Mini lathe (and mill) discussion.

[dhal22]

Back on my 'I need (want) a mini lathe' mood. Anyone have an opinion? Soooo many options out there.

 

[pawnshopmike]

Only opinion I have is bigger is better.

 

[TonyHallo]

I have a HF 9"X19" lathe and a cheap Grizzley mill/drill. I wish the lathe had cross feed but you need to get into a $2000 machine for cross feed. For the hobby both machines can do whatever I need. There are some nice machines on Craig's list, at least in my area.

 

[TonyHallo]

Only opinion I have is bigger is better.

Ain't that the truth!

 

[dhal22]

I have a HF 9"X19" lathe and a cheap Grizzley mill/drill. I wish the lathe had cross feed but you need to get into a $2000 machine for cross feed. For the hobby both machines can do whatever I need. There are some nice machines on Craig's list, at least in my area.

I've missed 2 or 3 on Craigslist recently. Gotta tighten up.

 

[Snoopy1]

All I can say to you is this, this is one machine you get what you pay for. I know go for quality and precision and not-size you will regret it. If it does not cut accurately and is not steady and vibrates while cutting because it is to light. Buying a lathe is difficult. This is machine that should come from Europe, England, Germany or Italy.

 

[dhal22]

There aren't many made in Europe.

 

[Snoopy1]

There aren't many made in Europe.

You are correct and difficult to buy from Europe but there are few good ones left.

 

[dhal22]

Taig and shareline are American made.

 

[Snoopy1]

Taig and shareline are American made.

Yes they are nice little lathes, but very limited in what you can do with them.