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Posted by MoparMogSteve on Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 15:33:04 :
In Reply to: Anybody recommend a good metal lathe brand? posted by Doinco on Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 00:29:04 :
The Hardinge is the Cadillac Lathe and very smooth and accurate. Very well made and expensive. Not needed for the weekend machinist. Unless you have the money and want the best.
I have an Enco 40 inches between centers and 8 inch swing. It's fine for Power Wagon work and most things you will make at home. The important thing is to mount the lathe on a solid surface and level it both length wise and width wise. You can buy leveling feet for it. It comes with a 4 and 3 jaw chuck. You will want to buy a quick change tool holder like the Aloris. Although it does come with a tool holder. Also a cooltant pump and tank is pretty handy and cheap. Buy some carbide cutters and some cutting oil. Some dial indicators on mag bases are necessary. Now you need some knowledge on using the lathe such as chuck speed and feed. How much of a cut you can take. All takes experience. Setup of your work will help in accuracy. The Enco or similar import machine will get you there just like the Hardinge. It's like taking a bike versus a car to wherever you're going. They both will get you there. It depends on you skill. I also have a bench Grizzly mill that mainly gets used as a drill press but I can use it to mill when necessary. Light cuts on that machine.
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