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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
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    Lismore Northern NSW
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    50
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    81

    Default 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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    near Warragul, Victoria
    Posts
    3,718

    Default Lathe

    Quote Originally Posted by Pumpkinate View Post
    Hi, I also have an old military vehicle that may at some stage need parts being made if I can't source new ones. Cheers, Steve
    Hi Steve Maybe you could look through the old posts using the search engine. There are many threads on that theme, 'first lathe to buy' Do you have an old WW2 Blitz truck ? Mike

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    35
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    1,522

    Default

    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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Sydney, NSW
    Posts
    1,249

    Default

    I wish I had that budget and space.

    Ben

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Melbourne
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    35
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    Default

    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.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    56
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    1,416

    Default

    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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    4,779

    Default

    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.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Lismore Northern NSW
    Age
    50
    Posts
    81

    Default

    Thanks everyone for your replies!

    Quote Originally Posted by morrisman View Post
    Hi Steve Maybe you could look through the old posts using the search engine. There are many threads on that theme, 'first lathe to buy' Do you have an old WW2 Blitz truck ? Mike
    I've looked but was interested in opinions on the particular two lathes that I mentioned. My military vehicle is not that old... an Alvis Shielder.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Lismore Northern NSW
    Age
    50
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    81

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave J View Post
    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
    Thanks, that's exactly the sort of info I was after. I think the Eximus would be very similar. I've seen the Eximus but not the HAFCO.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Lismore Northern NSW
    Age
    50
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    81

    Default

    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?

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Age
    56
    Posts
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Pumpkinate View Post
    Thanks, that's exactly the sort of info I was after. I think the Eximus would be very similar. I've seen the Eximus but not the HAFCO.
    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

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Lismore Northern NSW
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    Default

    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.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Pumpkinate View Post
    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.
    Do you have a link to it?
    Using Tapatalk

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    sydney ( st marys )
    Age
    64
    Posts
    4,887

    Default

    Dave, the link is in post 10.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    56
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    Dave, the link is in post 10.
    I must have missed that when it was posted up, looks like a solid lathe.
    Using Tapatalk

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