Mini lathe prices?

[degrom]

Hi.

What is the RRP on one of those Chinese 7x10 little mini lathes?
Anyone know where I can buy one.(Shop names would be really nice..)

Thanks.

[imdying]

Give Topmaq a call.

[riffer]

Or second hand?

This is old, but going for a good price (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farming-industry/Industrial/Manufacturing-metalwork/Metalwork/auction-84215447.htm)...

but this one looks great, and its new (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farming-industry/Industrial/Manufacturing-metalwork/Metalwork/auction-84621251.htm). And three times the power of the topmaq ones for only $300 more. No drill assembly though.

What's your budget?

[TLDV8]

Hi.

What is the RRP on one of those Chinese 7x10 little mini lathes?
Anyone know where I can buy one.(Shop names would be really nice..)

Thanks.

Chevpac might be down your way and there is also a machinery place in Christchurch that had a major range from Hobby lathes to CNC. (maybe it is the crowd Imdying mentioned)

Get the lathe with the biggest spindle bore and swing you can afford (and it will still be to small at some stage)

When hobby lathes go mad :laugh:
You can push these machines to the max if you have the time,that being if you treat them like an industrial machine taking major cuts they will protest.
This billet was so big,the compound had to be moved to the rear position and the outer face turned in reverse.

[imdying]

Please don't post pictures like that on here TLDV8. That's how things like mini mills and lathes end up in my garage :lol:

[onearmedbandit]

Do it, you know you want to!

[riffer]

DAMN. DAMN. DAMN. I want one now...:shutup:

[degrom]

Can't you convert a Wood one into a metal eating machine?

[Ixion]

No , a wood lathe is a quite different beast. Second hand Boxfords and Myfords come up regularly , you can get a decent Boxford (full metric and imperial screwcutting gearbox, power apron, powered crossslide and some tooling) for < $1000. Myfords a bit dearer. Not too hard to arrange a milling attachment.

[imdying]

Do it, you know you want to!
Want a welder to make subframes and brackets first :innocent:

'Gee sweetie, I don't know where that mill came from...' :shifty: :spanking:

[degrom]

Want a welder to make subframes and brackets first :innocent:

'Gee sweetie, I don't know where that mill came from...' :shifty: :spanking:



What Welder will that be to go with the lathe sir?

[imdying]

To be honest, my welding skills are naught. If I had more time, I would go and do welding at tech at night for 6 months. Perhaps over winter, after I've finished my current project. Once I've learnt enough to be dangerous, I'll buy whatever seems most suitable at the time... I've already got access to an oxy/acetylene plant through work, and another through a friend, and an arc welder, and a mig... but as for buying one, I've no idea what type/size would be suitable for making subframes etc. One thing at a time, I'm pretty tied up with my current project :S

[F5 Dave]

had a nice little Boxford copy lined up but the old bugger who said he'd love it to go to someone who would appreciate it - so when I finally got room to put it (bought new house) I called him & he said, he'd contact me when they were moving as he wanted to hold onto it until then & that could be years!! Bah! Even had it in our house budget & the wife had agreed so if I don't find one soon it will get turned into new curtains of something.

Have 3 phase in garage so my options are better but still nought so far.

[Motu]

I've had so many lathes slip through my fingers! I've wanted one for years,but...but.I'll get one yet.I keep looking at the Boxfords - these are old school lathes,as in High School and the most abuse they got was a 3rd former making plumbobs.But for the same price as a 40 year old Boxford you can get a new Chinese lathe....agh,good old old British machinery,or new Chinese cheap shit.

One place I worked we had an old Glochester lathe and drill - the drill was freaking huge,and as well as a stepped gear train it had a Bedford truck gearbox! Then you had reverse,and even more ratios.I could make my own manifolds - it could drill a 1 1/4in hole in 1/4in plate like pushing a CB750 over off it's sidestand....

[SixPackBack]

Just ordered this baby for me workshop..expected April.

[Dodgyiti]

I've had so many lathes slip through my fingers! I've wanted one for years,but...but.I'll get one yet.I keep looking at the Boxfords - these are old school lathes,as in High School and the most abuse they got was a 3rd former making plumbobs.But for the same price as a 40 year old Boxford you can get a new Chinese lathe....agh,good old old British machinery,or new Chinese cheap shit.

One place I worked we had an old Glochester lathe and drill - the drill was freaking huge,and as well as a stepped gear train it had a Bedford truck gearbox! Then you had reverse,and even more ratios.I could make my own manifolds - it could drill a 1 1/4in hole in 1/4in plate like pushing a CB750 over off it's sidestand....

