid $500.00 (well worth it) Let us know what you end up doing.