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Thread: Choosing a metal lathe
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29th Apr 2018, 10:12 PM #1Member
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Choosing a metal lathe
Hi,
I'm shopping for a metal lathe for general fabrication of whatever gadget/project I dream up. I also have an old military vehicle that may at some stage need parts being made if I can't source new ones. I'm thinking the right size would be around 1m between centres, 20-30cm swing over the saddle and 40-50cm swing over the gap. I'd rather avoid Chinese, just from having my fingers burned in the past a few times.
My current options would be the HAFCO AL-1000 or the Eximus LD1440GT (both similar Taiwanese models although the Eximus has a larger spindle bore). I'm also keeping my eyes peeled for any second hand western/Taiwanese lathes, but it is difficult buying second hand living in the countryside.
Any opinions on the above two models or other suggestions? my budget is circa 10k, and I'm OK with either single or 3 phase.
Cheers,
Steve
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29th Apr 2018, 11:15 PM #2
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29th Apr 2018, 11:54 PM #3Most Valued Member
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For that budget you should be able to get something pretty darn good, even if you have to pay $1500 to move an older second hand machine from a capital city.
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30th Apr 2018, 10:05 AM #4Diamond Member
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I wish I had that budget and space.
Ben
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30th Apr 2018, 11:45 AM #5Most Valued Member
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There is a Cazenuve in Sydney on machines4u for 8k go and get one of the finest machine tools ever made. Engineered without any consideration for cost.
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30th Apr 2018, 12:38 PM #6
Here is a decent lathe, I've seen the AL1000 and thought they where over priced when they where $6,000, now there near $10,000
Using Tapatalk
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30th Apr 2018, 04:10 PM #7Most Valued Member
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It's fun shopping for a lathe with someone elses money!
Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.
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30th Apr 2018, 05:22 PM #8Member
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30th Apr 2018, 05:24 PM #9Member
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30th Apr 2018, 05:27 PM #10Member
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Anyone heard of the Romi Tormax? Made in Brazil. Theres a few for sale in Sydney now, apparently New Old Stock:
http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0013-...rt-tormax-16-8
I'm guessing the build quality should be a bit better than Asian?
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1st May 2018, 10:07 AM #11
I've seen the Hafco, it's really only a little step up from my 12x36 Chinese $3,000 lathe.
I'm happy with my Gasweld brand lathe for what I do, but for 10 grand I'd want a lot more.
For a good solid rigid lathe, you looking for a lathe that weighs around a ton or more.Using Tapatalk
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5th May 2018, 12:16 AM #12Member
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I ended up buying one of the Romi/Bridgeport Tormax. Similar money to a Taiwanese but more industrial... 5.5kW motor vs 2kW and close to 2 tonnes vs 700kg. They are basically brand new but without a warranty.
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5th May 2018, 08:20 AM #13
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5th May 2018, 09:02 AM #14Most Valued Member
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Dave, the link is in post 10.
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5th May 2018, 09:18 AM #15
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