Mini lathes I need to look into

[mcenhillkParticipant @mcenhillk]

I was all set to buy a Sherline lathe in a couple of months when we actually move into our house. It was the plan for a last year and on the “I’d like that” list longer. That plan took a turn straight into the hedge with their announcement this week. Their lathes are a bit on the small size but they fit well in a second floor townhouse spare bedroom/office. Now I’m looking for something else. I’m currently looking at the bottom end of the Warco or Chester product lines. Is there something else I should be looking at? I need something I can manhandle up two flights of stairs and can run off standard UK house outlets (240V/13A I think). My projects would be in the clock, pocket watches, and tools for the lathe range.

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

I would include Amadeal in your list of suppliers.

Andrew.

[Peter Cook 6Participant @petercook6]

If you were considering a Sherline, how about a Taig from Rotagrip. They are not as “out of the box” ready as a Sherline was, but very capable if dealing with the sort of things you describe. With riser blocks (and a bit of creativity with tool positioning) mine will turn something about 6″ in diameter.

I bought the version with an ER16 collet headstock and have never regretted it.

There are currently a couple of standard (3/4 x 16) on E-bay. Or if you have deep pockets consider a Cowells.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

… and, if interested in the Taig/Peatol, look here:

http://www.jeffree.co.uk/modelengineering.html

MichaelG.

[DellParticipant @dell]

Personally I would take a hard look at the second hand vintage lathes because they were & probably still are much better built, I have restored a good few Pultra lathes 17/50-17/70 & P types & they take some beating, being English accessories are often to be found.

This is my current Pultra that I use for clock parts the video shows the lack of runout.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Whilst I am impressed by mini lathes, they are pretty heavy to carry upstairs, single handed.

A friend bought a C1 (no longer imported I think) because he did not fancy just that.

Dell’s suggestion of a secondhand ML10 or something like it (in good condition)  would be a good alternative. If you are unsure about a used machine, take someone knowledgeable along with you to check it over. A machine in good condition, with a few scars on the paint might be better than a “refurbished” one with shiny new paint.

Availability of accessories is a point to bear in mind.

If it is a used machine, check it over carefully. An acquaintance bought what looked to be a really good machine, but when it arrived and he moved the toolpost, it revealed severe damage!

Good luck finding a suitable machine

Howard

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Can’t argue with that, Dell

MichaelG.

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