most lathe for 1k

[riflemanuno]

So I'm considering buying a lathe, but am not real familiar with the different brands/companies available and their various advantages/disadvantages. So the question is: Assuming I have about 1K to invest, what is the most lathe I can get for my buck. Also, where would you advise looking, as I'm thinking I'll probably go used.

(I appologize if there is an old thread on this...it seems like there must be, but couldn't find it.)

Thanks!

 

[350xfire]

So I'm considering buying a lathe, but am not real familiar with the different brands/companies available and their various advantages/disadvantages. So the question is: Assuming I have about 1K to invest, what is the most lathe I can get for my buck. Also, where would you advise looking, as I'm thinking I'll probably go used.

(I appologize if there is an old thread on this...it seems like there must be, but couldn't find it.)

Thanks!

Craigslist!
And of course, remember that a $1000 lathe (assuming you buy it new) will need about $500 worth of tooling and stuff to go with it... Depending of course on how much you want to get into it!

 

[Energie]

Tons of informations about lathes in this forum,
for example:


Contemplating a small lathe

Looking for a lathe...

Lathe purchase. Which one ?

Please help me pick my first lathe.

 

[KC2IXE]

I'll second Craigslist or some other used lathe, particularly if you have someone who can go to look at the lathe with you

Remember, Tooling is going to cost - the usual rule of thumb is 3/4 the price of whatever lathe you buy, if bought the same way - aka used/used etc - just seems to work out that way. That said, there is very little tooling you need RIGHT away, particularly if the lathe comes with SOME stuff

 

[precisionworks]

remember that a $1000 lathe (assuming you buy it new) will need about $500 worth of tooling

You have those numbers reversed ... a $500 lathe will need $1000 in tooling :nana:

Machine tools are a lot like having children, you'll be spending money on them as long as you're alive. EBay can be your best friend on tooling, and it's possible to pay 10%-20% of new price on lots of items - if you aren't in a hurry.

Here's a short (?) list of items that may not be included with your lathe:

3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks (the lathe will probably come with one or the other)

Live center for the tailstock

Quick change tool post (QCTP) which usually comes with a few tooling blocks

Carbide insert tooling. The good news is that smaller machines use smaller (lower cost) tooling. Curt at LatheInserts.com has a special price of $48 for a nice set: http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/tooling-parts-accessories-sale-wanted/ok-hobby-guys-3-8-indexable-lathe-kits-back-200093/
There are some people who still use HSS tooling, but I can't say anything good about it except that it's dirt cheap. Maybe if you reside in a cave in Afghanistan with OBL, it would be OK :devil: You'll also need a boring bar or two, and the Mesa Tool bars (made in USA) are top quality at bargain prices: http://www.mesatool.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=0
Look also at their internal/external threading tool.

Digital calipers, 6" or preferably 8". The cheap ones eat batteries like there's no tomorrow, and a decent digical costs around $100 (Mitutoyo is a popular brand & eBay always has some listed).

Micrometers, at least a 0-1" and a 1-2". Mitu also makes nice mics, as does Starrett. Look again on eBay.

Drill chuck with tapered shank to fit into tailstock. That will see lots of use. The keyed Jacobs Super Chuck 14N has been a toolroom standard ever since I can remember. EBay.

A set of HSS twist drills, 1/16" to 1/2". Precision Twist makes awfully nice drills, as do many USA manufacturers. EBay.

A set of center drills, used both to put a center hole in a part for the live center & as a starter spot for a twist drill. HSS is fine. EBay.

That's a start :oops:
Another great source for used (and sometimes new) tooling is Plaza Machinery. Joe doesn't have a phone in the shop, but he has a fax machine and computer - email or fax to confirm availability & shipping cost if you see something you like. His prices are often much less than ... eBay: http://plazamachinery.com/files/metal616.pdf

 

[350xfire]

You have those numbers reversed ... a $500 lathe will need $1000 in tooling :nana:

Machine tools are a lot like having children, you'll be spending money on them as long as you're alive. EBay can be your best friend on tooling, and it's possible to pay 10%-20% of new price on lots of items - if you aren't in a hurry.

