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Warco vs Chester

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Terryd20/09/2010 09:03:01
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1946 forum posts
179 photos
I  am considering a new lathe and am looking at the Warco VM 280 and the Chester DB-11V.  These machines look almost identical apart from cosmetic differences and a slight difference in control layout.  Am I correct in assuming that they are basically the same lathe re-badged for these companies.  If so why is the Warco cheaper, is there really any substantial difference between the two?
 
I'd be grateful for any advice on this before I make a decision.
 
Terry
ady20/09/2010 09:15:57
612 forum posts
50 photos
I would say look at the electrics closely, especially if there's any control board, and get the best quality offering, and make sure you can get spares if it goes phut.
 
 
JasonB20/09/2010 16:34:42
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25215 forum posts
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I have the WM280V-F and if you can afford the extra then the power cross feed is well worth having, some of the spec sheet for the VF is wrong on Warcos site, its actually for the belt drive one, so just check the specs.
 
I notice the chester 280 has a slowest speed of 125rpm whereas the warco machines will both go down to 50rpm which is a lot better for threading etc. On both machines the speed is not totally variable from max to min as the main drive belt has two pullies which give two speed ranges 50-950 and 100-1900 or there abouts.
 
I went with Warco mostly for the cross feed but they were more helpful when I went to look at teh machine. You can also get the "same" machines from RDG and Amadeal but watch the latter as I don't think the basic price includes steadies, 4 jaw etc.
 
Jason
Alun Owen 119/11/2010 09:11:12
2 forum posts
I too have the WARCO WM280v-f and am very satisfied with it.  I wanted to replace my very very worn out Myford super 7 ready for my retirement this year and spent nearly two years researching lathes.  Then when I had practically decided on a gearhead lathe I went to the WARCO open day two years ago and spoke to the engineers running machines there and to a couple of other visitors who already had the 280.  I also managed to get a 'hands on' in the display room for about half an hour on most of the machines.  It made my mind up and I ordered one.
Delivery was excellent and I have not regretted buying it for one moment.  Have ordered a Dixon QCP which WARCO bore out to fit the current toolpost so no faffing about trying to make something fit or modifying the lathe.
Recommendations are, before parting with the money get hands on with whichever machine you like so as to be sure you like the feel, size, power and 'handiness' of it.
Maybe a request to visit someone who has one could be made on here.
I am near Portsmouth if that helps.
 
Alun
Niloch19/11/2010 09:47:25
371 forum posts
I don't have a vast collection of ME magazines but I do know that Warco were advertising in a 1988 issue so they've been around for quite a while which must, in my view,  say something favourable.
(Usual disclaimer, other than as a happy customer).
Donald Mitchell19/11/2010 10:51:30
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90 forum posts
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I bought a Minor Mill from Warco in 1978 or 79 - they were around then.
 
Donald Mitchell
Castle Douglas
Bonnie Scotland
Nicholas Farr19/11/2010 12:00:34
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3988 forum posts
1799 photos
Hi, looking at the respective web sites in the "About Us" tab, Warco say they have been trading for almost 30 years and Chester say they have been going for 19 years. I don't know when they last updated though.
 
Regards Nick.
KWIL19/11/2010 12:29:06
3681 forum posts
70 photos
Originally trading in Shere Surrey, Warco were originally incorporated as a company in 1972. They then moved to Guildford as Warren Machine Tools and later over to their present address.
James fortin19/11/2010 15:24:50
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46 forum posts
12 photos
i recently bought a second hand (still all original parts) Warco minor mill and the badge says 1989.
 
i was surprised when i put the main components back together and put a new plug on it it ran first time.
 
slight bit of rust on some parts ,but nothing that cant be wire wooled off 
 
the lead screw  backlash adjusters are also high quality phosphorous bronze 
 
over all a good machine and will be buying from Warco again. hopefully for even better machines as they are new.

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