As some of you are probably aware, I've been floating about and mulling over ideas for a few months – since I joined up here! I'm about to take the plunge and invest in a beginners lathe, which I expect to last me 1-2+ years while I get my hand in – but I don't feel I'll need anything bigger. My first model projects will likely be the BollAero 18 and the Firefly 46 – and I'd like to continue down the route of IC engines hopefully getting more complex as I go.
I weaned it down to 2 lathes and I'm leaning towards the more expensive…
The budget RealBull 7×14 from Amadeal or the Weiss WM180V from Chester. I ruled out the Sieg machines on price alone as they are £600 with no accessories
To summarise the 7×14 with delivery, a 4 jaw chuck, a faceplate and some turning tools will come to around £580. The WM180V will cost about £100 more and comes with all that the 7×14 has, and a fixed and travelling steady, and a friend has a faceplate I can have for it.
I've read through many reviews – here's a summary of my findings (as far as I can gather and hone to the specific variants on offer!)
For the WM180V
- Motor 700w vs 550w
- Width of bed 100mm vs 85mm
- net weight 60kg vs 40kg
- Chester are at Harrogate and may have a deal – Amadeal are not!
For the RealBull CJ0618B
- 350mm between centres vs 300mm
- £580 for my options vs £699 (maybe less if there's a bit of show discount)
- Amadeal's version of the 7×14 has a neat 4" spindle plate, and comes with 4" chucks, making full use of its 20mm spindle bore so it matches the WM180V unlike versions available from other suppliers which would require an adaptor or new spindle to take 4" chucks, which just adds to the cost – I do want that 20mm spindle bore.
Would anyone care to add or amend the Pros-Cons list – and what would your choice be?
I'm thinking the WM180V is for me – not sure if I value the steadies but they close the price gap and I like the idea of a bigger heavier machine. I also have a Weiss WMD20VS from Chester so it will look nice sat next to that.
Edited By Russ B on 25/04/2014 11:48:14
Edited By Russ B on 25/04/2014 11:51:21