Engineering Lathe Recommendations?

[fingwe]

Hi, I'm considering buying an engineering lathe to be able to make kitless pens, as well as metal turned calligraphy pens. I really know next to nothing about engineering lathes - could anyone give a recommendation on a decent one. Price isn't so much of an issue, but I am a little pushed for space, though will make room for whatever I need, so if anyone has any recommendations I'd be really grateful.

 

[Penpal]

As in all purchases Melanie a detailed assessment is needed to address the purchase. Bear in mind with the lathe the initial price is a way off the finished need to personalise it for you. To consolidate and help I would enlist the help of a fitter and turner or trade wise person to accurately assess before you buy. Jim went through this some time ago with a you beaut second hand one I would be interested how he feels and knows about his, could be a guide for you. Many of us have our own, bit like buying a car really.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

Hi Melanie, when I was looking for a metal lathe, I finally settled on a 9 X 20 lathe which I thought was the biggest I could fit into my shed ( I since added to mini lathes, and a mill )
I would get a variable speed.
The C6 Sieg is 1170 x 640 x 580mm
A photo of the C6 shown with 7x12 mini-lathe.

http://www.mini-lathe.com/C6_lathe/C6/c6ml.jpg

 

[fingwe]

Thanks Peter and Mark. Part of the problem is that I really don't understand what I'm looking at, and what is important, and what not so important. So, if anyone knows of a decent book, or website, which explains about engineering lathes for the non-engineering minded (I don't think they do an 'Engineering Lathes for Dummies' book?) I'd be grateful. Also, what sort of specs should I be looking for....ideally and as a minimum.

 

[fingwe]

Mark, you mentioned the Sieg C6...it doesn't seem to be available over here very easily. I guess there are going to be equivalents though.

So, to ask a really stupid question, but hopefully it will help me understand what is important - given that most of the time the pen components being turned on the lathe are only going to be a couple of inches long - what is the advantage of the C6 over, let's say, the mini lathe in front of it in the photo?

 

[21William]

Lathes are classed by size, ie 8" X 14" or 9" X 20" etc. The numbers represent the swing X distance between centres. You may be able to get away with something as small as a 7" X 12" but I'd go a little bigger if you have space and can afford it. I have an 8" X 14" and have found it a very useful size. Variable speed can be very useful but there have been reliability issues with the electrics on some machines. Warco, Chester, Arceurotrade and Axminster tools are some of the common suppliers but there are others.

 

[nimrod]

Hi Melanie I have used Chester Cobra and a Chester Conquest lathes for a number of years, I have used both for turning pen components which they have produced with no problems. I have recently sold the Cobra which Chester no longer sell but you can buy the equivalent from Axminster, I am upgrading to a Chester DB10 or DB11 because I need a bit more power for turning larger components. I would think a Conquest or an equivalent from Axminster/Warco would be suitable for what you need. If you have an Axminster Store near you could always drop in an see their range and tell them what you want and what you want to use it for I have found that they are usually quite helpful.

Robin

 

[Lons]

Hi Melanie

I have an old Cowells 90me which is a beautiful little machine and would do pretty much all you need imo.
They are still manufactured by a family company in the UK so you can look the spec up online but not cheap unless you can find one on eBay where they appear occasionally. Much sought after by watchmakers and model makers they have a decent reputation, I wouldn't part with mine!

I'm in Canada at the minute or would post some info, not back until the end of July but if you haven't bought anything and want to see it I'm not too far from you.
Bob

 

[bassethound]

Buying a mini-lathe

that may give you some tips...

 

[wm460]

Thanks Peter and Mark. Part of the problem is that I really don't understand what I'm looking at, and what is important, and what not so important. So, if anyone knows of a decent book, or website, which explains about engineering lathes for the non-engineering minded (I don't think they do an 'Engineering Lathes for Dummies' book?) I'd be grateful. Also, what sort of specs should I be looking for....ideally and as a minimum.

Melanie, if you PM me your email address I can send you mobs of info,.

