Recommendations for first lathe

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

I hesitate to be involved in this as everyone has so many different opinions but would just point out there is a decent looking ML10 over on the Homeworkshop website at what looks to me at any rate a reasonable price, and with enough tooling to make a start.

Much better than the hideous Grayson lathe that I started out with at any rate!

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Depending on the OP’s location, I know of a nice ML10 with cabinet that’s available near me on the Fylde coast. Also a not quite so nice, but perfectly serviceable ML7 on a fabricated stand – my first lathe, since replaced by a Boxford.

Rob

[cedric 1Participant @cedric]

If you want to get an idea of Chinese machine quality and after sales service, do a search of this site for “Warco” and read the many threads posted by owners of those machines.

[southernchapParticipant @southernchap]

I have had nothing but good (relative to the price; CF the cost of a new Myford lathe) products, and great support from Warco.

I suspect those who report on here a lack of “catching flies” (possibly including yourself), are maybe using more vinegar than honey in their interactions with Warco.

[peak4Participant @peak4]

If Daniel does want something as small as a Cowells, consider joining the Facebook group, where there is one up for sale at the moment

https://www.facebook.com/groups/980162948691709/posts/33287518570862728/

Bill

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

[cedric 1Participant @cedric]

I didn’t suggest whether Warco gear was good or bad, merely that looking at past threads on such would give some insight into actual owners experiences.

[JAParticipant @ja]

Looking at some second hand machine tool dealers, Home & Workshop, Triona and G&M Tools, Chinese lathes just don’t feature in their stock lists. There are plenty of Myfords, quite a few Boxfords, Colchesters and some exotica such as Lorch. There is the odd scattering of model steam locos so they are buying from model engineers.

The question is why? Are they just unable to sell Chinese lathes, are the warrenty risks too high, or what?

JA

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi JA, maybe it’s because the far eastern machines are a better value for the money and people don’t want to give them up. (smiley)

Regards Nick.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Or they get their stock from model engineers who have passed so likely to be Old school rather than younger blood that is buying the import machines and still about to get good use from them.

Though having said that I see Warco and Clarke lathes listed on Home & Workshop infact the Warco is marked as sold, the Jet they also have listed comesout the same factor as Warco but painted a different colour.😉

As for Triona I would hardly expect a company that has a website address of Myford-lathes.com to get many hits by people searching for a second hand import machine so not worth them stocking them.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Maybe the first generation that bought Chinese haven’t got to the point where their workshops are scattered to the winds yet? And/or they are more comfortable selling through eBay rather than seeing the 100% markup that some s/h tool dealers apply.  If they weren’t selling new after at least 20 years availability then stockists such as Warco/Amadeal/Axminster etc wouldn’t list them.  My first lathe was a Hobbymat (E German, too small for what i then wanted to do and idiosyncratic), Romanian (From Warco, a dog but they were helpful when the H/S bearings were clearly no good), now a Myford S7 for ~20 years.  But in retrospect an equivalent sized Chinese lathe would have been a better buy.  Could have spent the difference on a Cowells CW for small work!

[achParticipant @ach]

Wouldnt recommend an ender 3 to be honest, unless it was really cheap (E.g £30). Elegoo seem to sell a core xy machine which was on sale for £200, the bamboo A1 (no ams) is good too for cheap.

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