Forum

[Dennis C]

Oops just read that last post it should read .0005 or half a thou if you prefer.

[Alan R]

Hi guys------- DENNIS C,------------It was ARC EUROTRADE who completely dismantle and re-build etc...I've been to their place a couple of times and they have a very professional approach to all their customers....... PETE F, that does seem to me to be a very good package overall (especially as includes fixed and travelling steadies as well)....I particularly like the large chuck guard.....They all have a 3MT up the main spout and a 2MT in the tailstock..........With regards to Myford v Boxford, then my £1000 goes on a Boxford...Taper Headstock bearings.....combined vee and flat bed, induction hardened bedways, Headstock drawbar collets etc (Compatible with a Southbend)........proper gib adjusters etc...In its' day it was the "Lathe of choice" for countless school workshops.....An ML7 or Super 7 just doesn't match up in any of those areas....(Too much "Urban myth" that you're not a "Proper" Model Engineer unless you had a}---ML7 lathe, a Tom Senior vert. mill, a Fobco bench drill, Record 4" bench vice, etc........).-------OK, I've sounded off..back to being a mouse !!

[Alan R]

PETE---- this just up on E-Bay }----------- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... ame=VIP:wa ------------

[PeteF]

Alan, I've fallen for that before - "just needs a ****** to be as good as new"
Looks good for spares for someone with a similar machine though.

[p]

I bought one of these from a guy who sells on ebay and is in north London:

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Re ... igdog2.htm

Like an Enfield, it needs rebuilding to make it better/last, but the link tells all!
It will never be an industrial quality lathe, but for pottering and making oddments I find it excellent.

[MadMike]

Pete there are lots of good opinions here, but the most fundamental one is the first reply. First you must determine what you want to do with your lathe. If you want to skim brake hubs you will need an extrtemely large machine. For spacers and spindles etc and a bit of milling using a vertical slide you will find a modern Chinese lathe more than adequate. I have a Myford 254S which was rebuilt by Myford about 3 months before they closed. It is a much better machine than the ML7's etc. Remember that the ML range in the main is very elderly and well worn. Visiting some forums it seems that some people spend more time restoring their old Myfords than using them. Both Myford ML series and modern Chinese can be fitted on a sturdy bench if you wish, although the footprint of the manufacturers stands are usually smaller than the machine itself. So do you give up floor space or bench space? Life is full of compromises you aee. On a general note buy as big a machine as you can afford/accomodate. Simply a large machine will do small work but a small machine will not do large work. If you are near Leicestershire then call in and try mine for size, and also visit Ketan at ArcEuro Trade who sell Sieg machines. Incidentally although I have my English made lathe I have bought a Sieg vertical mill from ArcEuro and it is a great machine. Normal disclaimers re ArcEuro.....simply a very satisfied customer. HTH.

[Alan R]

See...you're not so mad after all !!--------------Ditto to all of that above..PS, my main lathe is a Chester Craftsman ( http://www.chestermachinetools.com/craf ... 3978-p.asp ) paid for from the compensation received after being knocked off my Moto Guzzi California 1100i by an Iveco lorry ( "Sorry mate, didn't think you were going to stop there !!")...... W(hook on side of ship)!!

[PeteF]

Thanks for all the advice and no, I'm not planning to skim drums or anything that big.
The machine will be used to make spacers, spindles, nut and such with possibly a bit of milling. I will also be using it to be able to incorporate metal components into woodturning projects and to do decorative work.
I spoke to Warco yesterday at length and have settled for this.

It's a bit more than I had budgeted for but when you tot up the value of the extras it comes with I reckon it's not a bad deal. I would probably have ended up buying all the extras anyway.
â—¾Swarf tray
â—¾Rear splash guard
â—¾Face plate
â—¾3 Jaw 100mm self centre chuck with inside and outside jaws
â—¾4 Jaw independent chuck 100mm
â—¾Fixed steady
â—¾Travelling steady
â—¾Two dead centres
â—¾Compound slide
â—¾Thread dial indicator

It's also 2MT on the tail stock, the same as my wood lathe, so certain accessories will do duty on both machines.
The only extra I'm getting at the moment is a QC toolpost and, of course, some tools.
A milling slide seems like a sensible addition at some time in the future.
By the way, Dennis is right, Warco seem to be an excellent company to deal with and even the guy on the phone, just taking orders, seemed to know his stuff.

[Alan R]

Hi PETE F------------good choice matey !!Yes, WARCO have been going for the proverbial donkeys years and have gained that reputation by the type of service you encountered recently.......Handy tip = when the lathe arrives and before you do any work on it, paint the back tray a tough matt white.....This will help viewing when you look across the centre etc.....For a vertical down view I place a piece of hard, white card under the workpiece....Finally check all the safety cut-out switches function properly whilst you're at it.... I suppose you'll be aiming at the "Turner" prize next ??

[PeteF]

Good idea, I'll do it before it gets all oily. I've seen people using white cards but it makes sense to paint the splashback.
Why don't they come like that?