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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    146

    Default Buying a lathe (Old massive Lathe, or New small C6 Lathe)

    Hi, I was just thinking of getting my own lathe as I need one to do some small stuff, I have never used or seen a metal lathe in person.

    Now I have a factory that my business pays for but is more like a big garage as I do all my work from home right now.

    Now before I go blabbing on.


    I have been looking around to purchase a lathe, I know someone who is close to me and wants ~$2500 for a old lathe with a 2 Meters between centers with a bunch of accessories.

    And then there is a new C6 for ~$1400 shipped to me.


    Now I do have 415V power, I do have the space. Is there any reason I shouldnt get a big old lathe? To me its alot bigger has all the same design basically minus the light/coolant ect. that the new age stuff has.

    I would have a use for the 2000mm between centers but not very often. I was just thinking the beefier motor ect. would also be an advantage.


    If its right to go for the big lathe when I go to inspect it what should I look at to make sure its not worn out?


    Just a few ive seen on ebay alone (~$2000-$3000)

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/METAL-TURNING...1%7C240%3A1318

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KOPING-CENTRE...1%7C240%3A1318

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Lathe-metal_W...1%7C240%3A1318

    ^-- I like this one, aussie built and looks like it has a fresh coat of paint but it is in QLD. I am in NSW my dad drives a truck but it still might be a fair distance.

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/LATHE-METAL-M...1%7C240%3A1318

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    57

    Default

    I would stay away from a lathe that large You will need heavy equipment movers to move it and probably a small crane to get the chucks on and off. If you are only doing small stuff a 9 - 12 Inch swing should be ample. I prefer old machines but they are a hobby in themselves, as parts are scarce and they often require some restoration. Another thought is lathes the size you have shown will quite easly rip your arm off, you would be better learning on a smaller lathe. get some books or take a night course on machine work.
    Darrell

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Charlestown NSW
    Age
    65
    Posts
    1,669

    Default

    Even though I personally would prefer the larger of the two ( I'm a Fitter and Machinist by trade) I have to 2nd Darrell's post here.
    For a total beginner go with a smaller machine. Even a small machine can have some serious power (compared with trying to stop it with part of your body) but a large machine has some real serious power and a stuff up is usually spectacular if not dangerous/deadly. I'm not joking here either. If you have a seach on the net I'm sure you can find plenty of reports about injuries and deaths caused by machine tools. You get caught up in any machine (quite easy to do for someone with little experiance) and you can be in trouble. If its a big machine you won't even slow it down.
    Until you have a bit of experience behind you, for the odd long job, send it out to someone with a bigger machine.
    Not trying to dampen you enthusiasm here, just advising you to be cautious. It sounds like you will be working on your own which is another reason to take care.

    Keep in mind you are not allowed to drive a heavy vehicle without proper training. A big lathe can be just as dangerous.

    regards
    bollie7

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    home
    Posts
    621

    Default

    I have a C6 and so far it's done all I've asked of it - not that I've asked a lot so far.

    One comment that comes up on some of the other forums is that the motor is underpowered if you're working at the upper limits of the machine.
    The C4 has all the features of the C6 but a more powerful, variable speed motor.

    Can't comment on big old lathes except that if I had the room ....

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    near Rockhampton
    Posts
    6,216

    Default

    I would be hesitant to buy any of those ebay lathes you have listed...They are all old, some have been repainted which I do not like, and they look worn out...

    There is a world of difference between a C6 and any of the listed lathes...The C6 might weigh 200kg while take that TOS IM63 you linked to it would weigh around 4.5-5 tonnes..The Macsons would be all over two tonnes..The only big cheap lathe I have seen on ebay recently that I think would have been worth a closer look was this one http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....:X:RTQ:AU:1123 It is a late model (1970's) 25" straight bed Macson..

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    146

    Default

    Understood fellas, thanks for your input. I will settle for a small lathe for now, the C6 was on sale and (snowyskiesau) Rod recomended it as easy to CNC if I decide to do it down the track.

    It seems like there is always something on ebay so its no real loss.

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