Here is a list of all the postings Andrew W has made in our forums. Click on a thread name to jump to the thread.
Thread: My compact workshop |
16/01/2021 12:43:00 |
A very impressive set up. I have a bit more space but am not using it nearly as effectively! |
Thread: New Member - Looking to Upgrade from SX2P |
15/01/2021 21:46:34 |
Posted by Stuart Smith 5 on 15/01/2021 19:35:37:
Re Warco stock. I am intending to buy a new Warco lathe and have been in email contact with Warco, waiting for the lathe to be back in stock. I was told they were expected to be back in stock in November. When I asked again mid-November for an update, they had just received the delivery but they had already all been sold. When I spoke to them by phone, I realised that I should have ‘back ordered’ the lathe which I have now done. The next batch is expected late January or early February so hopefully I will be able to get one then. If you decide on the Warco and want your mill in March, I would suggest ordering now! Stuart Thanks for the heads up Stuart! |
15/01/2021 17:49:00 |
Posted by Tony Wright 1 on 15/01/2021 17:44:41:
Just out of interest what is an SX2P ? It's one of these:
It's essentially an SX2 built to ARC's specification. A very capable bit of kit for its size. I've been very happy with it. |
15/01/2021 17:46:38 |
Posted by Bill Phinn on 15/01/2021 17:43:36:
Posted by Andrew Wakeling on 15/01/2021 17:01:54:
Will need to get the tape measure out to confirm that I have the space! Do bear in mind that Warco have been out of stock of WM16s and WM18s for a considerable time. The situation with their lathes is even worse. The message I had from them suggested restock in March, but given the current climate I suspect we shall see how that pans out. |
15/01/2021 17:39:18 |
Have just looked at a video of the WM18B and belt change appears to be a bit of a faff involving loosening the motor mount with a socket spanner and re-tensioning once the belt is in the new position. Suppose I probably wouldn’t need to be doing it that often but it’s not the most elegant of arrangements. Makes the boxford’s lever arrangement look quite simple by comparison! It’s the price to be paid for the speed range available I guess. |
15/01/2021 17:27:37 |
Posted by JasonB on 15/01/2021 17:21:45:
Sorry missed that you were looking at the "B" and not just the WM18. But you will have to swap between two pulley ratios unlike the SX3 that just has one belt position. Again, an excellent point, thank you. It also has the Z axis handwheel up high rather than the SX3's at the base. Decisions, decisions... |
15/01/2021 17:01:54 |
Posted by Clive Brown 1 on 15/01/2021 15:06:15:
The WM18B motor is brushless. I have a WM16B, also brushless and I've never noticed any shortage of torque. The WM18B wasn't on the market when I bought. Apart from being more substantial than the WM16B it has 90 deg. head tilt and a locating pin for the vertical position. Quite handy. I'm reluctant to tilt the head on my WM16B because re-tramming is tedious. Otherwise I'm pleased, the 3MT suited me as I already had some tooling, it isn't too bad since it is self ejecting, so no need for a hammer. I only rarely swap tooling with my Boxford however.
Again, many thanks.
The WM18B in R8 certainly looks to be a contender. Will need to get the tape measure out to confirm that I have the space! |
15/01/2021 13:28:53 |
Excellent points regarding power quotes, thank you. Jason, my understanding was that the WM18B was the brushless/belt variant of the WM18, therefore a bit more of a side-by-side comparison with the SX3 was feasible. I may have got myself a bit confused somewhere along the line though! |
15/01/2021 11:28:08 |
Thanks both, that's really insightful. From the ARC website, I believe the SX3 has a tilting head, the same as the WM18B, its Warco "equivalent". The latter appears to have a bigger table and more travel though, as well as a more powerful motor. Much to choose between them or is it a case of too close to call and down to preferred colour? |
14/01/2021 19:11:36 |
Hello all, I keep ending up back at the forum as part of my lengthy googling sessions, so I figured it was about time that I actually introduced myself and asked for some help from the collective wisdom of the membership. My situation is this. I bought an SX2P from ARC almost exactly a year ago. I have really enjoyed learning with it, but I think the time has come for a step up in both capacity and grunt. I don't need anything too massive as I don't really have the space (nor in reality, the budget) so I'm probably still sticking to the realms of the benchtop models. For reference, my lathe is a 4 1/2" Boxford Model A and that has never been found wanting for capacity. I've mainly been producing a variety of model components and a few vehicle parts as required. I would prefer to stay with the R8 spindle and I like the flexibility and ease afforded by variable speed control rather than playing around with belts and pulleys - the Boxford affords me that pleasure in spades until I eventually succumb to the temptation of a VFD. It also means that I'm well versed in the pros/cons of Chinese-sourced machines vs old English iron. My online research keeps coming back to Warco's WM16B / WM18B or ARC's SX2.7 / SX3. I have had good experiences with both companies in the past. With the Warcos, the 18 is the only one with the R8 and is a significantly heftier machine, probably at the limit of what I can accommodate. With the Siegs, although the SX3 is a more substantial machine, I really like the idea of the tapered gibs and the slightly more "modern" approach of the smaller SX2.7. I feel like I am heading towards the SX2.7, however my hesitation is that I may find myself in a similar situation in 12 months time, looking to trade up to the bigger machines. If this is the case perhaps the WM18B might be the better option - although I might have to hire an engine crane to move it! Any pointers or advice you are able to give would be most appreciated. Have I perhaps overlooked an option that might tick all the boxes? Thanks! |
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