The biggest problem with the Boxfords is as you said Mr Motu, almost all of the single phase ones are Ex-NZ Education, meaning every one has suffered abuse.
The mini Chinese lathes are in my view- crap.:dodge:
The best bet is an older hobby lathe, Myford make a good one as do Hercus
Stay away from Trademe as they go for very inflated prices, I looked all last year and ended up going to McDonald Machinery - www.machinery.co.nz and got a nice Hercus 260 with a fair amount of extras for $1200 they have others and deliver too.

[Motu]

I served my time on the site where McDonald Machinery now sits,I often go in for a look around,it feels kinda strange to be there and rember how it used to be - a different building of course.Their old premises was on the site of my foremans old workshop - Fodens.

[Dodgyiti]

I served my time on the site where McDonald Machinery now sits,I often go in for a look around,it feels kinda strange to be there and rember how it used to be - a different building of course.Their old premises was on the site of my foremans old workshop - Fodens.

You really have been around Mr Motu. It is a not too bad place for second hand stuff eh?
But the cheapie Chinese stuff is creeping in now...

I had to resist saying 'I served my time at Mt Eden, guess that was built afterwards'
But declined due to the following reasons;
1, We live in the same city
2, You drive a big f**k off 4WD
3, There are only 6 Moto-Guzzi Griso's in this town and you are a man who plays the odds

[geoffm]

The mini lathes are crap. Even the Chinese can't build a lathe that retails so cheaply and is any good. Stepping up in size makes a big difference in rigidity and accuracy and features.
It depends on your budget, but I have a Colchester Chipmaster () which would be the sort of thing you want. There is not much I haven't been able to do on it and it doesn't take much space. A Taiwanese 13"*40" gearhead lather would be a good alternative, and sell new for the same price as a thrashed Harrison or Boxford
IMO, Myfords are grossly overpriced for what you get, and so are most Bosxfords.
Tooling is an additional cost - buying second hand you might be able to get some tool holders, chucks, centres, etc, which are normally extra.
Geoff
PS, you will be wanting a milling machine after that ;-)

[Dodgyiti]

PS, you will be wanting a milling machine after that ;-)

I hear you!
That is the risky part of it. I got my lathe home, set it up and went in the house, got on the computer and...started looking for a mill:nono:

[imdying]

It's also worth noting what you plan on doing with it... a cheap Chinese (God bless them) will make mounting points for subframes out of alloy bar almost as well as a more expensive lathe. You could probably even turn up lightweight brake caliper pistons and the like without too much trouble.

As the thread somewhat illustrates, there's always a good market for lathes in New Zealand, we're traditionally 'that sort of people'. Once you out grow your cheap Chinese lathe, it should be a relatively trivial task to sell it and upgrade.

[degrom]

It's also worth noting what you plan on doing with it... a cheap Chinese (God bless them) will make mounting points for subframes out of alloy bar almost as well as a more expensive lathe. You could probably even turn up lightweight brake caliper pistons and the like without too much trouble.

As the thread somewhat illustrates, there's always a good market for lathes in New Zealand, we're traditionally 'that sort of people'. Once you out grow your cheap Chinese lathe, it should be a relatively trivial task to sell it and upgrade.

There are three options for me at the moment if I go new.

Cheapest : http://www.topmaq.co.nz/product_detail.aspx?id=MELA1200
Cheaper in the long run : http://www.topmaq.co.nz/product_detail.aspx?id=MELA1300

Best machine for buck : http://www.topmaq.co.nz/product_detail.aspx?id=MEMD1100


The last one sounds good. But it might have it's limitations. (Other thing,have you seen mill prices!!!!)

What do you think?

[Pixie]

Old piece of crap-
But I got it for $150 in '85
Bought it off an old guy who used to make knitting needles on it and it was caked in linseed oil

[Kflasher]

"Get the lathe with the biggest spindle bore and swing you can afford (and it will still be to small at some stage)"

This is true I have a German 2 foot between centers and a 1 inch bore in the spindle I have found the limitations, the bouns is the tailstock slides off to alow me to attach the end mill. I would consider attachments with your purchase...oh year metric and imperial is also handy.

[bungbung]

What about a small emco? there are some pretty well featured models appearing here and there. You can buy taiwanese emco clones too, but the whole point is the build quality.

[TLDV8]

Please don't post pictures like that on here TLDV8. That's how things like mini mills and lathes end up in my garage :lol:

Being a supporter of "crap" Chinese lathes,it is my duty to post pic's :laugh:

I love those conversation's that go something like this.

Chinese lathes are crap !!

