Disclosed accuracy of Lathes

I am about to purchase my first lathe. Looking at the major rebadged lathes from the far east I can not see on their websites about the accuracy of these machines so cant decide if they are what I require. This has led me to look at the German Wabeco lathes but could you recommend other lathe manufacturers who I should also check before making the final decision.

For information, my apprenticeship was in the cinematic industry. I will be starting with a clock as my first project and also small general items so a large lathe is not a requirement at present, this would be a later purchase if required.

Les

This is fairly typical of the far eastern lathes, should give you an idea of what spec they are built to.

Thanks Jason, that's the type of information I was looking for.

Les

Hi Les, interesting purchasing problem, and there's not too much info about. I hope you keep us informed about your experiences whatever you end up buying.

The issue is, I think, that it is relatively easy to make a lathe to the kind of tolerances listed for Jason's Warco WM280. It is much more expensive to make a lathe to a higher specification, and especially to make one that will stay within close tolerances when worked hard. In other words, expect a new precision lathe to cost 6 to 12 times more than a similar hobby lathe.

Do you really need that precision though? For example the Sherline has a very good reputation but a close look at their website reveals a rather ordinary specification. Many people do excellent work with worn equipment, and many others have improved far eastern lathes by application of TLC.

The truth is that operator skill counts for a great deal. I happen to own the same model of lathe as JasonB but a look at our albums will show you that he does markedly better work than me. You can't buy talent, skill and experience.

This thread about the Wabeco D4000 is one of the few reviews of Wabeco that I've been able to find.

If precision clock-making and making small parts is your hobby, then Cowell's have a very good reputation and a published specification.

Of the Far Eastern lathes, I think only those sold by Warco come with a certificate. It's a measure of what you've bought; some lathes will be better than others.

There's a lot of good quality ex-industrial kit about, and well maintained educational and deceased workshop sales. Unfortunately buying second-hand is a mine-field unless you know what you're doing or are lucky. For an absolute beginner, I'd suggest buying a mini-lathe to learn on, and then using the experience gained to upgrade later as necessary.

Dave

If you are making a clock there is not a lot that requires precision from the lathe, more from the operator but you will need a few 'extras' for cutting the wheels so that might be significant if working to a limited budget. Also bear in mind that the bigger the lathe the more the add-ons cost.

As for certificates - blah. I can print you off a few, how many do you want?

Thanks Dave for all the details and the link to the D400 thread.

I know what you mean about second hand, and I'm one of those who do not know what I am looking for as to faults/wear, so my first lathe will be new.

I spent a few of my early years turning prototype work and cutting gears so my first projects will be remembering rather than learning for the first time, lets hope I can remember.

Bazyle, I agree about clock making, I thought it would be to very tight tolerances until I started to read about it.

Thanks again

Les

Reading the thread on the Wabeco D400 is interesting if not unexpected.

Les

I wonder how accurate John Harrison's lathe was

Seriously, for clock making operator skill is the limiting factor not lathe accuracy as finish is generally more important than super accuracy. For example, pivots shouldn't be too close a fit but ideally should be burnished to give a hard, smooth surface finish.

Neil

The lost art of fettling.

Michael W

After all your help I have decided to purchase a Warco lathe. I drove down to their premises yesterday, a round trip of 380 miles and it was well worth the time. They are very friendly and knowledgeable. My final choice was a gear head lathe model GH 1236 and should be delivered in two weeks.

Les

Now the addiction has started.

Into watch making, rather than clocks, eh?

Dave
The Emerald Isle