Bantam

Also tomorrow, and during next week, I'm going to be making a variety of different size boring bars. To fit into my QC tool-post holders.

Bob, I've put up some pics of the Bantam power-up. Plus the set of collets, from 1/16" - 1-1/2" that came with the lathe [amongst many other items -but the collet set is pristine]
The lathe performs faultlessly. I'm becoming familiar with the sliding and surfacing power feed.

Jack, I just looked back to post 1 on this thread. You were very casual about the pick up and installation of the lathe which can occupy a whole thread for a machine half the weight. Do you own a lorry with Hiab and a forklift?

Jack, Looks like a good m/c and setup, I assume the collet chuck (expensive) came with it and should prove very useful.

A major jump from your previous machine, expect to get asked to make all sorts now you have the kit,.

Good morning Bazyle.
I was very fortunate to purchase from Richard Brown, [Project Machinery] in High Wycome, who, to enable him to carry out his business, owns a 7 tonne forklift. For my part, I own a substantial 1 tonne traler onto which Richard easily loaded the Bantam and the Startrite bandsaw. He positioned each exactly where I wanted them.
And left me to strap them down, whilst he walked his dog.

I also own a 2 tonne engine hoist which enabled me to lift the lathe and the bandsaw off the trailer with only a little more effort than Richard expended to put it on. The Bantam sat on the extended legs of the engine hoist and, with a little help from one of my sons and a willing neighbour, it was moved into the workshop and approximately positioned, on timber bearers, to enable the electrician access to all parts of it, to completed the wiring installation.
Once that was completed, it was a simple operation to move it into its final position and remove the timber bearers. [with a 2 tonne car jack and a substantial timber prop under the suds tray]

I would not hesitate to recommend Richard.
He is immensely helpful - knowledgeable and from what I saw, deals only in good quality, well maintained machinery. Even with a loaded trailer to tow home, he is situated only about 2 hours from where I live.
If, and when, I'm ready to buy a mill, I'll certainly contact Richard first.

Bob, in many ways, the collet chuck [+ the 9" 4 jaw chuck - catchplate - face plate - back toolpost and a box full of tools/drill chucks/centres etc] as well as the condition and performance of the machine itself, was what ensured that I bought from Richard.

I have used the collet set on a couple of occasions and it is great to use - amazingly accurate.

I was on eBay a couple of days ago, and saw an identical chuck [no key or collets - and it sold for £450]
So I am a very happy bunny, with the set up that I now have.

Jack,

Good to see another happy owner of the Burnerd collet set

... I'm sure you will appreciate why I am trying to find a compact lathe with D1-3 fitting; so that I can use mine in the very small space that I have available.

MichaelG.

You have.!

Just give it to me in exchange for a bag of Jelly Babies. I will put it to use.

Tempted ain't ya.?

Nick

Michael, I'm amazed at how compact the Bantam is - for such an industrial format of machine. Not much longer than a Myford. Bulkier, of course. And with the suds chamber hanging on the back of the tray, quite deep.
I really can't wait to get something which requires a multiple production, so that I can use the collets in earnest. What does impress me, with regard to the 2HP inverter fitted, is that there is no evidence of a reduction in torque, particularly at low speed revs. And 1600 revs is, I suspect, all that I will ever require. I'm finding that I tend to use recognizably lower revs for a given diameter of work, than my neighbour across the road, who owns the Boxford CUD.

.

Jack,

You are right, of course ... it's a great machine, and I would love one if it was a practical proposition to install in my little workshop.

Funnily enough, I was looking at a Chipmaster [even nicer] in a dealer's this morning, and remembering how much I like them. ... But the truth is, I only really want to do comparatively small work [clock wheels, parts for microsopes, camera adapters; that sort of thing] and the overall "heft" of these machines is more than I need.

MichaelG. [still exploring possibilities]