Looking for a mini metal lathe

[johnny5]

Been toying with the idea of a small bench top metal lathe to turn metal and plastic pens.
Clarke , draper , proxxon etc
Any one use one and what would you recommend for around £600 ish

 

[Grump]

I bought one of these when my old dad died and left me a few bob cos he had already gotten rid of his Myford.
Some say they are under powered and they are if you wanna go mad on em but used within it's limitations like everything should be it is a trifik little moshene.
In fact I am using it right now and have been all afternoon init?

 

[johnny5]

I bought one of these when my old dad died and left me a few bob cos he had already gotten rid of his Myford.
Some say they are under powered and they are if you wanna go mad on em but used within it's limitations like everything should be it is a trifik little moshene.
In fact I am using it right now and have been all afternoon init?

What machine do you use Brian ?
I have been looking at the unimat Lathe Milling and drill combo

 

[bassethound]

I bought a Chester Conquest one some time ago from Chester Tools and as Brian says if you don't try going silly they are lovely little tools, I love em!

http://www.chesterhobbystore.com/conquest-lathe-3965-p.asp

 

[Grump]

Bugger, sorry I copied the link and forgot to paste it init?
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/cl300m-metal-lathe/

For a vertical mill I attach a vice to the topslide and mount it on a bit of angle iron. neater and don't got nuffink in the way init?

 

[bassethound]

For a vertical mill I attach a vice to the topslide and mount it on a bit of angle iron. neater and don't got nuffink in the way init?

Any chance of a pic of that Brian?

 

[Buckeye]

I have an Emco compact 8 and I recommend it 100%, hard to find as they are well thought of and usually kept, but they do crop up now and again.

Peter

 

[Grump]

Not mine but same principal, I just used a piece of heavy duty angle and linished it square init?



I'll set mine up and get a pic when I finish the project that's on there now .

 

[Penpal]

I have a couple of Taig Lathes and find them ever so handy.

Peter.

 

[Dalboy]

I had the one Brian linked to it did me fine but then I only used it for small things and took it easy, only sold it as I did not use it that much brought a bandsaw with the money that gets much more use

 

[billyb_imp]

Chester Conquest on ebay, currently at £240 Doncaster
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/conquest-lathe-/262273790311?hash=item3d10bc7167:g:T7YAAOSwCypWo3I~

 

[Lons]

I have a beautiful little Cowells 90 ME with loads of attachments and I love it. Doesn't get a lot of use and never turned a pen on it but it's great fun just messing around practising so that one day I might be able to make stuff that could be useful.
They come up occasionally but often make silly money.

 

[johnny5]

been looking at this one


chester model just under a grand

 

[Buckeye]

Bit of a difference between about £600ish and just under a grand, but it's a cracker go for it.

Peter

 

[johnny5]

Bit of a difference between about £600ish and just under a grand, but it's a cracker go for it.

Peter

Will need to work a few more shifts to pay for it !
But as you say it looks a good machine.

 

[johnny5]

Decided on this one Chester Conquest super

Order sent
£470 direct from Chester tools

 

[nimrod]

I've got a Chester Conquest and a Chester Cobra as long as I don't go mad they do everything I have tried they don't take kindly to heavy cuts so I just do more lighter cuts. Think you will enjoy using it I know I do

Robin

 

[Buckeye]

Decided on this one Chester Conquest super

Order sent
£470 direct from Chester tools

A bit of a difference, but I am sure it will prove more than adequate, you will love it

Peter

 

[Grump]

Same moshene with a slightly uprated motor and different label, still well under powered for the those that expect to much.
I am pretty sure I have pushed mine to the limits many times, today being no exception and it copes.

A bigger better moshene would laugh at what this struggles with but you have to think about space restrictions cost and usability.
£ for lb this is a great little tool which can be adapted in many ways and mine has over the years.

 

[bassethound]

I think you will love that one Johnny, love watching it run along a bit of metal without having to move yourself don't forget to stop it in time though lol!

As Brian said all the same machines but diff labels, need to be handled gently but well pleased with mine!