JOEPRO
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I was just going to suggest the same video - I think it’s a fairly balanced view.Just watched 10 year mini lathe review yesterday. Will give some pointers.
...like turning down shafts on motors..
Could I address this specific application that you mention?
The challenge with that is fitting the motor shaft onto the lathe and still having enough space to work on it. Remember the rotor of a motor has a fat bit in the middle.
If the diameter of the shaft is larger than the bore through lathe chuck or the bore through the lathe spindle, that sets a limit on how far left you can grab the shaft at the chuck end.
At the other end, you need space for the saddle and apron to do the turning as well as the tailstock to support the end of the shaft.
That style of lathe comes in a few sizes so for an average sized motor, I would look for the next size up to the one in the photo.
first biggish job u'll wish u had something bigger........
Save the pennies and get a boxford or myford and or others...not cheap but u'll make money selling it on in years to come.......
I use mine quite rarely now….but it can take a complete motorcycle wheel, or a trailer axle complete…..so when needs must, it can be done. Once you buy one, youll wonder how you did with out!I know your right and I will have a garage extension within next couple of years hopefully. At that point I will have space to take a proper lathe although the thing won't get turned on much!! But for the odd job would no doubt be handy to have there and if bought at right money and maintenance can you go wrong having one there even if not used much(?)