 

[wm460]

Mark, you mentioned the Sieg C6...it doesn't seem to be available over here very easily. I guess there are going to be equivalents though.

You will find most mini-lathes are made in the Sieg factory which is in China, the dealers gets them painted to their choice of colour and stick their name tag on it.
Just had a look at Arceuro trade they have discontinued the C6, just look for 9" X 20" lathes.

So, to ask a really stupid question, but hopefully it will help me understand what is important - given that most of the time the pen components being turned on the lathe are only going to be a couple of inches long - what is the advantage of the C6 over, let's say, the mini lathe in front of it in the photo?

There is an old shooters saying, "You can shoot an rabbit with an elephant gun but you cant an elephant with a rabbit gun."
One of my old bosses bought a 7" X 12" lathe to make parts for model boats as soon as he bought it and started to use it found it was too small. You want to turn small bits now, but in the future you may want to do bigger work, just like me.
Bigger they are more rigid they are, so more accurate. Another thing is to get the biggest spindle bore so that you can turn a long piece of metal.

 

[Paul hd]

Hi Melanie

I have an old Cowells 90me which is a beautiful little machine and would do pretty much all you need imo.
They are still manufactured by a family company in the UK so you can look the spec up online but not cheap unless you can find one on eBay where they appear occasionally. Much sought after by watchmakers and model makers they have a decent reputation, I wouldn't part with mine!
Bob

One of these days I will definitely have a Cowells in the shed.

 

[Penpal]

When I bought my Metal Lathe second hand it was another era in a way,the fastest speed is 1500 rpm,bearings are sleeve etc.

Reading into Teds information today confirms my observation that there are so many additional considerations nowadays. I noted the mods already, differing grades from different dealers.

This is a beaut time to get it right, I have always sought expert help such as machine shops, TAFE Colleges etc who have marvellous handbooks for apprentices etc. A starting point Tynemet.ac.uk .

Good fortune in your quest.

Peter.

 

[Penpal]

Gateshead Tyne and Wear for sizes, comparisons. Gumtree Boxford lathe second hand very much like Marks Hercus lathe.

Peter.

 

[silver]

I have my old faithful Myford ML7, wouldn't be without it.

As for selecting a lathe if I was you I would get in touch with Chester lathes, they are very good and you can arrange a test drive if one of their machines at there head office.

IMHO it would be good to get hands on experience from a engineering lathe supplier/manufacturer/importer. Even if you don't buy one of theirs it's good knowledge.

Is there anyone near to you that has an engineering lathe to give you some "hands on"

There is also some good you tube stuff if you search for how to use a metal lathe

 

[fingwe]

Thanks everyone, I've been reading and rereading everything, and investigating what's available at the dealers mentioned. At the moment I'm thinking that I may go for a smallish one - it's less upfront cost should I decide that it's not for me. If all goes well, then I can upgrade to a larger one at a later date, if I feel necessary. Having said that, I really am only looking at a lathe to turn kitless pens and dip pens, so probably a length of 7 or 8 inches maximum, so I may never need to go bigger. An additional consideration is that there is a possible house move in the future, and I think trying to move a large lathe may be an added complication that I don't want at the moment (I have enough equipment to move as it is!)

 

[Penpal]

Melanie check your holding either end measurement into every equation re size of the bed, allow for the maximum .

Kind regards Peter.

 

[fingwe]

Hi Peter, thanks, yes I understand that, as with wood lathes, you have to account for chucks, etc. I figure the absolute minimum size between centres would be around 12 inches, and even at that distance I'd probably only be able to turn slightly shorter dip pens. I'd prefer something around 350/400mm.

 

[nimrod]

Hi Melanie I agree with your thoughts regarding a house move, I am in the process of moving and I am seriously considering hiring or buying an engine hoist.

Robin

 

[bellringer]

The Best engineering lathe money can buy is a old colchester student or master but you would need 3 phase unless you can find a single phase one most others are cheap Chinese crap but ok for basic pen turning