Search Results for 'arc euro'

[Stuart Smith 5Participant @stuartsmith5]

Hello John

I would suggest you don’t buy the one from Machine Mart. It is very expensive in comparison to other mini lathes from other suppliers and not as good a spec.

Arceurotrade, Warco, Amadeal, Chester and others all advertise on this site and sell mini lathes. You will find the detailed specs vary but worth a look. I bought mine from Amadeal a couple of years ago and have been happy with it, although I intend upgrading to a bigger lathe.

Stuart

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

Phil,

I bought one of the earlier ones the same as the mill referenced in Dave's link. I note that the report is dated 2017, however the comments are still valid. The model I bought was a two-speed geared one. I broke the nylon gear in pretty short order, most probably due to my inexperience and I replaced them with a pair of steel ones ones which were intended for one of the mini lathes around at the time. They shared a lot of parts. Not entirely happy with the geared head I made my own belt drive conversion which transformed it into a quieter machine. The latest incarnation with its modern motor and associated electrics looks to be a step change again. A big advantage is the square vertical column but I found the spindle travel notchy and not easily controllable. Otherwise it did what I wanted it to do. You're never going to rip great chunks of metal with it but if you are prepared to accept its limitations, I'm sure you'll get along fine.

I added a digital caliper style 3-axis DRO system form ArcEuroTrade which was a useable low-end arrangement but never entirely satisfactory. I sold the machine when I returned to the UK from France in 2015, replacing it with a Warco VMC.

Here's the mill belt drive conversion:

And this was the X-axis scale installation. That usb plug is very vulnerable! I know, 'cause I wiped it off and had to replace the scale!

To sum up: I consider it a capable machine and, given the improvements that have been made in the one on offer today, reasonable value for money for a first mill. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

John

 

Edited By John Hinkley on 15/10/2020 13:33:17 – spelling!

Edited By John Hinkley on 15/10/2020 13:35:02

[Paul LParticipant @paull58212]

Hi Joe,

I have an SX3 also and purchased an ARC Versatile Milling Vice 2 weeks ago. I must say its performed extremely well in the somewhat limited time I've had it. Ive used it without the swivel base which increases the clearance and the ability to move the jaws to different positions will, I'm sure, be a huge benefit on the odd occasions when you 'just need something a bit different'.

I haven't done any of the tests that Jason did but I'm pleased to see his results.

Regards

Paul

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

I use a Vertex K4,which is many years old. On the swivel base, if the machine is worked hard it is more flexible than without, but still quite useable.

One criticism, is the tendency to lift the work when tightened, necessitating applying copper hide mallet

If I were in the market, I would give serious consideration to one of Arc Euro's, precision vice, Type 2, based on the figures that Jason has provided. above..

Their design avoids jaw lift.

Howard

[EmgeeParticipant @emgee]

Joe

ARC euro https://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Workholding/Machine-Vices/ARC-Versatile-SG-Iron-Milling-Vices

opens to 122mm and has 32mm deep jaws, could be one to look at.
Abwood are a very good make and sometimes available on auction sites at good prices, mostly fitted on rotating base although they can be mounted direct to table.

Emgee

Just checked alternative jaw positions and see it can hold parts up to 275mm but only a shallow grip.

 

link didn't work

Edited By Emgee on 14/10/2020 11:12:34

Edited By Emgee on 14/10/2020 11:15:24

[Ian Johnson 1Participant @ianjohnson1]

Try arc euro they have some R8 square collets in their clearance section.

Advert in the right side menu

IanJ

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Not looked but I expect there are threads on this if you do a search of the forum. Alternatively, the machine suppliers will know (and likely able to supply) suitable kit. Arceuro supply Sieg machines, amongst others.

Then there is Allendale, who advertise on the forum (top of the page at present).

[JohnFParticipant @johnf59703]

Might be worth looking on ArcEuro site here **LINK**

John

Edit Jason beat me to it !

Edited By JohnF on 10/10/2020 18:41:06

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

If you want spares, it might be worth contacting Arc Euro. They may be able supply quicker than Machine Mart.

I am sure that Ketan and Ian will be as helpful as possible.

