Member postings for Chris12

fair point !

What about the engineers black book ? Seems well presented with only the relevant info (a bit like tubal cains handbook)

Thanks Jason. So powerful enough to remove efficiently a lot of material if required

Out of curiosity, what would be the max depth of cut on steel with the WM250v vs GH600 (or equivalent gear head lathe). Is a gear head really better at removal a lot of material quickly ?

Thanks for your inputs, much appreciated.

Im planning to do steam engines, so no big diameters expected. My main concern with the variable drive is the electrics, which many people have been complaining over the years. Things may have changed though.

Also, a gear head being "all mechanics", i am more comfortable to repair/replace things. Which Im not with PCBs...

Out of curiosity : have any of you hit the chuck with the tool ? If so, what was the end result ?

I'm looking at buying a first lathe, and was wondering what would be the pros/cons of a gear head vs variable speed lathe. From what I read :

Gear head :

- more power at lower speed

- less electrical issues

- less forgiving in case of user mistake

VFD :

- possibility to change the speed on the spot, no need to stop the machine

- more electrical components, not very reliable in some cases

- Quieter than gear head

I'm basically looking at the Warco WM250V and GH600. The GH600 isnt much more expensive and seems better built. Also I like the fact that there is less electrical components, which seem to be the weak point of import lathes.

However, being a first lathe, some user mistakes are to be expected, and it seems that damages on a gear lathe can be way bigger than on a variable drive.

Any thoughts ?

Thanks,

Chris

Many thanks all for your inputs and suggestions, those have been very helpful. I hope to have the lathe by the end of the year, and be able to share my adventures on the forum !

I've been looking a bit at the chucks and methods of fitting on the spindle, and it seems it's going to be flange fitting. Cam lock versions seem to be for bigger lathes, or at least rarer on import lathe. And not sure the conversion can be made afterwards.

This is the problem when buying machines : there is always a small improvement on the next level machine. You start by thinking to spend 1,000 £ and you end up at 5,000 £

(had the same issue with my woodworking machines/tools)

About the tools size, how to you decide what size to choose between 6mm to 14mm ? and what is the advantage/disadvantage of using a small/large tool ? (except for the additional grinding required for larger tools, as above)

Thanks for raising this point, as I was actually wondering about that. It seems to be like a "quick change chuck system", am i right ?

It seems that warco sells a back plate to accommodate such chucks, so might be an option for future upgrades ?

Additional question for import lathe users : have you bought the lathe stand with your machine, and if so are you happy with it ?

Warco sells a stand for 300£, but read here and there that the manufacturers stands tend to be on the flimsy side.

I could make a wooden bench, but considering the price of timber/plywood at the moment, it wont be much cheaper.

If someone can share his experience, I would be more than happy to read !

thanks for the heads up regarding Warco at the Midland's exhibition. I checked and indeed they are not in the list. As for visiting their showroom, it's quite far from where I am (Stafford). So I might rely on the good old internet...

Regarding the humidity on the garage/workshop : I had this issue with my woodworking machines, and bought a dehumidifier couple of years ago. Not cheap but does the job quite well (keep the humidity level below 55%). First thing I did when buying the house was to install a new insulated garage door. The place isnt draught proof but much better than it was. Could still spend a bit of time improving that.

As for micrometers/calipers and their precisions, I indeed suspected that 1 micron was a bit too much. Mitutoyo has a nice basic micrometer on sale at 40£ (RDBarrett). Might go for something like that.

Regarding the 4 way tool post : if my understanding is correct, you can put 4 tools in it. But in that case, each tool/cutter is hold only by 2 screws. Is that enough holding power to support the tool during the cut ?

I have read about the loss of rigidity when using a QCTP. I might wait a bit and start using the 4 way TP.

Thanks all for your replies, particularly Howard for the detailed information. Seems that the Warco 250v is appreciated. Hopefully I will be able to see it at the Midlands expo and place my order there...

Model Eng clubs : There is one in Stafford (where I live) and one in Stoke on Trent (where I work). Not sure they are very active but I may give it a try. I'm not the most sociable person, maybe it's definitely a good way to get some knowledge

How much space do you have for it?

I'm lucky to have a double car garage, though it has to be shared with woodworking machineries (cleanliness will be paramount to keep wood dust at bay). Trying to figure out at the moment how to reorganize the workshop/garage.

You will need measuring equipment, and very probably, a bench grinder.

I have a belt sander/linisher already, so that's one less thing to buy ! Though as you mentioned, I will need to buy measuring equipment. I dont have much of those (well, precise enough for metal working at least) and they quickly add up ..

Regarding the centre height gauge : I believe this would be useful for a 4 way tool post. I was thinking to get a quick change tool post to have some repeatabilty. Or am I misundertanding ?

One thing im curious about : what graduation would be best for a micrometer : 0,01 mm or 0,001 mm ?

Cheers,

Chris

Thanks all for your feedback !

As for the size of work i intend to do, it would be ultimately stationary engines. But i think at the beginning it will be mostly small shop devices and tools (clamps, mallets, etc). But I'm not planning anything bigger than stationary engines.

Well noted for the power cross-feed. I've read that indeed parting off can be tricky for beginners.

and thanks Journeyman for the link, I've already read your reviews few times

I think I will go to the midlands exhibition and see them in the flesh (and maybe get some deal offer for a 250v ?)

Hello,

i'm considering starting some home machining (and model engineering at a later stage) and I've been looking at various lathes.

Though the Myfords look quite nice, I think I will stick with a new model, import type.

I quite like the Warco wm250V but would like to have some feedback from experienced users :

• Inverter drive : what is the advantage of it vs a standard motor ? is it a real plus ?
• This lathe would be my first one : is a smaller model more appropriate (such as wm180 or wm240), considering all the additional bits and bobs that need to be added (tools, measuring, etc)
  • the wm240 doesnt have the inverter nor power cross feed (not sure about longitudinal power feed -> is it a "must" or just nice to have)
  • the wm180 has a much smaller motor (600w)

Any advice is welcome !

Thanks,

Chris