Beginners lathe

[Henry ArtistParticipant @henryartist43508]

Well I do have a Sieg C0 so I'd like to offer my thoughts on it…

The Sieg C0 is effectively an updated version of the Unimat 3 with a more powerful motor and few other refinements. It is a perfectly good (if tiny) model engineering lathe. I got mine from Arc and it came with their tailstock adaptor which neatly gets round the tailstock alignment issues some people encounter. I originally bought it to make fittings for my small toy and model steam boilers. I quickly realised that it could do a whole lot more…

I added a compound slide and an Emco QCTP (quick change tool post) which allows me to use 8mm indexable tooling. Most Unimat accessories are compatible with the C0. Unlike the Sherline and Taig lathes which are made from aluminium the C0 is made from steel and cast iron. Because its physical dimensions are small it is very rigid and therefore surprisingly accurate.

There is no thread cutting facility on this little lathe but such tasks can be handled with taps and dies. Tailstock travel is only 20mm. The maximum diameter it can turn is 50mm though you'd be surprised just how many things that model engineers want to make fit within that dimension. Cuts have to be very light which means it can take a while to make something but if you're using it for a hobby is that such a handicap?

If you plan on retiring to your shed and building a Stuart Major Beam this is not the lathe for you. However, for making small parts it's fantastic.

[Henry ArtistParticipant @henryartist43508]

Something else to consider…

Not everyone who has an interest in model engineering is fortunate enough to have a garage or shed they can install a lathe and other machinery in. Some people live in small apartments often up several flights of stairs. A small lathe which is compact and light enough to be put away in a cupboard when not in use may be more practical than a larger lathe.

Having a lathe you can make things with is better than having no lathe at all…

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