Member postings for Frank

I'm looking to purchase a bulk supply of nuts and bolts in a few different sizes and in brass and steel - anyone recommend a good place?

The ones I've seen so far have been in small quantities (10's 20's etc)

I need to stock up!

Thanks

Conclusion to my Saga...

After repeated attempts to get Chronos to give me a date for the final item on my order, they have now come back and said that it wasn't going to be this week. I've cancelled the item and asked for a refund.

On the other hand, RDG sent a text giving me a delivery slot of one hour, and the complete order duly arrived within that time.

No axe to grind - this was my experience being a first time shopper with both companies.

Now here's a strange thing.

Based on the comments above, I've just placed an order with RDG Tools. The order reference is exactly the same format as the Chronos one. Only the last few digits are different.

Are the two companies connected?

Still no contact from them, however they have refunded my out of stock item.

I take the point that with the increase in On-line shopping most Suppliers have upped their game and get deliveries out in 2 - 3 days and that has now become the norm. I know not all Suppliers are up to that and perhaps these are the ones who will fall by the wayside as Customers go to more responsive Suppliers. Chronos were not this slow in taking my money.

As a new customer I'm not overly impressed and will definately be trying other Suppliers.

Placed my first order with Chronos on 10th, had delivery of some of it on 19th. One item now out of stock and they have promised a refund (yet to check that it has actually happend), other item 'to follow'. I've asked when it will be delivered but no reply.

Not an overly impressive service....or is this normal for them?

Hi,I'm looking for a UK supplier of Cerrobend. Anyone know of anywhere? Thanks

Been Googling for Night Classes in Worcestershire/Gloucestershire and surprised that there aren't any. Is this the case generally around the country? I would like to learn basic lathe work, but other than Axminster, can't see anyone else providing instruction.

Reached a cross roads in my Budget planning for my new workshop.

Given that I've got £1,000 to spend on machinery, I'm undecided between buying a lathe and milling machine or spend the lot just on a lathe?

Bearing in mind that I'm a complete beginner and that I want to have a go at small engines/models, I assumed that buying a lathe and mill would be the way to go.

However, based on User recommendations, I do like the look of the Sieg C4 lathe (which blows the budget on its own). I would like the lathe to have powered feeds, which I'm not sure the Chester Conquest lathe has got.

Opinions/advice please?

Its interesting to see that there are about five or six imported lathes that look identical to each other (apart from the stickers), but vary quite widely in price. Do they really come out of the same factory I wonder? Looked on the Bay for used lathes and they seem within my price bracket, however finding a 'good 'un' would probably be beyond me. Also they look quite large?

Harold,

Thanks for the link to your site - just the sort of information I need. Do you have it as a download so I can print it out and read at leisure (rather than here at work!)

Thank you for the welcome and replies.

I have never worked on a metal lathe, and I guess like every beginner I don't want to jump in and buy the 'wrong' lathe. The mini lathe market - like every other tool market - seems to be dominated by the Chinese and my experience has been that they are not all cheap tat, but its just finding recommendations for which particular factory in Shangdong to look out for!

I have read a few articles about buying older second-hand lathes, but when you are as raw as I am, then it could be a costly road to go down, and instead of ending up with a nice usable machine I end up with a money-pit!

I have fixed the profile bit about my location.

Thanks everyone.

Hi Guys, just joined the forum as I'm looking to get as much information (and help) I can. I have no hands-on engineering experience ( I'm an accountant by trade), though I've worked in industry - particularly Metal-bashing companies - all my working life. I've always been interested in Model Engineering and have looked in awe at the detailed steam models made by others. I'm now looking at preparing for retirement and have decided to set up a small workshop and have a go for myself. I've started drawing up a budget and could do with advice which lathe to go for. Funds have been limited by She, so I'm looking to spend under £1,000. As I said, I'm interested in small model steam and besides, do not have a lot of space. I know its the usual noobie question - "which lathe is best" but I would appreciate the thoughts of the more experienced. Thanks