Cowells Compared with Flexispeed

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Purely out of curiosity as I am quite satisfied with my Flexispeed:

I know that the Cowells lathe is held in high esteem; I did look into buying a new one, but could not afford it. I also understand that it is a descendant of the Flexispeed.

I was wondering what fundamental differences there are between the Cowells and the later Flexispeeds and whether this translates into much difference in terms of accuracy or usefulness between the two machines, allowing for age-related wear in the Flexispeed.

Similarly, is there much to choose between these two machines and a comparable size Chinese machine in terms of accuracy and usefulness ?

James.

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

James,

In my limited understanding: The real difference is in the detail.

Rather like the oft-mentioned view of Chinese Mini-Lathes … One might consider a Flexispeed to be a 'kit' for making a Cowells.

N.B. I mean absolutely no disrespect to any of the parties involved !!

It is a simple fact that the intrinsic value [i.e. cost of materials] of the machines is similar, but the added value comes from the workmanship.

MichaelG.

[James AlfordParticipant @jamesalford67616]

Michael,

Thank you.

James.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

It would be very interesting, I think, if Neil could arrange a 'factory tour' of Cowells … for himself and perhaps a couple of Cowells owners.

It should be a very suitable subject for an article in MEW … letting people see where the money goes, and how the guaranteed accuracy is achieved.

MichaelG.

.

http://www.cowells.com/90me.htm

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 17/09/2017 18:44:34

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

If someone else wants to organise and write up, I'd be happy to publish it.

I suspect the answer is simple though: jig made, hand fitted and possibly selective assembly.

Neil

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