Complete beginner checking in and asking the usual question!

Hi Frank,

I suggest you look at Arc Euro Trade and Warco as well, as all the imported machines have variations in detail.

For a pillar drill, it's probably worth looking at Machine Mart.

Neil.

Hi Frank,

Welcome to the forum, the folk on here are very helpful even if they argue with each other occasionally.

I'd say you already possess the most useful skill you will need - accounting. You'll need to find creative ways of extracting more money from somewhere without it being noticed. There will be no end of things to buy.

I bought my lathe 18 months ago and have really enjoyed learning to use it. It's a steep learning curve though. I went with new for the same reason as Chris but as Ian says the best thing is to buy something and start using it. Only then will you know what you want to make and what tools you will need to make it.

I found the following sites useful

**LINK**

**LINK**

Gary

Its interesting to see that there are about five or six imported lathes that look identical to each other (apart from the stickers), but vary quite widely in price. Do they really come out of the same factory I wonder? Looked on the Bay for used lathes and they seem within my price bracket, however finding a 'good 'un' would probably be beyond me. Also they look quite large?

They probably do come out of the same factory, with perhaps some different tweaks for some manufacturers. You soon find this with the tooling as well. Especially if like me if setting up cost is a factor. I have found that quality of these is similar and therefore make a selection based upon the supplier and service they provide. I bought my Chinese lathe from Axminster and my Chinese mill from Arc and would recommend the service they both provide. There has been a recommend a supplier thread on the forum, have a look at that. It is a comfort to know that you have a warranty. I had a problem with my lathe which was sorted out within days by Axminster. I'm not sure what I would have done if it was an EBAY or other type purchase. You have probably unknowingly started your first project, a can of worms opener. You will get a range of opinions and advice, as you've probably discovered, but it will be honest and given with all best intention.

Not going to recommend a specific lathe ( I have Myford and Boxford) but I can recommend the service from both ArcEuroTrade and Axminster from personal experience, and I know a lot of people are happy with Chester.

Phil

I would go for a shed, a hammer and a hairdryer.......you sit in your shed with the hairdryer pointing at your fingers so you still have some feeling int them and then hit random objects with the hammer...very much like real life model engineering but little outlay till you decide you like it??

Fizzy, this forum really needs a "like" button.

Gary

Just looking at the page of secondhand machinery, inside the back page of the latest ME, a Myford ML 7 @ 1125 UK pounds, to super7 2450, and a super 7B for 3450 UK pounds, from my point of veiw, only a nut case would pay those prices, you could get an industrial type for less, or a number of new Chinese ones.My own lathe is a bigger Taiwanese belt head one, I could have bought a Myford for about three times the price(with discounts it would actually be nearer four times), That was over 20years ago, and I'm still happy with it.

Take your time, and choose well, you proberbly won't get everything you want. Ian S C