Lathe dilema

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 31/05/2017 19:18:27:

 5. Single-Phase AC….

Options 5 and 6 are the only ones I'd avoid. Other opinions may be expressed!

Dave

Whats wrong with 1 phase? Plenty of gearhead lathes use 1 phase clutch motor.

Michael W

Edited By Michael-w on 31/05/2017 19:20:59

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Thanks for all the replies just need to make an informed decision now 😀

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

I can't believe Warco or Toolco they just don't seem to want business as I'm ready to purchase and they don't reply to a request for a best price for lathe and QT post

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

If you are looking for a 38mm bore Mandrel, you are looking for a 5MT taper, as found on the Chester Craftsman (a clone of the Warco BH600 and ETR BL12/24) and their successors.

I elected for invertor VFD to be fitted to my BL12/24, before delivery. After nearly 14 years have had no motor or control system problems. The control system may be UK , but think that the three phase motor is Australian.

Howard.

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Thanks Howard but I need at least a 700mm between centres 👍

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Michael-w on 31/05/2017 19:20:14:

Posted by SillyOldDuffer on 31/05/2017 19:18:27:

5. Single-Phase AC….

Options 5 and 6 are the only ones I'd avoid. Other opinions may be expressed!

Dave

Whats wrong with 1 phase? Plenty of gearhead lathes use 1 phase clutch motor.

Michael W

Edited By Michael-w on 31/05/2017 19:20:59

Five problems really:

1. The start-up current is high, which tends to limit the maximum power of the motor relative to the supply.

2. The start-up torque is low

3. Single phase AC voltage rises and falls from maximum to zero 50 times per second. In consequence the motor's power output and torque is bumpy compared with other types, causing vibration.

4. A tad awkward to wire up especially if reverse is wanted as well.

5. Start capacitors and centrifugal switches aren't highly reliable.

Against that, single phase is convenient and so what to the shortcomings if you haven't noticed a problem.

Dave

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Ok so other than Warco where can I get a 3phase ac inverter lathe with a 35-38mm spindle bore with 700mm betweeen centres

Thanks

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

My lathe (of Taiwanese make) is belt head, back geared 13 x 26, with a 38 mm bore spindle, it has a 1.5hp single phase motor, no clutch, and it given no trouble in that time. Plenty of torque on start up, yes 3ph would be smoother, but I'm keeping clear of electronic systems, and I'm not going to wire the workshop for 3ph.

Ian S C

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Thanks Ian

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Posted by Lee Goulding on 02/06/2017 18:04:39:

I can't believe Warco or Toolco they just don't seem to want business as I'm ready to purchase and they don't reply to a request for a best price for lathe and QT post

Most suppliers getting emails like that think people are just trying to get an emailed reply for someone else to 'price match'.

You will find very few people want to put special prices in writing, because then everyone else expects the same discount.

Best to ring them up or visit if you really want to see if you can get a better deal than the online price.

Neil

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Since you need 700mm between centres, try to find a Warco BH900; – a stretched version of the BH600. As its name implies, it is 900 between centres.

It will have the same 12 speed belt driven head, and induction hardened bed..

Whatever you find is going to be big, with the need for 40mm bore mandrel and at least 700mm centres.

In new machines you are looking at: Warco GH1330, or WM330A; Chester Crusader ;

Axminster CQ6230A-2/910, or equivalents, as a starting point., with a cost of around £2,500.

And even with a 5MT Mandrel bore, will not allow 40mm stock to pass through.

These can be shoehorned into a space 1.7m (5 feet) long, but the floor needs tom be able to carry more than half a ton. Not machines to be moved single handed!

Howard

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Ok thanks will bell them 👍

[MWParticipant @mw27036]

Posted by Howard Lewis on 03/06/2017 16:15:10:

In new machines you are looking at: Warco GH1330, or WM330A; Chester Crusader ;

These can be shoehorned into a space 1.7m (5 feet) long, but the floor needs tom be able to carry more than half a ton. Not machines to be moved single handed!

Howard

I doubt even hulk Hogan could lift a chester crusader singlehandedly

Michael W

[Russ BParticipant @russb]

Have you tried SPGTools, I've never bought from them, but they are cheap. Their SP2129 machines are similar to a Warco WM290 – specs change frequently as do standard accessories, but last time I checked, they were the best on price.

Have you tried Amadeal?

[John RuddParticipant @johnrudd16576]

Russ B,

That was the route I went….got a 2129 from SPG after being messed about by Toolco, and overpriced by W****

My lathe was £1650 delivered with a stand and all accessories.

Even after adding another £265 for a motor and inverter, it still came in under £2k.

The motor swap,was pretty uneventful and wiring was straightforward…..

And add to all if that, the spindle nose is an industry standard D1-4 fitting, not screwed or bolted like some others….

Ok,I have no connection with SPG, but found them helpful in all respects, but just another happy punter….

Lee, talk to Simon or Brian at SPG, very helpful guys..

Edited By John Rudd on 04/06/2017 08:54:43

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Hi John

I have emailed SPG and they don't have any 2129 in stock and will only have them around September so SPG a no go at the mo

Thanks

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Lee, before you go chasing too many 290 size lathes how much of that 700mm do you actually need and how are you going to hold/drive the work and support the tailstock end?

Although these machines are sold as 700mm / 28" between ctrs they would better be described as 700mm between sockets, without hanging the tailstock off the end of the bed this is where the 700mm comes

Measuring point to point you get more like 600mm

 

Admittedly the supplied ctrs are a bit long and some length could be gained by machining up soft ctrs but if you were hoping to drive one end of your work by holding in a chuck and using a rotating ctr at the other end then you won't be working with a 700mm long bit of wood!

Edited By JasonB on 04/06/2017 19:51:46

[Lee GouldingParticipant @leegoulding74917]

Hi Jason

Thanks for the great post and 700mm is oversize but 500mm wouldn't be enough and I would support using a live centre on the tail stock

The 290 are the only lathe I can find with bore size and centre distance without search for a decent used English lathe that's within budget and I like the guarantee and delivery of a new lathe which is somewhat ready to go when it arrives

Thanks for the reply

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