Hi from Cambridgeshire

Hi, which lathe would you recommend to start with to buy for about £700

Hello Max,

First a question back - what sort of work do you want to do with it?

If you want to buy new, that's about the price of a mini-lathe with a brushless motor. Lots to choose from see this current thread.

www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=145134&p=1

If you want to buy secondhand, you have more choice but need more care in selecting the machine.

Neil

New? Secondhand? Depends on your mechanical knowledge if secondhand.

Hi Max welcome to the forum. As to your question how long is a piece of string. You will have to give us a bit more detail as to what you are wanting to turn and or what you are making. There are many helpful members on here and thus question has been asked many times and you can have a look in the forum threads search near top of page with keyword.

David

Hi guys i will be making clock parts and i would like to make small replica engines.

which is the best secondhand make to get.

A lot of mini lathes are made in one factory, but others are made in another different factory (Seig or Red Bull come to mind  ) so there are minor differences such as motor power, even size of keyways etc.

Also different importers have different specifications., not least the paint schemes and "standard" accessories included in the package.

It has even been suggested that some machines are marketed, having been made up from material rejected by the main suppliers.

Don't know how true that is.

Research WHAT you want to do, and the equipment needed to do it, and then compare with the specifications offered by various suppliers. One may include an accessory that another sells as an "optional extra".

Remember that your horizons are likely to expand.

So your specification could turn out to be more expensive, despite having the lower basic cost.

Are close enough to Peterborough, or to Cambridge, to join the M E Clubs there? You will probably get first hand advice, and possibly even a chance to "try before you buy".

Look at their websites. PM me if you want further details of P S M E. Next meeting is next Monday

Cost is not the only factor to consider.

Buying direct from China may be cheaper, but what about after sales service, or the need to return a faulty machine (Not unknown )? A UK supplier is accessible for after sales service and advice (Some are better than others! Support and advice is worth a lot, particularly if you are a newbie )

HTH

Howard

Edited By Howard Lewis on 03/10/2019 10:46:35