Here's a short (?) list of items that may not be included with your lathe:

3-jaw and 4-jaw chucks (the lathe will probably come with one or the other)

Live center for the tailstock

Quick change tool post (QCTP) which usually comes with a few tooling blocks

Carbide insert tooling. The good news is that smaller machines use smaller (lower cost) tooling. Curt at LatheInserts.com has a special price of $48 for a nice set: http://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...by-guys-3-8-indexable-lathe-kits-back-200093/
There are some people who still use HSS tooling, but I can't say anything good about it except that it's dirt cheap. Maybe if you reside in a cave in Afghanistan with OBL, it would be OK :devil: You'll also need a boring bar or two, and the Mesa Tool bars (made in USA) are top quality at bargain prices: http://www.mesatool.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=0
Look also at their internal/external threading tool.

Digital calipers, 6" or preferably 8". The cheap ones eat batteries like there's no tomorrow, and a decent digical costs around $100 (Mitutoyo is a popular brand & eBay always has some listed).

Micrometers, at least a 0-1" and a 1-2". Mitu also makes nice mics, as does Starrett. Look again on eBay.

Drill chuck with tapered shank to fit into tailstock. That will see lots of use. The keyed Jacobs Super Chuck 14N has been a toolroom standard ever since I can remember. EBay.

A set of HSS twist drills, 1/16" to 1/2". Precision Twist makes awfully nice drills, as do many USA manufacturers. EBay.

A set of center drills, used both to put a center hole in a part for the live center & as a starter spot for a twist drill. HSS is fine. EBay.

That's a start :oops:
Another great source for used (and sometimes new) tooling is Plaza Machinery. Joe doesn't have a phone in the shop, but he has a fax machine and computer - email or fax to confirm availability & shipping cost if you see something you like. His prices are often much less than ... eBay: http://plazamachinery.com/files/metal616.pdf

Hey you are pretty much right! Didn't want to scare him too badly. So you get the lathe, then you realize, damn I need a QCTP ($150), oh now I need a 4 jaw chuck ($50-100), tools (ever ending from $30-???). As you start doing more and more stuff, you'll realize you need the right tool to do it and that over the long run, will cost $$$$). Figure out what you want to do first. Then tell us, then we can guide you slowly. I am by no means an expert, but I've been in your position.

Oh, and by the time you figure it out, it will be time to get a bigger lathe, with bigger more expensive tooling because you'll realize that you need bigger stuff to do bigger work. I started with a 10x and used it for about a year. Now I just got a 12x for $300 on Craigslist that is really old and ugly but works well so far... But now I am having to buy more tooling.

 

[gadget_lover]

You asked....

Assuming I have about 1K to invest, what is the most lathe I can get for my buck.

If you are buying used, and go the craigslist route, you can get some serious hardware if you are lucky.

I've seen Hardinge, Clausing and other BIG lathes go for around $1000. I'm talking 6 foot long and thousands of pounds. The problem is that it may cost another $800 to hire a rigger (machine transport company) to bring it home for you. There have not been that many changes in lathe design in the last 50 years, and many old lathes were very durable.

There's one in SF right now for $1250
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tls/1867226541.html ( Vintage Clausing Metal Lathe)


Good luck and welcome to the brotherhood.

Daniel

 

[riflemanuno]

Thanks for the advice all, keep it coming, I'm working through it right now.

I'm familiar with hobby's which require more money to feed than the initial investment. I also like guns and cars...both of which that is true of.

What are some good names to look for as far as used machines?

Thanks!

 

[350xfire]

Thanks for the advice all, keep it coming, I'm working through it right now.

I'm familiar with hobby's which require more money to feed than the initial investment. I also like guns and cars...both of which that is true of.

What are some good names to look for as far as used machines?

Thanks!

I think you areally need to tell us exactly what you want to do with your lathe first..

 

[riflemanuno]

I don't know the full extent of what I want to do. I'd like to do some flashlight building. see this thread for example.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=284102

I'm not currently anticipating wanting to do really big stuff. D cell mag mods don't do it for me. (sorry, not my thing) my biggest hesitation on getting an industrial machine is the size/weight. It would be nice if I could get something that would be movable by a few healthy guys.

Then it will only cost me pizza and beer to move it, rather than a week's salary. ;-)

EDIT: I may also use it to make some parts for the car(s) etc.

 

[precisionworks]

it will only cost me pizza and beer to move it

Size does matter (on a lathe :)) Get the largest one that can be shoehorned into the space you have. Even a 3000# or 4000# machine isn't too bad, as the seller will usually have a forklift & will load the machine onto your trailer (U-Haul is a good place to rent one). Bring along every ratchet strap you can buy or borrow & bring enough cribbing to make everything work.

