Warco WM250 Lathe and Warco WM18 Milling machine (Advice please)

I can't remember how long I waited, but I bought it on the basis of capability and spec, and I wouldn't've cancelled just because I had to wait a bit longer.

I don't think I made a mistake with Warco. I don't think I 've seen another with the same features in the same price range - though of course I haven't really been looking lately.

I ordered my two machines at the Harrogate exhibition in May 2012 & was informed that they were waiting for next shipment so it would be a month or so, which was fine for me as it gave me time to convert garage... received notification that shipment was in & delivery was organised... mid August 2012, so 8 - 10 weeks so I wouldn't worry.

George.

Well don't panic - it's too early for that. Warco have been in business for donkey's years.

When I ordered my mill there was an unexpected delay because the stand was the wrong shade of green - it didn't quite match the mill. After a bit of discussion I sent them an email saying I didn't care. Disaster! Somehow it stuck in my Drafts folder and they never got it. All a bit fraught when you've spent a lot of money and are looking forward to new toys! Now I think the delay was trivial, at the time I wanted to kick the cat.

Loads of innocent reasons why there might be a delay - courier issues, broken fork lift, staff sickness, accidents, fault spotted before shipping, blah blah blah. Sometimes cock-ups occur and people try to cover it up. If there's a delay its far better to be open and honest about it; I hope Warco put your mind at rest as soon as possible.

Dave

I think you are worrying uneccesarily as mentioned earlier there could be dozens of reasons why a bit of extra delay has occurred.

I can understand it's a nuisance when you are waiting for something but if they originally said 5 - 7 days and now they say 2 weeks it's only an extra week or 10 days maybe.

Warco are a big player in this business so I wouldn't worry yet, if it was a small cash in hand back street seller then alarm bells might be justified but for now I'd try to relax

Posted by STK2008 on 05/04/2018 13:12:56:
Zzzzzz lol the days are dragging real slow.

Only been 2 days since I ordered and they said about 5 to 7 before I even get a phone call from the delivery people to arrange a time and date.

Gives me time to sort out the garage and find the best place to hire an engine crane I suppose .

That post, to me, means you could be waiting up to 11 days (including one weekend or, even 2 weekends) - 7 working days - before even getting a phone call which would then be arranging a date for delivery. Clearly you did not comprehend what they actually said?

After about two days you start fidgeting? Give them a chance to at least get things organised. Remember two weeks is only ten working days.

You want a 32 weight oil for the head, get Warco to add a can to the order then you should be able to get that put on the same delivery and save postage costs.

68 Weight oil for the Oil points, I think Warco do it but can't see it at the moment but something like this from ARC will do the job, they also do 32 weight.

You say you will order a few "bits" have you ordered tooling for the two machines as you won't be able to do a lot with them when they turn up without it so could loose another week waiting for that to arrive.

J

Edited By JasonB on 07/04/2018 07:34:33

Bit more unsolicited advice on the virtues of patience I'm afraid. When the stuff does arrive it will take time for you to get to grips with it. Setting up heavy equipment in a tight space is challenging. You may hit an electrical problem like popping an RCD. Only then do you get to the really difficult bit which is learning the properties of different metals and how to drive the machines properly.

I started with a mini-lathe and made the dual mistake of over-estimating what it could do AND - a huge mistake - as an inexperienced beginner tested it with random bits of scrap. For a period I was disappointed with the lathes apparent lack of performance. Actually the problem was me not driving it properly while trying to cut a selection of scrap metal with poor machining qualities. Some of it was very bad indeed! Well worth investing in some known types of Aluminium, Brass and Mild-steel from a proper supplier; making sure the metal is good will make a lot of problems disappear.

Take it step by step, there's a lot to learn. Don't rush; if something doesn't work out, try a different approach. Never forget that a beginner is far more likely to choose a poor method - wrong tool, wrong speed, wrong sequence, wrong reference point for measurements etc etc etc. So don't be afraid to ask on the forum, I've benefited enormously from it and still do.