Based on my experience of my local M M branch, and a friend's requirement for spares for a larger machine, they may not be the most clued up source!

Howard

[Adam MaraParticipant @adammara]

Try Arceurotrade, advert in top RH corner! They are very helpfulll. If its the one off Ebay, I looked at it, but it went beyond my budget, considering the price of a new board if required.

[Andy CarlsonParticipant @andycarlson18141]

+1 for Cowells. Not that your lathe choice is a democratic vote

Mine is circa late 1970s and I like it a lot. The Taig/Peatol and Sherline are also decent machines but being in the UK, it seems less of an uphill struggle for me to have something from this side of the pond. I do use backgear on occasions on the Cowells which neither the Sherline nor the Taig has. I also do thread cutting – which I think is possible with Taig and Sherline but not sure if they need more bits to be bolted on.

With an M14 x 1 spindle you have an absolute hatful of workholding choices there. Cowells now do a different (DA?) collet system I think. I've seen good words about it but have no experience myself. You could use ERxx if you want – for example Arc Euro do ERwhatever holders and part machined backplates for M14x1.

Toolpost wise the standard one takes 6mm or 1/4 inch tooling but Cowells do a little QCTP to suit.The rear parting toolpost is also well worth having.

The tapers are modified MT0 – modified in that they use the thin end so you need to buy centres and tailstock chucks from Cowells. Some people fit standard MT0 bits but they stick out too far and look awful.

I think my biggest qualm is with the plain bearings which need topping up with oil. Said oil eventually seeps out into the middle or either end of the headstock.

No idea what the lead time is for new orders but sounds like it may not be short.

On a more subjective note, does anyone else think the Taig looks like it was designed by a committee?

Good luck, whatever option you choose.

[Richard Callaghan 1Participant @richardcallaghan1]

Thank you for all your replies and all the advice is great to have.

The lathe did not come with a centre chuck so this is another tool to add to my list. I have looked at the arceurotrade site before as I was thinking of buying the seig lathe from them. I didn’t realise that the sold all the tooling as well so I think I will use these. I do have a grinder to sharpen my chisels etc so hopefully I should be ok sharpening my own cutting tools. Thanks again for the advice

Richard

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

As Mike says cutters come in a very limited range of shank sizes so the versatility of an ER system is basically wasted.

If I were starting over I'd go for end-mill holders such as those from Arc **LINK** and either buy cutters with the flat already fitted or set up to fit my own flats.

Either two of each shank size you use so as to have an end mill and a slot drill set-up and ready to go or go all modern and use three flute centre cutting end-mills for both duties. I'd go three flute now.

Although keeping cutters ready to go in shanked holders is thought of as a CNC concept where seconds wasted in tool changing add up to real money the convenience and faster toolchanging is just as valid in the home shop where we need to make the most of the valuable workshop time eaked out around other responsibilities.

Generally ready flatted end mills appear a little more expensive than the plain shank versions but this is somewhat spurious as true economy range cutters don't seem to be made with flatted shanks so you end up buying a better cutter.

Like Mike I have lots of choices ER, direct R8 collets, a Clarkson chuck and end mill holders. All got for what seemed good and sufficient reason at the time. As I have a good stash of screw ended cutters the Clarkson (Posiloc actually) is my normal go to. The ER system has turned out be the unloved step child. Pretty much never used.

Clive

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

If in the market for a machine, I would not buy on E bay, because it is too open to non existent or poor back up.

Buying from a reputable importer, you should have a warranty and help if you need it

That is why an E bay purchase might be cheaper in the short term, but if there is a problem where do you go?

Shipping a faulty machine back to the Czech republic or to China might prove to be expensive, plus the time and risks in transporting that distance..

The end result of that might be that the machine eventually turns out be more expensive than if you had bought from a supplier in your country.

And probably a supplier from a long distance may be less concerned about reputation than one relatively nearby.

It may be worth travelling a hundred miles to sort out a problem, in person, but not a thousand!

On the few occasions that I needed it, I have had support from Warco and from Arc Euro, less so from Chester. But those are my experiences, others may be different. Not having dealt with other machine tool suppliers in UK, am unable to comment.

