Proxxon PD400 vs HBM 180 lathe

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Proxxon PD400 vs HBM 180 lathe

This topic has 12 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 25 May 2025 at 21:28 by Huub.

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25 May 2025 at 10:24 #799617
Sonic Escape
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@sonicescape38234
What would you choose between a PD400 and an HBM 180 lathe? I found and PD400 in very good condition, like new. But is still 600 euro more expensive than a brand new HBM 180. Does it worth the difference? Is Proxxon really that good comparing with a “good quality” Chinese lathe?
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25 May 2025 at 11:52 #799622
Bazyle
Participant
@bazyle
Look also at the ‘extras’ as they seem to have similar specs. It looks like the HBM has a set over tailstock facility which is both a benefit if you need adjustment and a curse if it needs adjustment. I’m familiar with the Proxxon range of tools for modellers but didn’t realise they also did lathes. Their other tools are always technically good but rather expensive bit like choosing between a Merc and a Ford car. If you just want to get there a Ford is good enough. Perhaps the biggest worry with a Chinese mini is that electronic speed control reliability though I think that is getting better now.
25 May 2025 at 15:42 #799647
Roger B
Participant
@rogerb61624
The PD 400 is a good lathe. I was considering buying one when a very well equipped Hobbymat came along.

The biggest disadvantage is the unique chuck fitting so that chucks and faceplates, etc need to be from Proxxon. Accessories for the Chinese mini lathes are much easier to find (and cheaper).

Does the PD 400 you are looking at have a good selection of equipment?
25 May 2025 at 16:53 #799664
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
You have probably found this already; but just in case …

https://www.proxxon-tools.com.au/downloads/manuals/24400%20PD400.pdf

It looks like a good quality machine, very nicely documented.

MichaelG.
25 May 2025 at 19:03 #799708
Sonic Escape
Participant
@sonicescape38234
Yes, Proxxon might be a good machine. But I have some doubts. It has an aluminium or zinc tail stock. And a more primitive electronic variable speed, with only two steps. You need to change gears for more. I was looking for a reason why to spend more for it. Afterall a new Proxxon costs 3 times more than a new HBM.
25 May 2025 at 19:12 #799710
Martin of Wick
Participant
@martinofwick
IMHO Proxxon are massively overpriced and deeply underperforming tools. Suitable for small /toy stuff/ model ships etc. I say this having owned their mill and mini table saw. They look flashy, but that is all. The 400 is a badged version of a seig C1 only not as good value

The 180 is a much more robust machine and generic to most other Chinese minilathes

If you will only ever want to make small parts for model ships /dolls houses/ toy railways / or possibly clock parts then buy the 180, because come the day you wish to expand your horizons, you will wish you had if you don’t.

If you want a more flexible stronger machine to start with, then get the 180 and give the bird to the Proxxon.

That is your choice.
25 May 2025 at 19:21 #799714
Martin of Wick
Participant
@martinofwick
And as Roger B says, lower cost accessories for Chinese minilathe (tradewars not withstanding etc!). It will ahave a sensible taper in the spindle and you will able to to get all manner of various collet fittings / chucks/adapters if you wish to do small stuff, without being stiffed by Mr Proxxon.
25 May 2025 at 19:42 #799717
Michael Gilligan
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@michaelgilligan61133
On 25 May 2025 at 19:12 Martin of Wick Said:

IMHO Proxxon are massively overpriced and deeply underperforming tools. Suitable for small /toy stuff/ model ships etc. I say this having owned their mill and mini table saw. They look flashy, but that is all. The 400 is a badged version of a seig C0 only not as good value

Also, they are massively different machines to start with. Sowatchagonnado with your lathe? The 400 has a centre height of only 40mm or so […]

So is it an outright lie when the spec declares 85mm ?

Sorry … I am genuinely confused

MichaelG.
25 May 2025 at 19:46 #799721
Martin of Wick
Participant
@martinofwick
On their puff it states a swing of 85mm, having read a little more I realise they must actually mean a CH of 85mm as they go on to quote 55mm over the cross slide, I was confused by their mistranslation.

Doesn’t change my view, but it is like a poor version of TOYO 210 or seig C1.

It was 20 years ago today, that Sergeant Pepper told…. er sorry, that I started out in the hobby looking for an affordable small lathe considered a Proxxon 400 and couldn’t understand why it was 4 times the price of a very similar looking machine from Arc Eurotrade. 20 Years on, I still have my C1 and very useful and reliable for small stuff it has been.
25 May 2025 at 20:11 #799726
John Haine
Participant
@johnhaine32865
I have regretted both my Proxxon purchases.
25 May 2025 at 20:24 #799729
Roger B
Participant
@rogerb61624
I am happy with all my Proxxon machines, FD150 Lathe, MF70 Mill, TB 220 drill. I understand their limitations and have discussed some of them with Proxxon. The question is, as ever, what do you want the machine for?

The PD 400 lathe has a quite tight specification for runout.

The FD 150 has a completely different target market and specification. Proxxon would not offer a 4 jaw independent chuck for this lathe as they didn’t think the users would understand balance. They offer a 4 jaw self centring chuck so the users can work with square material.
25 May 2025 at 21:01 #799738
Michael Gilligan
Participant
@michaelgilligan61133
I was particularly impressed to see that Proxxon has a Vernier scale on the top-slide angular adjustment [see fig.11a] … which seems like an encouraging touch of class.

I’ve never seen one in the flesh, so I cannot comment further.

MichaelG.
25 May 2025 at 21:28 #799745
Huub
Participant
@huub
I have bought 2 HBM lathes (HBM300 and HBM BF290) and one HBM mill (HBM BF16). None of them is perfect but they are all very usable and accurate (0.02 mm) if you treat them as non rigid hobby machines.

Rigidity is important. The heavier (also cast iron) HBM is far more rigid than the Proxxon. Unless you only make very small and short (10 mm max) parts, I would go for the HBM. That doesn’t mean the Proxxon is a bad machine. For larger parts, the HBM will do a better job.
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