Just in case you've not spotted the opportunity, Model Engineering Workshop magazine is running beginner Series on lathes and milling machines at the moment. The authors moderate this forum and both respond well to questions, even daft ones! There's also a beginner series on lathes in Model Engineer : I'm not finding it quite so helpful, possibly because it's based on Myford rather than the Far Eastern offerings.

Dave

Stay cool STK it will arrive. I use 32 grade oil for the oil points & SAE 10 - 40 transmission oil for the gear box, but you shouldn't need to put any in just yet as it should have oil in already, check the sight glasses, get used to it & run it for the first 6 months then change the oil if you wish. when I got mine I cleaned it down checked over & made sure the electric trips worked then ran it for 12 months before changing oil in saddle gearbox.

George.

Hi

Yeah I am gonna chill now as said Warco are a legit company was probably a computer error showing stock but when they checked in person it was not in stock.

Yeah I shall get it set up and check the machines over runout,backlash etc etc.

Would a normal bubble be ok to level the machine stands and lathe etc?.

When I set up my CNC machine I borrowed a machine bubble which was crazy accurate but I have not got access to it no more.

I will run it for about 6 months or so then change the gearbox oil in both machines I think this would be a good idea seeing as both of these machines are all metal gears.

I appriciate every ones input thank you it has calmed me down a little the wife always says I am fidgety and worry over simple things LOL.

Here is my order

WM-250 metric variable speed lathe

supplied with standard accessories:
Swarf tray/large rear splash guard/face plate
3 jaw self centering chuck with inside and outside jaws 125mm
4 jaw independent chuck 125mm
Fixed and travelling steadies
2 dead centres

WM-250 LATHE STAND - latest design with shelves
9 PCE SET INDEX TURNING TOOLS 12mm
LIVE CENTRE -2MT - MEDIUM DUTY
DRILL CHUCK B16 1-13MM KEYED
2MT ARBOR B16

WM-18 VARIABLE SPEED MILL METRIC R8
STAND AND TRAY FOR WM-18 - new design
W4 CLAMP KIT 12MM
ER25 COLLET CHUCK SET R8
END MILL SET METRIC 5 PIECE HSS/COBALT. 3.5.6.8.10mm
PRECISION ANGLE VICE 2"/50mm

You are about to start on years of enjoyment, learning and, sadly sometimes, frustration. But overall, MOST satisfying. You will be able to make, repair, design and develop all manner of things.

Once the machines are set up, I would suggest making a Centre Height Gauge, to aid setting tools in the Lathe.

You can either do it by experimenting, or by measuring (more cash going on measuring equipment, if you haven't got any. Buy good stuff, you can be more confident of accuracy, durability, and consistency.

If you hit a problem, there are hordes of folk on here who will try to help.

Go for it! and Good Luck

PS If not already a member, join a local Model Engineering Club, again you'll benefit

Howard

Edited By Howard Lewis on 07/04/2018 11:25:28

Yeah I bet there will be highs and lows LOL

As said been after a lathe and Mill for many many years in my old job I used them every day along with other machines so I dont class my self as a novice but I am not a expert neither so I know I will need help and advice along the way .

If ya look in me gallery I have designed and built a 3 axis CNC machine that was fun and when I get my machines I shall be designing and building more .

EDIT

I also realy like this comunity you all seem like realy mature and smart bunch of lads and the things you lot make well amazeing tbh

Edited By STK2008 on 07/04/2018 11:46:33

Edited By STK2008 on 07/04/2018 11:47:48

Edited By STK2008 on 07/04/2018 11:48:14

The items on your list will get you up and running but once you start actually making something you'll need some basic measuring / marking out tools.

I guess everyone will have their own list of essentials but at the very least I add

0-25mm micrometer

Simple digital or vernier caliper

Set square

Ruler

Scriber

Centre punches

Centre drills.

I was in a similar situation to yourself a couple of years ago and it can take quite a while to acquire all the tooling but you can start making things with the basic tools and add to your list as you need things.

Thanks for replying.

Luckely for me my job was a mechanical engineer so I have Micrometers,calipers etc.

But yes I think there will be a job that reqiures a tool you have not got at some point LOL.