As a supplier, I think that is extremely fair of Ketan to advise looking at products from competitors, but a satisfied customer has always seemed to be one of his objectives.

Howard.

[Nick Clarke 3Participant @nickclarke3]

Bought Sieg SC3 from ArcEuro

It works as it should and has done from day one.

Cannot see the same machine cheaper from major suppliers, most more expensive and/or lower spec or older designs

[Paul LParticipant @paull58212]

Hi All

I recently purchased a used Seig sx3 mill. i have since found that it is missing one of the gib adjuster screws from the column gib strip. (item 91 on diagram HERE)

I have spoken to ArcEuro and they are unable to obtain one so the question I have is ….. Is the upper adjuster screw (item 77) the same as the lower one?

Any help appreciated

Regards

Paul

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Richard welcome to the forum. You need a drill chuck a few center drills as well as turning tools. The part off tool is not easy to use as it has to be on center height as over center it will rub and if it below center it will grab and possibly climb over blade. Have a look on ARC eurotrade tool supliers web site.

https://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Cutting-Tools/Knurling-Tools/12mm-Clamp-Type-Knurling-Tool

David

[John HinkleyParticipant @johnhinkley26699]

The way cover on my Warco VMC mill (aka Chester 626) suffered the same splitting as yours, William. It was swiftly replaced with a concertina type from ArcEurotrade, as shown here.

I was able to use the existing tapped holes and the job was completed in a few minutes. It is far more flexible than the original and in over four years has resisted all the swarf and general gunk that the machine and I have thrown at it.

John

 

Edited By John Hinkley on 05/10/2020 13:59:35

[Mark ReaParticipant @markrea67084]

Hi guys. Having done some research i ended up looking to buy a sie SC3 mini lathe from arceurotrade, the only reservation is the price. It is £250 more than this

Link removed see C of C

From that auction site. (have included postage from arceuro)

Now i know you get what you pay for but what exactly will i get for the extra cash?

 

Fleabay's one has 550w dc motor. Tapered roller bearings for the spindle, so i thought i would ask the folk who knew about mini lathes. An ancient myford etc is out as i do not have the room in my workshop for it.

Thanx in advance for any advice.

 

Edited By JasonB on 05/10/2020 13:07:31

[peter walton 1Participant @peterwalton1]

Well glad to say I'm now back up and running!

Got 2 belts from Arceurotrade the belts are for a Sieg C6 (a lot of parts are the same)

part number C6-944 Timing belt 1.5*124*15

Fits perfect!

Peter

[Ketan SwaliParticipant @ketanswali79440]

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 01/10/2020 11:09:05:

Posted by Nir Somthing on 01/10/2020 09:03:26:

BTW, I asked my dealer to ask Sieg if it is possible to pay them up to twice the item price and in return get a proper calibrated mill. He claims this idea is not an option. And that he buy the mills as they are…

As far as I know that's true. Seig (and others) make hobby mills. Rather than spend money on deep inspections, they make more and accept a percentage won't be up to scratch. If the customer is unlucky enough to get a dud, it's replaced. In the UK with no quibble, but buying direct from China is risky.

Arc Euro in the UK used to offer a tune up service but stopped because – I think – very few people used it.

No problem buying Far Eastern machine tools for the professional market, but I've yet to hear of a hobbyist who's bought one! Price on Application generally like Chester, but Buck and Hickman are more open. Their web page covers both hobby and professional machines, prices ranging from £495 to £38,556 (plus tax and shipping.) I think you should be looking to spend at least £5000, maybe much more. Watch the weight, precision machines tend to be heavy!

I don't know of any Western manual mills still in production; apart from hobbyists, buyers have long shifted to CNC.

Doesn't help I know, sorry. I think you've been unlucky to get a couple of iffy machines, whilst also having a high-end requirement and local difficulties. One way out is to throw money at getting a better machine; another is to work with what you have. What does your supplier suggest? Maybe he's picked up a bad batch*, and should be sorting it out with his supplier, maybe a third machine would be good enough.

