Buying a small lathe

[addjunkie]

Blanket dismissals like this annoy me, we have been using a Machine Mart Hydraulic press at work for about 8 years, very good quality, and never given any trouble. Clarke Mig welders have a reputation of being one of the best "hobby" migs you can get, my 100E was a lot better than the similar sized SIP we had at work. I have a few other things I got from Machine Mart too, and they have all done the job expected of them.

I can assure you the lathe is rather poor, and like a poor welder can spoil the learning experience.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

I can assure you the lathe is rather poor, and like a poor welder can spoil the learning experience.

I in no way endorse Clarke lathes. Just the fact not all Clarke gear is useless. Some has its place.

From what I've seen of there lathes it's more likely to be useless.

 

[addjunkie]

I in no way endorse Clarke lathes. Just the fact not all Clarke gear is useless. Some has its place.

From what I've seen of there lathes it's more likely to be useless.

When I had one of their lathes I did find there spares supply quite helpful, though, which surprised me, not obscenly expwnsive either like many spare parts, if you can get them that is.

But would agree not all their stuff is rubbish, Ive and engine hoist, works a treat and been well abused.

 

[RaceDiagnostics]

This one is not too far from the original poster, perhaps some of the experts could say if it is a good deal or not.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/lathes/emco-maximat-v10-metal-lathe/1325715213

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

This one is not too far from the original poster, perhaps some of the experts could say if it is a good deal or not.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/lathes/emco-maximat-v10-metal-lathe/1325715213

No tooling/accessories I can see and its 3 phase too.
Might need a new shed to keep it in too lol.

 

[Red'n'Black]

I’m interested in eventually getting my hands on a small lathe (yes, when I joined I was told this might happen ). Something with similar dimensions of those cheap Chinese mini lathes.

Not only am I limited in space, but the parts I’d be working with would be small stuff (3 or 4” by 7”), and very, very basic turning. I’m not in a hurry to buy anything (might not even happen), and this is more of a luxury/curiosity toy (I mean tool).

I’ve been doing a bit of a google, and would appreciate any suggestions for what to look out for. I wouldn’t even mind a project rebuild one, as this is purely for the ‘fun’ of trying something new out.

I have an Emco Compact 5 which sounds like the sort of size you are looking for. It was a bit of a 'distress purchase' for a job I needed to finish in a hurry. I hadn't done any machining since metalwork classes at school thirty-odd years ago so a simple basic machine was what I needed. I didn't have the space or money for an ML7 or similar.
They are lacking a lot of the features you get on a bigger machine - compound slide, screw cutting, etc. Some of these can be added but the parts are £££.
The build quality is way better than the Chinese stuff but it does struggle with anything but the lightest of cuts. I use indexed carbide tools from Chronos, no complaints so far.
There is a bit of wear in mine so precision isn't great but I haven't tried to use it for any demanding jobs yet. It did the job it was bought for (rebuilding a gearbox - I may write this up when I get a minute) so it owes me nothing.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

@mrsbruce This any good for your needs?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Myford-M...rentrq:43faf3701680aaa32512e8a2fff44641|iid:3

 

[Jlg]

I know of a pre b Drummond and a b type and a round bed Drummond for sale all from different sellers and all around or under £400

 

[Liquid Metal]

Blanket dismissals like this annoy me, we have been using a Machine Mart Hydraulic press at work for about 8 years, very good quality, and never given any trouble. Clarke Mig welders have a reputation of being one of the best "hobby" migs you can get, my 100E was a lot better than the similar sized SIP we had at work. I have a few other things I got from Machine Mart too, and they have all done the job expected of them.

Fair enpugh may have been a bit of a blanket generalisation, i meant if it was for any sort of industrial use.

Well sorry, wasnt meant to offend. Was a way of saying have a good shop about and put a bit more money away if you can.
Ive seen them personally wrecked within an matter of a week or two, when a company's owner thought hed try and save a few quid and buy a cheapo clarke lathe from machinemart, rather than put his hand in his pocket for a decent one. The auto feed mechansim was ruined, and the threads in the feedways had more slap thean a saveloy in a bucket.

Cheap pump up Hydraulic pipe benders, have seen them give in and just lock solid after a few months.
Know from personal experience The mig welders they make may be ok for working on cars and small bits and pieces at the weekend, but are absolute poop in an industrial setting, dont last 5 mins, and the stick welders arent much better.

