Help choosing a Chinese lathe please

Hi all I am new to this and I am looking at getting a Chinese lathe as I only have a small area for one so I need a worktop one. Instead of buying secondhand I want to buy new so a Chinese one seems the best way to go with it being my worst time using one. I am after making small parts that I am finding hard to source in rebuild old air rifles to start and them move on to other projects with it. There are a few on eBay going from 400-600 I want at least a 30cm distance between centres I think but I am lost at which one to buy so could anyone give any suggestions of which one and where would be best to get one.

thank you all in advance

Have a look at Arceuro,s Seig SC2 or SC3, i have used the my sons SC3 its a nice small lathe capable of doing real work. I think anything smaller you would struggle making parts for air rifles.

If you can visit Arceuro they have the machines on display and they are very helpful, i live local and use them regularly.

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+1 for Sieg lathes.

If you could stretch to a SC4, they are extremely capable, otherwise I would highly recommend an SC3, I feel the SC2 could be too small for your 300mm centre distance.

Jim

Have you done a search?

This question is asked about twice a week........

Not much support for the ebay route above.

It is the way to go for the vey cheapest option ....maybe.

Importation will cost extra in customs taxes, VAT, etc.

What warranty do you get from an imported lathe? Return to supplier could be an expensive operation!

What is the spares situation with one of these machines. Likely less than optimal.

Very often it is better to pay an apparent little extra to buy from a UK supplier. Especially so, if the purchaser is new to the hobby. Buying from ebay can be closely akin to buying second hand in your situation.

Arc Euro have several machines on display (lathes and mills) and can advise, supply and provide a good warranty for your purchase. They are my ‘go to’ for most of my bits and pieces purchases ( my main machines are all old English iron).

Chester Machine tools are clearly closer than ARC, but my preference would be the latter for several reasons (mesage me if you really need them). Warco are even further afield for you.

Since distance between centres is important to you remember that the quoted distance is with the chuck removed and plain centres in head and tail stocks. The maximum size of workpiece you can realistically turn may be a lot less.

As has been said Arc Euro have an excellent reputation. Their range is smaller than many of their competitors but seems to be carefully chosen.

+1 for Arc Euro.

I went to Leicester to pick mine up from them. They tested it for basic function in front of me to ensure it was OK and Ketan (I think t'was he) spent 10 or 15 minutes answering questions and talking to me about it - and it was only a C0 baby lathe for a titchy space in some temporary accommodation.

The Seig SC2-300 would fit your requirement for 300mm minimum between centres.

If you have the space, and the cash, the SC3-400 with 400 mm centres may be the better bet, in the longer term.

Your horizons are bound to expand, so the larger machine would save changing later on.

I know of at least one Myford ML7 located across the corner of a small lobby, if that would help your space problem, but it does inhibit having longer material being passed through the mandrel.

Like many others on here, I have had only excellent service from Arc Euro Trade.

If possible, do go and visit,them just outside Leicester., where you can see the machines running, and get first hand advice.

Howard

Hi Neil have a look a Chester machine store not to far to visit and select!

David

Have a look at Warco site; I have a WM250V-F & a WM16 mill, can't complain, they do what I want them to do so quite satisfactory for my needs.

George.

Do look at the UK suppliers, you do get support, easy access to spares and a warranty, plus some of the machines online that appear a real bargain may be ones that failed QC or are lower specs - mini-lathes have evolved a lot over 20 years.

Neil

There is an excellent web site dedicated to the small Chinese lathes, showing how to improve them and much more: **LINK**

Thank you for all of the advice I will take it all on board and have a look in the Chester one first and get to grips with what I need

thank you all again

Hi has anyone had a myford lathe m1 I have seen one local at a good price

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the OP looks for a new Chinese, presumably mini, lathe.

In comparison, a Myford ML1 will be a lot less versatile, and much older, certainly dating from the early 40s, or before. The dial graduations are not a straightforward 0.001"/ division. Very much a training lathe, in my book.

And would probably need some fettling to bring into really good order Some wear is bound to be evident, if only in the plain bearing Headstock, so a good project for some one..

Although, in the right hands, good work can be produced on them, not a good first choice for a newbie!

Given the choice, unless money was very tight, I know which would be selected!

Howard

Hi

looks like a choice between these 2 at the moment

**LINK**

**LINK**

has anyone got any advice on which one would be best for a beginner to get please

Whilst you may be daunted at the prospect of cutting threads on a lathe at the moment, you may well feel the need as you get more proficient and experienced.
This might be particularly important when restoring old items.
Are the airguns you work on imperial or metric threads, or indeed some kind of specials occasionally?

Some mini lathes may only supply the relevant gears for either one or the other, some may come with what's needed for cutting both.

I can't advise what to buy as I've never used any of the Chinese Mini-Lathes, My stable has a Myford, a Warco Myford lookalike/cone, and a Warco gearhead; all are imperial, but I do cut metric threads as well, due to having British, Japanese and Italian motorbikes..

Maybe add Warco and Seig to your list.

Also, please don't get confused between metric and imperial lathes, and metric/imperial screwcutting.

It's perfectly possible to cut metric threads on an imperial lathe, and vice versa, depending on what gears are supplied/available. I guess the choice between metric and imperial lathes themselves, depends on what measuring system you prefer, though I'm sure others will chip in with their own views on that one.

Bill

Edited By peak4 on 02/09/2019 20:07:43

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