Wondering about a lathe purchase.

[-Matt-]

Hello all!
Basically I've seen advertised on another forum an Axminster SC4 complete with milling head and the stand for £1200.
It's practically brand new as the seller bought it for a project which then didn't happen.
Now, I currently have a C2A which I'm using and learning things on and I've only had since November (2nd hand from a friend), as well as a Chester which is basically a C1 which I haven't managed to sell yet as well as an old ropey Perris lathe which also needs to go.
If I were to go for this SC4 which seems very feature-ful, and I'm not sure I've got space for I would then have to try and sell 3 lathes.
Is it worth the hassle? Is it even a good lathe? I've been very happy with the C2A so I expect the accuracy would be enough for me (currently only do brass and alu because I don't want to start doing heavy cuts in mild steel, although I have turned some).
Does anyone know anything about the milling head? Seems a bit of an add-on but if it's any good it would certainly get used. I'm going to look into reading up on them and see what others have to say but just wondered what the thoughts of everyone here is.

Thanks for reading

-Matt-

 

[fixedfixer]

Can't help with info on the SC4 - but am sure there will be helpful options posted here.

However, I 'Might' be interested in the C2A depending on price / tools / condition/ logistics etc etc of getting up here. If you do decide to sell some of your lathes let me know.

 

[addjunkie]

Looks better than the clarke type lathe milling combo. But axminster are clearly re badging the far east lathes similar to others. The square colum makes it far more usable than a round colum.

By Axminster prices the 1200 doesnt seem oo bad, however axminster is far more than other suppliers

 

[Rig Pig]

For that sort of cash I would buy two separate machines instead of a hybrid compromise.

 

[-Matt-]

Did wonder about that ^
Mate that I got the C2A off, and who is more knowledgable than me reckoned I'd end up taking the milling head off and storing it away. Although such a set up would be better for space reasons and having two machines (which I don't have space for) just causes me to want to buy his Warco mill since he's upgraded.
I've found positive things about the lathe however so there's that.

Thanks for the replies anyway, think it's something to mull over.

 

[addjunkie]

Separate machines also allows you to leave things set up and maybe do something else. For example i quite often turn bits and bobs to help me set up milling jobs!

 

[optima21]

the support on the lathe bed for the milling head is likely to flex more than a Milling machine base with the same milling head. This would limit its capacity of the cuts it can do. also the y axis (cross slide) travel will limited. compared to a dedicated milling machine. it would be easier to use than a vertical slide on a lathe for milling as visibility would be better, but you will still be limited on its machining capacity.