Mini Lathes

[gaz05]

Thinking of buying one of these.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190469990956&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Yes, I know a proper lathe would be a better bet but just haven't got the space. Needs to be a semi portable bench lathe and Myfords MLs etc are just way too pricey for me at the moment. With 14" centres it should do most of the stuff I want to do on the car like spacers,bushes etc.

So. Anyone got one?

[AshG]

yep and i got it of amadeal on ebay too. mine was the slightly higher spec one though, with metal gears in the headstock (rather than standard plastic) and it also has quick release tail stock, tail stock chuck, tail stock live and fixed centres, and quick change over tool post. think the whole lot come to £550.

i built my roadster using it. its a pretty good little lathe actually it did all my bosses for the wishbones etc. all i will say is that its slower at making parts as you cant make big cuts like you can on a big lathe, but other than that it does the job.

being honest though I haven't used it since i finished the roadster, i could probably be persuaded to sell it on if someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

[gaz05]

The AMAdeal one is 7x14 with a larger than normal motor and a 4" chuck. Is yours similar. If so I might be interested. Have to get it couriered cos I'm a little bit further North than you ;)

[ozzy1]

Looks a good deal really for the money.As Ash says the main thing is that you cant take too heavy a cut.Maybe worth seeing about upgrading to metal gears or just buy AshG's :D

[dooner02]

hi, i bought a german built hobbymat a couple of years ago to machine up some bushes and a few other jobs. great piece of kit, very sevicable. it even has an attachment for milling jobs. ebay bargain £250. look after it and you will get all your money back when you sell it on. I would avoid cutting steel with it though, just not sturdy enough and will prob. wear the bearings and gears very quickly. avoid modern chinese ones, they are not accurate at all, run-out being a major problem.
for bigger jobs why not get freindly with a local firm they will be more than happy to do odd jobs for pocket money and may even let you loose on it yourself for a bacon buttie or two!

[gaz05]

hi, i bought a german built hobbymat a couple of years ago to machine up some bushes and a few other jobs. great piece of kit, very sevicable. it even has an attachment for milling jobs. ebay bargain £250. look after it and you will get all your money back when you sell it on. I would avoid cutting steel with it though, just not sturdy enough and will prob. wear the bearings and gears very quickly. avoid modern chinese ones, they are not accurate at all, run-out being a major problem.
for bigger jobs why not get freindly with a local firm they will be more than happy to do odd jobs for pocket money and may even let you loose on it yourself for a bacon buttie or two!

My only local engineering firm is owned by a right miserable sod so that's out. I've just noticed this thread today. It's a bit late for me to take your advice about chinese lathes because I've got one being delivered tomorrow.

I've ordered a 7x14 with 4" 3 jaw chuck, 500w motor, 4" 4jaw independant chuck, cutting tools, tailstock chuck, fixed steady and live centre. Cost new is £530 so I'm relatively happy with that.

I haven't done much turning since I was an apprentice 36 years ago but I'll post up a review after I've done a few jobs.

.