[HELP] Newbie questions about lathe

[EdK]

(09-08-2014, 11:05 AM)mn1247 Wrote: I am new to metalworking and am looking to buy a lathe. I'm wondering how large (read, expensive) a unit I need. What I will be machining are parts for scientific work, generally from copper or aluminum stock, 2-4 inches in diameter. Rarely, I might need soft iron.

Is a "mini lathe" suitable for this? Is there a good brand I should be looking at?

Thanks
Eric

Eric,

to the forum.

A mini lathe will easily handle what you need to do. Grizzly seems to get the most thumbs up for fit and finish. They stock a lot of replacement parts which is a big plus.

Ed