If someone's after something for diy use then theyd probably be ok, but for anything going to be used regularly or in any sort of industrial setting, other than hand tools or things like hoists, id say give the place a wide berth especially with electricals.

 

[fizzy]

I have had my eye on this - but can't justify yet another lathe.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/leinen-L...414048?hash=item2ce2d8b560:g:W9oAAOSwgb1cNL9f

Famous Leinen lathe. Comes with plenty of collets.
Been on Ebay a while - should get it for about £250 unless he has a silly reserve.
I don't know what chucks it takes though! Doesn't come with any.

 

[Robbie260]

Most of clarkes stuff is decent for the money, you pay, espscially thier garage kit such ase engine & axle stands, jacks etc. Have to admit lathe looks naff but you can have everything. Plus it must do someone out theres needs or they wouldnt sell it.

Have to admit i will probably buy a new chinese lathe when i get the space for one as i don kneed yet another project. I like the look of the axminster, warco, chester machine tools and excel machine tools small lathes.

If space was no object id have a new broadbent stanley.

On a side note here is a harrison lathe for sale for £20 large ones but you do get free with it a, pillar drill, 2 work benches with heavy duty tool/part storage, bench grinder, vice, workshop and Daf 45.150 4x4 cargo truck. I suspect this would be right up mister @8Bob street.

http://www.ljacksonandco.com/index.php/search-results-by-description/article/33015

 

[Keith 66]

I have had my eye on this - but can't justify yet another lathe.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/leinen-L...414048?hash=item2ce2d8b560:g:W9oAAOSwgb1cNL9f

Famous Leinen lathe. Comes with plenty of collets.
Been on Ebay a while - should get it for about £250 unless he has a silly reserve.
I don't know what chucks it takes though! Doesn't come with any.

Someone needs to buy that chucks or not, Quality light years beyond a Myford let alone a far eastern machine plus there are 35 collets there worth the money on their own.

 

[Dieselman 63]

Someone needs to buy that chucks or not, Quality light years beyond a Myford let alone a far eastern machine plus there are 35 collets there worth the money on their own.

A place I went to a few weeks back had some war acquisition Jung machines from Nazi Germany. They still run true! One came from the BMW Jumo jet engine factory, some kind of rotary table mill.

 

[R-D-R]

fftopic:

I love that - actually muted moving my machines into a container up the yard last year bet that M300 is in great nick well maintained etc and has all its tooling in this nice draws too I bet.

On a side note here is a harrison lathe for sale for £20 large ones but you do get free with it a, pillar drill, 2 work benches with heavy duty tool/part storage, bench grinder, vice, workshop and Daf 45.150 4x4 cargo truck. I suspect this would be right up mister @8Bob street.

View attachment 165062

http://www.ljacksonandco.com/index.php/search-results-by-description/article/33015

 

[dobbslc]

@Robbie260
Have to admit i will probably buy a new chinese lathe when i get the space for one as i don kneed yet another project. I like the look of the axminster, warco, CHESTER machine tools and excel machine tools small lathes"


I wouldn't bother with the Chester stuff! I've got one and it's ok but the after sale and spares back up is very poor. I ordered some new bushings and other bits for mine and it took ages to get anything, loads of emails and phone calls etc, they eventually sent me used parts!

 

[Seadog]

Been on Ebay a while - should get it for about £250 unless he has a silly reserve.

There is no reserve. There is a 'Make and Offer' option, though.

 

[Seadog]

On a side note here is a harrison lathe for sale for £20 large ones but you do get free with it a, pillar drill, 2 work benches with heavy duty tool/part storage, bench grinder, vice, workshop and Daf 45.150 4x4 cargo truck.

That looks like an army mobile workshop.

 

[Dieselman 63]

That looks like an army mobile workshop.

Bet the mpg is poor, especially lugging around at least half a ton of iron with that lathe. Still though... I want it.

 

[Robbie260]

That looks like an army mobile workshop.

Thats cause it is

 

[Robbie260]

Bet the mpg is poor, especially lugging around at least half a ton of iron with that lathe. Still though... I want it.

Yes but apparently it dissmounts so you get the best of both worlds a truck and a workshop when you have found a suitable place to put it.