Do all lathes make this much noise ?

I 'think' that thread was in relation to an Austrailian vendor and not that Ketan guy at ARC that there were issues with damaged delivery. Having spoken to him I am in little doubt that IF there were any issues they would be sorted uber pronto.

If you have solid floors I doubt you will have an problem with the noise from a small lathe. It's not like a wooden joist and floorboards where any vibration could end up 'drumming'

The floor you have (if it's a modernish property) is probably concrete beams with what resembles a T shaped block that slots between them. This is then covered over in a couple of inch's of screed.

Nick

Edit :- Oooops. Just realised you are THAT guy that in Austrailia. 

Edited By Nick_G on 19/10/2014 09:59:36

Why is the weight so much of a problem?

A more substantially built machine, correctly set-up, should produce far less chatter than a lighter one, and this is the most likely source of objectionable noise. My neighbours (all properties in the road are detatched) were asking me what I was dismantling until mine was properly sorted!

Also, a C3 sized machine comes without the shortcomings that others have pointed to, and probably for considerably less money, together with superb back-up from Ketan for example (usual disclaimers).

The extra weight makes it less portable, but then who wishes to dance around the workshop with it in their arms?The range of accessories is almost infinite compared with the machine shown, and the community which has grown with these Chinese models is incredible.

It's a no-brainer in my opinion. You'll have far more fun, far more help, and have a much more versatile lathe to boot.

Mine has given me some headaches, but all due to my own shortcomings and lack of knowledge, and has taught me a great deal, which as you approach your seventies, is no small thing. I love it!

The very best of luck with whatever you decide to purchase, but DO consider all of the alternatives first.

Derek

Brian wants a light one as it wil have to be put away after each use as he has no workshop to dance around in and I'm sure his other half would not like it left standing in the kitchen/study or whatever room he has to use.

He is also in Australia so a bit far for Ketan to sort.

Second hand Emco Unimat 3 or Compact 5 would fit the bill. Or if they are available in Oz then a new Hobbymat MD200 tips the scales at 36kg

J

Edited By JasonB on 19/10/2014 12:02:03

My Warco with all metal gears is very noisy, I was thinking of downgrading to nylon gears for that reason.

Sounds fairly quiet to me Brian. That clicking sound is probably due to the leadscrew drive gears not being set up correctly hence you have slightly more 'backlash' than necessary, try the 'paper' method to get the right amount of backlash. Without you having the gear cover open I / we can't see what the gear arrangement is. if you post a pic' of the arrangement I / we can help you set it up, it's quite easy.

… pic of my gear meshing set up using the 'paper ' method...

George.