That's cool,so you had one ?

No.

Ohhh,you used one and it was not very good then.

No

How do you know they are crap ? :confused:

Well,its Chinese so it must be crap.


Of course don't leave out 1985 crap Taiwanese Mill/Drills, you could never make anything on one of those POS. :third:
In a lot of cases as far as home use,the limiting factor is not the machine but the person standing in front of it.

I have no formal training as far as machining but i did not let that stop me.
I simply went out and bought some machines one day and had a lash,over a period of time (practise) some of the luck was replaced with a little skill.

A Chinese lathe and Taiwanese Mill/Drill will do me.
Not mention when you are first starting out, like a super expensive lathe means a lightning bolt of knowledge will hit you.
It is all a learning curve and it starts at the bottom regardless of the tool. ?

[SixPackBack]

Only a few years ago anything coming out of Tiawan was considered rubbish, not anymore they manufacture some fine machine tools now and are fast catching up on both South Korean and Japanese quality and functionality.

As far as Chinese machine tools are concerned; they can and do manufacture to a very high level, but quality is spotty even from machine-machine in the same factory. It is possible to purchase an excellent machine but generally unless you are an expert with many years Engineering behind you it can be difficult to judge.

Generally if you are looking to purchase a small home/hobby lathe the following will be of some help in choosing.

Hardened bedways
More weight=more rigidity [generally]
Case hardened headstock gears
Compare models and look for 'sturdiness'
Oiling system
Ball bearing [not plain bearings] carrying the lead screws
Cooling fluid
wide range of screw pitches available
Compare output [bigger is better]
3-4 and face plate attachments
If buying from a dealer get them to throw in carbide tooling, live/dead center, chuck and some drills.
Traveling and stationary steadTo many things to list

If you are considering purchase and need some advice let me know. I am a toolmaker with nearly 30 years Engineering experience currently running a research workshop.

Below is a little job I recently completed.

[Pixie]

Being a supporter of "crap" Chinese lathes,it is my duty to post pic's :laugh:



I agree.
A machinist friend of mine,with 50 years experience says the chinese products are very good value for money and by no means rubbish in quality.

[jonbuoy]

Degrom - did you ever buy a mini lathe? I'm tempted by one of these - I can only think of about $400's worth of stuff to make on it though...


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farming-industry/Industrial/Manufacturing-metalwork/Metalwork/auction-104202430.htm?p=3

[nudemetalz]

Degrom - did you ever buy a mini lathe? I'm tempted by one of these - I can only think of about $400's worth of stuff to make on it though...


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farming-industry/Industrial/Manufacturing-metalwork/Metalwork/auction-104202430.htm?p=3

Oh man !!!! I think Nudemetalz Limited should invest in one of these.
I can think of far more than $400 worth of stuff to make !!!

I know Bert would love that one.

[F5 Dave]

Think of the tooling you may require, different cut off tools & shaped cutters. Do you want to drill big holes? Monster drill bits/boring bar, reamers, DTI.

+ the stock metal is expensive.

How much before you recoup just paying someone?

So hopefully mine will be up & running in the weekend. Pretty old though, hope it is ok.

[nudemetalz]

Granted, but there is so much more satisfaction in designing and manufacturing by yourself.

Aluminium in billet, sheets, tubing, box-section etc is expensive but if you have the "right connections", this cost can be considerably reduced.

[F5 Dave]

Yeah I've got to stockpile some just to start & practice. Main thing I'm looking forward to is being able to say, "ahh crap this wheel spacer is too long/too short", time to shave some off/make another. Or 2-stroke head re-profiling. Take some off, measure, take some more off, re measure. Real pain if you have to trot off to the engineer & wait a couple of days between every iteration.

Wonder if scrappies carry much bar stock?

[degrom]

Degrom - did you ever buy a mini lathe? I'm tempted by one of these - I can only think of about $400's worth of stuff to make on it though...


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farming-industry/Industrial/Manufacturing-metalwork/Metalwork/auction-104202430.htm?p=3
Not yet...

But I found a place in Auckland that can supply really good ones. Received a extra booklet with my Shed Magazine and it had Lathes that started at around $550 with a 3year warranty.

Will have al look at the book again and put the details on here.

[jonbuoy]

Shame its only a 6mm chuck - I'd be happier with a 10 or 13mm chuck, motor sounds a bit small as well. I'm sure I'll think of other things to make - just trying to justify it to myself. Won't be turning up anything massive and all in Ally - except for maybe a brake piston in stainless or that synthetic plastic stuff can't remember what its called.

[imdying]

Bakelite??

