Member postings for Gas_mantle.

I'm just starting out in this hobby and slowly building up a set of tools, just wondered what's your best purchase ?

What's your worst ?

I went yesterday as my first visit and really enjoyed it, I'd recommend it to anyone thinking of going in future.

I'd intended to look at the lathes and after a very helpful chat with the staff at Chester Machines I ended up buying one of their DB8VS machines. The guy I dealt with was very helpful and gave me what I though was a really good deal.

Ok thanks, I'll look out for forum members

Anyone been yet ? What did you think of it ?

I'm hoping to get there tomorrow for my first visit.

Slightly off topic but a lot of astronomers fill the legs with sand to give added weight and stability.

Hi,

As yet I'm not sure what day I'll be going, I'd like to go on Friday really but I'm a sad old git who likes to stay up all night after a general election to listen as the results come in so Saturday or even Sunday might be a better bet.

I could use the free shuttle but having looked on a map I think it's walkable provided the weather is ok - might be a bit of a struggle carrying a 200lb lathe on my back for the return journey tho

Many thanks for all the replies

As for travel I did look at rail services and Google maps and it appears if I get off at Hornbeam Park then it's only about a 20 minute walk.

I'm looking forward to it, I've never been before and wasn't sure what to expect.

My main reason for going is I'm thinking of buying a small lathe and wanted to see them in the flesh before I buy.

A pint of the amber stuff while I'm there would be nice too.

Ok Les, that's great thanks

Hi all,

I'm planning to go to the Harrogate model engineering show next week but haven't been before and wondered what facilities are available.

I'll probably be there all day and didn't want to take food / drinks with me, does anyone know if there are facilities to get a bite to eat ?

Is there a licensed bar if I fancied a pint of the amber stuff ?

Many thanks

Peter.

Some great advice there, thanks.

With a bit of luck at the Harrogate exhibition I might be able to negotiate a bit of discount from the traders, or possibly get them to throw in a few extras

Thanks for the help

On the Warco lathes the maximum swing diameter is either 180 or 240mm, is that figure actually achievable in practice or is it an unrealistic quote ?

To make flywheels I could envisage needing a full 180mm diameter on occasions but can't imagine myself ever needing to turn anything larger than 240mm.

Hi,

Thanks for the advice, I'm not far from Harrogate in Yorkshire so intending to go to the model engineers show there in a couple of weeks. I'll take a look at the machines on offer and possibly treat myself

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to this hobby and semi retired but looking for something to pass away the hours. I've been thinking for a while about treating myself to a small lathe and some decent tools.

I was looking at buying a Warco 180 (at £750) but the more I look at the catalogue the more I lean towards the Warco 240 (at £1080).

I'm pretty sure for the small projects I'm likely to make the 180 will be big enough but I am intending to buy a machine that will last me the rest of my days and won't need upgrading in a few years so the 240 looks attractive.. I'd rather pay an extra £300 now and have piece of mind knowing I won't ever need to upgrade.

Has anyone got experience of either (or both) of these machines ? Does the 240 justify the extra cost ? Is it likely to be too big for someone interested in making small Stirling engines ?

Many thanks

Peter

Many thanks for all the replies

I guess the next question is, does anyone have any links to simple projects for a beginner on a lathe ?

Hi all,

Many thanks for the replies, it looks like I'll opt for the Warco 180, as yet nobody seems to have any serious complaints about it.

I will need a few extras (mostly measuring equipment and a small bench grinder to sharpen tooling) so the cost is going to come to about £1000 and that seems reasonable to me.

No doubt as I get more skilled I'll end up buying additional equipment but I can do that as I need it, the £1000 will at least get me started so to speak

Peter

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately it's going to be difficult for me to attend the upcoming model engineering exhibitions as they are in the south and I'm in the grim cold north. The Harrogate exhibition isn't far from me but that's not on till next year and I was hoping to buy a lathe in the next few weeks.

I've taken a look at some of the ads on this site for material suppliers and they seem reasonably priced. I guess even a scrap yard may even sell me bits of scrap metal to practice on till I'm ready to do any 'serious' work.

As for the machine, what do others think of the Warco WM180? There seems to be lots of machines at similar prices and specifications but they are all slightly different and it's difficult to know which is the best deal.

Thanks

Peter

Hi all,

I'm a complete beginner but looking at buying myself a small lathe to try to get into model engineering.

I'm a Meccano enthusiast and do make my own components to supplement the range but now want to progress onto something a little more challenging (something like simple Stirling engines etc). I'm also interested in photography and astronomy so the ability to make components for tripods / mounts etc would be useful.

I'm leaning towards the Warco 180 plus a few extras bringing the total outlay to £1000, what do others think of the machine ?

Also, can people please recommend sites selling materials ?

Thanks for your help

Peter.