Clarke CL500M

[undertaker]

I have had a machine mart voucher come though and was looking at the Clarke CL500M for a few months as I'd like a smallish lathe in the workshop that is single phase for turning a few land rover related bits and model parts as well as the odd round thing

It also has a mill/drill head which would be useful for cross slotting bits of tube.

What do people think of it? I know it isn't a Boxford or Myford, etc... but for light to medium metal bashing??

 

[Welderpaul]

We have the same one at work. Looks a bit comical in comparison with the rest of the machines there but good enough for making small bushes/bosses and simple turning work. The mill head is a bit flexible but has been used for very delicate work. Not in the same league as semi/pro machines but not bad for the price and considering it is Clarke.
Lives on a pallet and is brought down as required so not properly set up but reasonably accurate for the work it does.

 

[Fazerruss]

I think most of these machines are ok if you give them a considerable amount of fettling first.

 

[undertaker]

I've made the commitment and purchased on with the vat free offer and also to seal the deal got the salesman to chuck in a few bits for it too.

So a note to everyone.... machine mart like a bit of haggling and bartering.

Was in there just under an hour and got a decent deal in the end along with a few other bits

 

[undertaker]

Oh, I am collecting it on Friday afternoon.