Which lathe to pick

[BRobbins629]

Having tried all 3 methods - taps and dies, threading on lathe, and CNC, from my perspective CNC is by far the easiest and most versitle. Virtually any pitch is possible, any diameter and any number of starts. Last weekend I did a triple start treaded box with square threrads on the CNC and exceeded my expectations.

CNC forum is next on the list

So is your Cummins 7 X 12 CNC'd or are you using another CNC machine? Sorry, not trying to highjack the thread, but I think CNC also weighs in on the decision of which lathe to buy!

Using a CNC 4 axis mill - A DIY version I put together. At somepoint may do a conversion on the Cummins but so far haven't really needed it.

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

I need to thank all who have contributed to driving me crazy.
I thank George Butcher for pointing out that I need to know (or at least have some idea of) what I want to do with a metal lathe. Great advise
I need to thank Bruce Robbins for opening my eyes that their hasn't been a pen he's seen here that couldn't have bee made on a 7x12 lathe yet. Good point Bruce
I need to thank Justin Short for reminding me that you don't need a metal lathe to make great looking component less pens.
I need to thank Mike Redburn for pointing out the pros and cons of the Shurline
I need to thank Mike Roux for all the help he's given me through E-Mails.
I have put all this advise together and decided........................
To up my budget and get a lathe that will meet my needs (yes thats what I told Dee, I need this) not only now but in the future, so when I get back from my last show of the season in two weeks I'm going to totally rearrange my shop to fit in a little larger lathe, his one:http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-x-22-Bench-Top-Metal-Lathe/G0602 .

 

[Timebandit]

Excellent choice Roy!! I have been drooling over this lathe for about six months now. Almost pulled the trigger on it once, but funds were low. I will be expecting a review, as this is the one i may end up with. Congrats:biggrin:

I need to thank all who have contributed to driving me crazy.
I thank George Butcher for pointing out that I need to know (or at least have some idea of) what I want to do with a metal lathe. Great advise
I need to thank Bruce Robbins for opening my eyes that their hasn't been a pen he's seen here that couldn't have bee made on a 7x12 lathe yet. Good point Bruce
I need to thank Justin Short for reminding me that you don't need a metal lathe to make great looking component less pens.
I need to thank Mike Redburn for pointing out the pros and cons of the Shurline
I need to thank Mike Roux for all the help he's given me through E-Mails.
I have put all this advise together and decided........................
To up my budget and get a lather that will meet my needs (yes that what I told Dee I need this) not only now but in the future, so when I get back from my last show of the season in two weeks I'm going to totally rearrange my shop to fit in a little larger lathe, his one:http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-x-22-Bench-Top-Metal-Lathe/G0602 .

 

[Paul in OKC]

YOu will be able to do anything you want on that, Roy. Should be a great choice.

 

[Dalecamino]

Good size lathe. And, look at the goodies that come with it. Hope you enjoy it Roy.

 

[Texatdurango]

Roy, that lathe comes with a 1 3/4" x 8 tpi spindle. The first thing you want to do is either make (on your new lathe) or buy somewhere an adapter so you can attach all the chucks you use now that are likely either 1 1/4 x 8 or 1 x 8.

 

[MarkD]

Looks like a good choice Roy! I went to the Grizzly tent sale last weekend and stopped in the showroom to drool over the new lathes. I hope the one you receive doesn't have a small rust spot on it!:biggrin:

 

[EBorraga]

Hey Roy, tell Dee I need one too!!!!:biggrin:

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Ernie, I just asked her for you , she gave you permission, don't thank me :biggrin:.

Hey Roy, tell Dee I need one too!!!!:biggrin:

 

[workinforwood]

That's a good decision. Yes you can do most of what you want with 7/12, you can't put a price on how much simpler the extra 10" of length will make your life.

 

[spilperson]

Ok guys. Here are a few more to look over. Never heard of the brand., but the machines look great and the price is amazing. I know at least one of these will be to big for most people, but the price of it is amazing. All are under $2000 before tooling

http://www.boltonhardware.com/category/bolton-tools/metal-lathes-milling-machines/metal-lathes/10x-15-3-4-bench-lathe.php

http://www.boltonhardware.com/category/bolton-tools/metal-lathes-milling-machines/metal-lathes/12-x-24-gear-head-bench-lathe.php

http://www.boltonhardware.com/category/bolton-tools/metal-lathes-milling-machines/metal-lathes/12-x-30-gear-head-metal-lathe-with-stand-coolant-system.php

I have the bottom one of those. It is two years old, and I still love it. I was very happy with the folks at Bolton, too. I bought a bunch of tooling with it, and we negotiated a nice discount. I just bought a mill from them a couple of months ago, too. Again, great service.