Dave

* something a little suspicious about the repairs, rust, and paint job on machines that don't measure well either? Could be Seig messed up, could be they're private enterprise – someone doing up factory rejects. Don't know

Just for clarification Dave…

• There is a direct relationship between calibration, inspection, and what the end user is prepared to pay. Living in Europe and USA, our markets are extremely competitive, and that is reflected in the price. Israel seems to be another matter.
• Arc used to offer a tune up service. Demand was good, but noise from competitors about this service which we offered was negative. Sales doubled after we stopped offering the service!
• For hobby machines, Buck and Hickman, Cromwell, Zoro, Granger, MSC, are extremely wealthy companies, but less geared to assist in comparison to Chester. Still, they are a great channel for sales, for those who wish to use them.
• If Nir wants a Western/near Western offering, he can always consider a new EMCO, followed by a WABECO.
• Nir may or may not be unlucky with the machine he has. There may or may not be a problem. Here speculation takes over. The rust/paint touch up are cosmetic – easily fixed by discussion between Nir and his supplier.
• Knowing SIEG, the probability of a bad batch in terms of inspection before they left the factory are low. What happens in transit is another matter. As I mentioned before, there was an issue with the paint on some of the SX3.5DZP machines in a particular batch ARC received, but that was dealt with.

At the end of the day, this really is a conversation to be had between Nir and his supplier.

Ketan at ARC.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Nir Somthing on 01/10/2020 09:03:26:

BTW, I asked my dealer to ask Sieg if it is possible to pay them up to twice the item price and in return get a proper calibrated mill. He claims this idea is not an option. And that he buy the mills as they are…

As far as I know that's true. Seig (and others) make hobby mills. Rather than spend money on deep inspections, they make more and accept a percentage won't be up to scratch. If the customer is unlucky enough to get a dud, it's replaced. In the UK with no quibble, but buying direct from China is risky.

Arc Euro in the UK used to offer a tune up service but stopped because – I think – very few people used it.

No problem buying Far Eastern machine tools for the professional market, but I've yet to hear of a hobbyist who's bought one! Price on Application generally like Chester, but Buck and Hickman are more open. Their web page covers both hobby and professional machines, prices ranging from £495 to £38,556 (plus tax and shipping.) I think you should be looking to spend at least £5000, maybe much more. Watch the weight, precision machines tend to be heavy!

I don't know of any Western manual mills still in production; apart from hobbyists, buyers have long shifted to CNC.

Doesn't help I know, sorry. I think you've been unlucky to get a couple of iffy machines, whilst also having a high-end requirement and local difficulties. One way out is to throw money at getting a better machine; another is to work with what you have. What does your supplier suggest? Maybe he's picked up a bad batch*, and should be sorting it out with his supplier, maybe a third machine would be good enough.

Dave

* something a little suspicious about the repairs, rust, and paint job on machines that don't measure well either? Could be Seig messed up, could be they're private enterprise – someone doing up factory rejects. Don't know.

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Matt, as you say most of the Chinese lathes are going to be very similar in appearance that is why you need a reputable dealer for back up, the devils in the detail. I have a Warco 290v which replaced my old Myford Super 7, it's certainly rough around the edges but boy does it shift metal & a high specification! Grizzly has been around for years so must be doing something right & I have seen various good reports of Precision Mathews. You have the perennial problem of new Asian vs used USA/European lathes, who knows what is best, good luck.

Tony

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I've done long ones by making a longer bush and shim then using a bit of flat stock to drive the broach once it goes below the surface of the bush or you can buy these. Depending on material you have to watch for the gullets fitting up with the longer cut

[Pete WhiteParticipant @petewhite15172]

I believe that there is a very small length of parallel after the gauge line ? Int 30 was a natural choice, didn't see any thing more suited IMO.

Plenty of 30 around at fair prices if you watch out. I was lucky that my machine came with a clarkson chuck on a Herbert taper. Apart from that I have adapters with the use of the sleeve to morse for drilling and a 30 tool for fly cutting. I don't think I can mention Arc Eurotrade?, so have a look at one of your forum sponsors as a starting point of the auction site.

Pete