09-04-2014, 03:13 PM
I am in the market for a small mini lathe.
I have a large, old Southbend 10" that is great for large and heavy work but is too worn for precision and fine work (and not worth rebuilding) and I have a mini mill for milling work but that leaves me in need of a small lathe to do small parts and precision machining/turning, primarily for 1" and 1.5" scale in steel and brass. A good range of thread-cutting ability and power feed are requirements. As a retired person, I would like to keep the TOTAL cost between $500 and $1,000 and cost is a major factor.
I have read MANY reviews but there are so many offerings by so many vendors that I have no idea who offers the best machine at the best price.
Remember that I don't need power and size - I have that with the Southbend for that - just precision and repeatability (and Imperial calibration LOL!)
I am leaning toward the 7x14 from Little Machineshop Link or the 7x12 from Grizzley Link
What do you recommend?
I have a large, old Southbend 10" that is great for large and heavy work but is too worn for precision and fine work (and not worth rebuilding) and I have a mini mill for milling work but that leaves me in need of a small lathe to do small parts and precision machining/turning, primarily for 1" and 1.5" scale in steel and brass. A good range of thread-cutting ability and power feed are requirements. As a retired person, I would like to keep the TOTAL cost between $500 and $1,000 and cost is a major factor.
I have read MANY reviews but there are so many offerings by so many vendors that I have no idea who offers the best machine at the best price.
Remember that I don't need power and size - I have that with the Southbend for that - just precision and repeatability (and Imperial calibration LOL!)
I am leaning toward the 7x14 from Little Machineshop Link or the 7x12 from Grizzley Link
What do you recommend?