Hello

Hello people

Cheers for the join, my main engineering interests is old motorcycles. I have a’72 Commando and a ‘50 es2 both of which need major rebuilds Commando dramatic r.t.a. me included , es2 forty odd years dismantled in a shed I didn’t leave it there by the way as purchased. I’ve been around machine work and have an interest in learning how to use a lathe so would like to buy one.

Cheers again Ian

Hello Ian and welcome to the forum. There are a number a m/c enthusiasts on here and lots of recommendations about which lathe to buy. A lot depends on budget, size of space required and size of objects to be machined.

If you can give us the approximate location of where you are, it may help someone living close by to get in touch.

Let us know what you decide and don't hesitate to come back with any questions you may have.

Brian

Hello and welcome from Buxton.

T140, LeMan3, XT600 & 900GTS

Bill

Hello Bill nice bikes thanks for the welcome from sunny Hastings

Hello Brian

I’ve been looking, reading to get an idea of what might be suitable. And whittled it down to this as possibilities.

Boxford me10, Raglan 5”, Atlas 10”. As you can see a 5” + centre height would be good 2’ between chuck and tailstock and many bits as possible. What are the thoughts, knowledge on these ?

Advice gratefully received Ian

G&M aren't that far from you and have a small selection of stuff about that size, including a Harrison L5

I guess it depends on your budget; I should say I've never used an L5, but this one does have a taper attachment included.

Bill

The L5 looks like a good tool and that taper attachment would work for a job I have in mind. But more than I can afford and +vat, I’m more at £900 ish or less. Thanks for the word though.

Hello Ian, I think your choices are good. I only have experience with a Boxford AUD. This has been my present lathe for about 30 years and came from a factory sale in Hemel Hempstead. I've just adjusted the bearings for the first time!

As others have said, if you can get one in reasonable condition with as many accessories as possible, you should have a good one.

Please let us know what you decide.

One problem is that the ideal machine is nearly always at the other end of the country!

Brian

Hello Ian,

Based on my brief experience, a Raglan 5" would be a good machine. Others speak highly of them, and they have more experience than mine. I made a 4 way toolpost to fit on the Top Slide. Normally, you have a choice: Top Slide or 4 Way toolpost, which can be a bit restrictive, since you have only one tool available for cutting a short taper.

But it offers power feed for turning and facing as separate from the Leadscrew..

If you can find one, (rare ) there is a Taper Turning Attachment. My friend also has a set of collets for his.

If I were in the market for a lathe, it would certainly be high on my list of possibles.

Howard

Welcome, Ian. This could be your lucky day - there's a Raglan 5" lathe for sale on this site!

Link to Raglan lathe

Not a lot of detail, but a PM to the seller, Shelley, should elicit more information.

John

Hello.

Both your bikes are wonderful machines when mechanically sound, i am familiar with both, the ES2 is one of THE GREAT ENGLISH singles.

79 T140 owned from new

89 Guzzi Cali lll owned since the late 90's

2 x off 84 Yamaha ty250 mono trials bikes

All very non std.

69 Boxford VSL lathe fully tooled

73 Tom Senior M1 with the quill feed head

79 Boxford 8" shaper

and all the usual... inc linishers, grinders, welders, pillar drill, T&CG etc etc

For m/c work i would say a big thing is spindle bore size, you want minimum wheel spindle size up there.

Regards.

Welcome Ian from another motorcyclist enthusiast. The ES2 are worth good money if restored well. Very rare too. Good luck in your search for a lathe. A tip, listen to the advice on here , some good knowledgeable guys.

Steve.

Edited By Steviegtr on 07/03/2020 16:47:52

Welcome along Ian, your bikes are what I refer to as modern. Back years ago I had a Commando and an ES2, set up well both are good. Think about if ever you need to pass a telescopic fork leg through the bore of the headstock and that may dictate the lathe size. Some of the smaller lathes are small on headstock bore. Girder fork bikes are my interest now. Chris.