[F5 Dave]

. . . or that synthetic plastic stuff can't remember what its called.

as opposed to all natural plastic?

[jonbuoy]

No found it - called phenolic a few people making pistons out of this on ebay.

[Sanx]

Any suggestions on where one can do to learn how to do all this stuff? My attempts at metalwork are, although butt ugly, usually fairly effective. However, I'd love to learn how to use a lathe and mill properly, and maybe get some TIG experience too.
I've looked at short courses at Unitec, AUT and MIT but they seem more keyed up for people wanting to go into that kind of line as a profession rather than someone who just wants an excuse to buy lots of expensive tools to clutter up the basement.

[degrom]

PoliTec good for that!!! :)

[imdying]

Yeah, made a few out of phenolic resin. Quite popular on boat trailers... they don't rust :yes:

[F5 Dave]

Phenolic material makes a good high speed bearing cage as well.

I bought an old book called Care & use of a lathe by Sheldon, as my Lathe is a Sheldon, but many of the principles are the same on any lathe. Good for a novice. Cheap on Evil.bay

[degrom]

Not yet...

But I found a place in Auckland that can supply really good ones. Received a extra booklet with my Shed Magazine and it had Lathes that started at around $550 with a 3year warranty.

Will have al look at the book again and put the details on here.

Here is the place a talked about... Really good prices. (http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=180_380_2460_19778)

[Madness]

Here is the place a talked about... Really good prices. (http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=180_380_2460_19778)

150watts?? You would soon find it's limitations.

I reccomend these guys. (http://www.chevpac.co.nz/) Talk to Bruce, if he's still there.

[degrom]

150watts?? You would soon find it's limitations.

I reccomend these guys. (http://www.chevpac.co.nz/) Talk to Bruce, if he's still there.


Well for just over $500 I would take a gambil with it... Good for small bike parts. And the 3 year warranty is good!!!

[Neville]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3]If you are considering purchase and need some advice let me know. I am a toolmaker with nearly 30 years Engineering experience currently running a research workshop.



what do you think of the HQ800 http://www.topmaq.co.nz/product_detail.aspx?id=MEMD4000

[SixPackBack]

what do you think of the HQ800 http://www.topmaq.co.nz/product_detail.aspx?id=MEMD4000

What do you intend to use it for?

[Neville]

What do you intend to use it for?

General purpose anything and everything, hobby projects, bike related projects, thread cutting milling etc and as experience is gained more advanced and precision work if this machine is capable of such things.

[SixPackBack]

General purpose anything and everything, hobby projects, bike related projects, thread cutting milling etc and as experience is gained more advanced and precision work if this machine is capable of such things.

That design of machine where a mill/drill head is attached to the headstock of a lathe are very impractical and limited. At best the mill head can be used for machining a keyway or slot into a shaft you have turned, or drill simple holes into parts. The machine is light and small and hence will be comparitivly slow and inaccurate. My advice would be to buy a lathe [the biggest/sturdiest you can afford] and a pedestal drill, at some future time a free-standing milling machine when you have picked up your skill. Try this site for a greater array of machines
http://www.chevpac.co.nz/webshop/CHVCatalog.csp?Param=1&ID=ECH%7C%7C1144

Trademe would also be worth a look.

[Kflasher]

Hi.

What is the RRP on one of those Chinese 7x10 little mini lathes?
Anyone know where I can buy one.(Shop names would be really nice..)

Thanks.

I got myself a German built lathe 1.5 foot between centers 1.25” headstock bore and 7.5” bed clearance and single phase power supply (for home use) for around $4500 about 10yrs ago, complete with interchangeable tail stock mill. Still going fine… when I get the chance to play.
As a retired fitter welder I cut my teeth on the old Colchester’s.
I would consider carefully of what you are trying to achieve compared to the size and accuracy of your purchase, also any attachments you may consider to achieve you final out come.
I have done several repairs to peoples attempts at machining, when starting out study your cuts procedures and try on scrap before anything else.

[Neville]

That design of machine where a mill/drill head is attached to the headstock of a lathe are very impractical and limited. At best the mill head can be used for machining a keyway or slot into a shaft you have turned, or drill simple holes into parts. The machine is light and small and hence will be comparitivly slow and inaccurate. My advice would be to buy a lathe [the biggest/sturdiest you can afford] and a pedestal drill, at some future time a free-standing milling machine when you have picked up your skill. Try this site for a greater array of machines
http://www.chevpac.co.nz/webshop/CHVCatalog.csp?Param=1&ID=ECH%7C%7C1144

Trademe would also be worth a look.

thanks for that