Cabin Fever-Mini lathe

[sbh10]

Hey guys,
Not used to working with such small parts but I need to make some small parts. I'm looking for a mini lathe, the best there is. I have no idea what is good or bad in this size machinery. If price were no object which mini lathe would you like to have. I need a starting point as to what to look for. Browsed the Cabin Fever Expo. Other than Little Machine Shop I didn't come up with much.
Thanks,
Ron

[EdK]

First off, welcome to the group Ron.

Here's my suggested list of the ones to look at.

http://www.micromark.com/microlux-7x16-m...,9615.html
https://littlemachineshop.com/info/4100

The Micromark is a 7x16 and the Littlemachineshop is a 7x12 lathe. They both weigh about the same.

If you can stretch your money a little more, about $100 or so, then I would seriously consider this 8x14 lathe from Lathemaster. I researched the 8x lathes some time back and the consensus was that the Lathemaster was the best of the bunch.

http://www.lathemaster.com/LATHEMASTER8x14Lathe.htm

Ed

[Shawn]

If money was no object I would look at http://www.schaublinmachines.co.uk/micro...0N-CF.html

If I bought a small lathe myself I would probably go with one of the little machine shop offerings.

Shawn

[sbh10]

Thanks guys,
The Schaublin looks nice as do the LatheMaster and The Little Machine Shop.
This gives me a start as to where to look.
I'm afraid of ordering from the UK with all their taxes and the freight.
Regards,
Ron
Hope replies keep coming.

[EdK]

Ron,

I think the bottom line is to get the biggest lathe you can afford and have room for. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say they wish they had a smaller lathe.

Ed

[aametalmaster]

I had a zillion 1/16" holes to drill in some small parts once and it was a pain with my 10" SB. Prob would have been a breeze with my little 6x12...Bob

[aametalmaster]

(04-14-2014, 05:04 PM)EdK Wrote: I would seriously consider this 8x14 lathe from Lathemaster. I researched the 8x lathes some time back and the consensus was that the Lathemaster was the best of the bunch.

http://www.lathemaster.com/LATHEMASTER8x14Lathe.htm

Ed

I started the lathemaster yahoo group moons ago...Bob

[sbh10]

(04-17-2014, 08:05 AM)aametalmaster Wrote:

(04-14-2014, 05:04 PM)EdK Wrote: I would seriously consider this 8x14 lathe from Lathemaster. I researched the 8x lathes some time back and the consensus was that the Lathemaster was the best of the bunch.

http://www.lathemaster.com/LATHEMASTER8x14Lathe.htm

Ed

I started the lathemaster yahoo group moons ago...Bob

[sbh10]

Do any of the mini lathes have a quick change gear box? Sorry, I just don't know.
Ron

[sbh10]

I was advised to look at the Precision Matthews. Would you rather have (1) Little Machine Shop Lathe, (2) Lathemaster, (3) Precision Matthews ?
Ron