Remove the tailstock, steady rest, chip pan, splash guard, DRO & anything else that's easy to take off. Have the seller load the machine onto the trailer before you pay for it, just in case they drop it & bend it:eek: Drive back to your location at the slowest speed the law will allow, as you are hauling a top heavy load that naturally wants to tip or slide forward if you brake hard.

Many different ways to remove the lathe when it gets back to your location, with a forklift being the easiest.

Not a big deal if you don't have a forklift, as you can cut up 1" black pipe into sections that are a little wider than the machine. These become "pipe rollers" and allow moving the machine with very little effort, only one person needed.

some good names to look for

South Bend Heavy Ten (10L)

South Bend Light Ten (10K)

Atlas (aka Craftsman) 12"

Clausing

Delta-Rockwell 11" (aka Rockwell-Delta 11")

LeBlond

Regal LeBlond

Standard Modern (Canada)

Quite a few of those names show up on Craigslist, but all those are "modern" lathes, built around 1950 and after, meaning that the spindle speeds are high enough for small part turning. Quite a few machines built through the 1940's have a very limited speed range & are tough to use for smaller turning.

Many nice European machines, as well as Japanese machines, which may also be nice.

 

[KC2IXE]

IF you look at a Craftsman/Atlas lathe, TRY to find a "cabinet base" model - a bit more rigid and the like

a Few more names for you -
Logan (particularly the 11" - and Logan Actuator still exists and supports the lathe! - tends to have a larger spindle than many it's size (read the LIGHT Southbend, or the Atlas/Craftsman)

Clausing

Hey - you might get lucky and get a Hardinge (hahaha)

Monarch (see Hardinge)

 

[precisionworks]

Logan (particularly the 11" - tends to have a larger spindle than many it's size

+1

The biggest drawback of the Light Ten was the spindle bore of 7/8". Spindle bore is a big deal, as it allows operating right at the chuck or collet with the majority of the stock inside the spindle. Turning, facing, boring, threading, everything is easier when the work can be done with full chuck or collet support. I won't even brag about the nearly 2" bore on my lathe :nana:, except to say that it's almost as nice as having the DRO.

 

[unterhausen]

I would say if you are working on lights that a small spindle bore will be really disappointing. I'm not sure what mine is, but it's big enough to pass 1 3/8" through it. It's so much nicer to have the working end close to the chuck if you can.

 

[riflemanuno]

Well the short story is I don't have room for anything that large currently. i'll be moving in 6 months, probly to somewhere that will have more room, so I'll see about it at that point. I don't really think I could manage anything larger than a table top at this point. thanks for all the advice. I'm gonna be keeping my eyes /ears open.

 

[KC2IXE]

I won't even brag about the nearly 2" bore on my lathe.

Plibbit :mecry:

 

[precisionworks]

I don't really think I could manage anything larger than a table top at this point.

That would have been good information to put in the initial post :banghead:

HF, Grizzly, Jet & Enco are the Big Four suppliers of small lathes. Specs are nearly identical on the 9" machines, which are as much lathe as you can buy for under $1000. 300# is the listed shipping weight, so it's not a big deal to get one off the truck & up on a bench. The Grizz is probably the best deal right now, but that can change instantly if one of the other three have a sale ... which seems to happen daily :crackup:

http://www.grizzly.com/products/9-x-19-Bench-Lathe/G4000

Then join the Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/9x20Lathe/

or Google for ways to work around some of the design shortcomings:

http://bedair.org/9x20.html

http://www.stellar-international.com/lathe.html

http://www.boyerfour.com/metal/9x20/9x20mods.htm

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Versions/Versions_9x20.htm#9x20

http://www.cnccookbook.com/MTLatheMods.htm

 

[riflemanuno]

That would have been good information to put in the initial post :banghead:

Ha, I considered it, but I didn't want it to bias people's opinions as to the best thing to get. If the best thing for the money is a larger lathe, I can wait. :-) Thanks for the info!

 

[350xfire]

Get something like this, learn how to use and then upgrade if you need to!
http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-x-22-Bench-Top-Metal-Lathe/G0602
http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/product_id/14795/nm/11_x_26_Lathe_with_Stand_WT_
http://www.wttool.com/product-exec/product_id/14795/nm/11_x_26_Lathe_with_Stand_WT_