New Cowells ME Lathe

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thank You, Gerry

MichaelG.

[Roger WoollettParticipant @rogerwoollett53105]

> The amount of oil it leaking is a joke

If it really is that bad I would bite the bullet and check the bearing. I have a Cowells lathe and using lots of oil is a signal that the bearing is slack.

[nappa]

On nappa Said:

Guy this can not be normal.

The amount of oil it leaking is a joke it spraying oil all over the place.
I have used it once faced of 1 ring shank 5mm wide and took off 1mm.
The left cup remains full, I have had to fill the cap 4 times do to that amount of work above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It looks suspiciously like a “Friday afternoon” fitting-job to me.

The Cowells reputation was made on better than that ^^^

MichaelG.

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Edit: __ You might find some comfort here:

https://watchmaking.weebly.com/lathe-maintenance.html

[cogdobblerParticipant @cogdobbler]

As it is a new lathe, it may need setting up correctly. Some adjustment of the bearing may be required. You should seek advice from Cowells.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

I hesitate to ask, but … did you have a good reason for buying the ME instead of the CW ?

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Interfering again …

I just remembered seeing these instructions, which may be helpful:

https://altrish.co.uk/tag/cowells-lathe/

MichaelG.

[Michael Gilligan]

On Michael Gilligan Said:

Interfering again …

I just remembered seeing these instructions, which may be helpful:

https://altrish.co.uk/tag/cowells-lathe/

MichaelG.

The most important sentence there is “I emailed Cowells and got a very prompt support reply from Colin.”

The lathes come with a 5 year warranty. I’m sure they will be happy to help get a new machine set up and running right. For the 3,900 pricetag, one would expect so.

[Graham MeekParticipant @grahammeek88282]

A more acceptable solution in my book would be to moderate the flow of oil.

I claim no originality for this design as it belongs to J R Senft and it was brought to my attention recently by John Slater. Given the simplicity of this design it can me bade in a few moments and flow of oil regulated to match the demand. Once fitted and set it can be forgot about.

Regards

Gray,

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

That’s very neat, Gray … Thanks for sharing it.

MichaelG.

[cogdobbler]

On cogdobbler Said:

The most important sentence there is “I emailed Cowells and got a very prompt support reply from Colin.”

 

and a potentially relevant point is made here:

https://modelenginemaker.com/index.php?topic=12081.0

I sincerely hope standards are being upkept

MichaelG.

[John Haine]

On John Haine Said:

I suspect that like Myfords the main market for new Cowells is amateurs.

A common misconception IMO. I would argue that a small lathe is considerably more difficult to use than larger one. You have to do everything just right. The lack of rigidity means that tool sharpness is absolutely critical for example.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Why is it a misconception?  It may be wrong, market data would confirm or not, but except for very limited things such as professional watch/clock/instrument makers the Cowells would probably be unsuitable for most industrial applications.  Also from what I’ve seen in horology most professional workshops seem to have the likes of Schaublin.

[Hollowpoint]

On Hollowpoint Said:

On John Haine Said:

I suspect that like Myfords the main market for new Cowells is amateurs.

A common misconception IMO. I would argue that a small lathe is considerably more difficult to use than larger one. You have to do everything just right. The lack of rigidity means that tool sharpness is absolutely critical for example.

I would agree with your comment. As some one who has worked on lathes for over 40 years ranging from the Tangram where you climb a ladder to operate the carriage and tailstock. To the Unimat 3 and Pultra lathes plus a lot in between. When I downsized a few years back to the Compact 5 it was a case of re-learning my earlier years with a Unimat SL and pacing myself as regards metal removal rates.

The same company that had the Tangram lathe also had a brand new, at the time, Lorch lathe. Which shows the diversity in industry. You would hardly think an Aircraft Undercarriage would require such intricate machines, but they did.

I also seem to recall John Wilding basing one of his clocks on the Unimat 3. Let us also not forget Gerald Wingrove’s use of the Unimat 3 and other Emco products. I don’t think one could call Gerald an amateur, given his clientele.

Regards

Gray,

[HollowpointParticipant @hollowpoint]

At £4-5k I don’t think Cowells lathes are being sold to begginers. More likely to someone who has a specific need for a smaller lathe. The OP mentioned jewelry…

But regardless, whoever they are being sold to, it’s my opinion that a small lathe is less forgiving and as such more difficult to use.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Yes, I agree with you there.  I didn’t say beginners IIRC but amateurs.

[Author]

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