Wabeco 2000/3000 Lathes

I have a Unimat PC Basic with bar beds, larger than the Unimat SL but smaller than the Wabeco. I find the whole lathe very rigid and have had no problems with vibration.

All in all I find that the bar beds work well, however one thing that I do find to be a huge annoyance is the lack of a suitable surface to use as a reference. Trying to set up a mag-base and indicator was a trying and time consuming experience (although a recently purchased Noga mag-base has helped considerably).

Clive

Thanks again Jason for the 'tip off' about the 'elusive owner' and I have registered for MEM and am awaiting approval to enter into discussion. I have had a reply from a German modeller I correspond with and he asked for comments on their forums. No owner replies, but unspecified "concerns" about the bar bed lathes with stated preferences for the cast bed Wabeco models or Optimum branded lathes. Whether the concerns are perceived rather than real will only ever be resolved by discussion with an experienced user, (other than me flying to Germany to test one personally). I find it hard to believe that a lathe of German manufacture so specific about accuracy and cutting capacity would risk supplying a design that was deficient. There is no doubt that the lathe is different to most, and thus attracts some scepticism about rigidity and convenience of use with its centre screw feed and only fitted with one auto feed rate. However if the fears are unfounded, then this lightweight, accurate and quite powerful little lathe would suit my purposes amply. I hope MEM approves my registration so I can ask the elusive owner for an appraisal. Regards to all who have shown an interest. Paul Gough.

Edited By paul gough on 01/07/2015 12:02:22

Nowt wrong with bar bed lathes! Mine is of 1947 vintage

**LINK**

Mine is the sixth picture

John

You should be able to get your grubby mits on one at Pro machine tools, they don't seem to go to many of the shows now but used to have them on display.

If I was to make the 17000 klm flight to your region I would probably find it more fruitful proceeding to Germany and Wabeco's showroom to get a 'hands on' with their mills as well. I reside in the upside down world of the Antipodes, hence my hope for a positive 'virtual experience' in answer to my query. Paul Gough.

Thanks John, At last a bar bed users comment. The ones you show are appear to be 'industrial strength' and so much heavier than the little Wabeco D2000E I am considering. However it is nice to hear of, (and see), an example of this type of lathe which seems to confirm there is nothing inherently lacking in the design. Paul Gough.

Hi Paul

Well it's the only lathe I have ever owned so I have nothing to compare it to but it is a lovely machine (albeit in need of some TLC now it is 68 yrs old). It is big and heavy probably 250-350kgs going by my Elliott 10M shaper. After I bought mine about three came up on ebay within the year but haven't seen any for many years so folks must be as happy as I am.

Good look with your searching mate

John

I used to visit a contract machine shop in Twickenham in the 1970s ,they had three barker lathes,the only ones I have ever seen,the company had no complaints about them and found the rotating headstock very useful for the varied work that contractors get,

I used to visit a contract machine shop in Twickenham in the 1970s ,they had three barker lathes,the only ones I have ever seen,the company had no complaints about them and found the rotating headstock very useful for the varied work that contractors get,

I used to visit a contract machine shop in Twickenham in the 1970s ,they had three barker lathes,the only ones I have ever seen,the company had no complaints about them and found the rotating headstock very useful for the varied work that contractors get,

That supply of spare parts would have made me a very happy bunny!

For anyone wanting to see or buy a Wabeco machine in U.K., Pro machine Tools are located at :

Unit 17

Station Road Business Park

Barnack, (between Peterborough and Stamford)

PE9 3DW,

There is an advert on the inside of the front cover of M.E.W. 230, giving the above address, Telephone No. and E mail address.

Usual disclaimer, having once visited, but never having been a customer.

H T H

Howard