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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    17

    Default CQ6230 12x36 lathe, good for a tax refund spend?

    Anyone know much about these lathes? Looking at purchasing an ex-education one, and just wondering if there is anything specific to look for in an early 90's model.
    Also, what standard equipment should come with it?
    Finally, how much would you pay for one with no accessories, on a stand, with a suds pump? Have only seen pictures so far, but they look to be in pretty good nick.

    If there are any recommendations, I would appreciate them, going to look with dad this weekend (he is a retired fitter and turner).

    Cheers

    Benja
    Last edited by benja; 3rd Jul 2012 at 07:42 PM. Reason: title update

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Healesville
    Posts
    2,129

    Default

    benja, I know nothink, but if this is the same as the CQ6230 it might give you some more info.
    G4003 12" x 36" Gear-Head, Cam Lock Spindle, Gap Bed Lathe

    john

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    17

    Default

    Thanks Shed, that is pretty much the same one, only a newer version, the one I am looking at was made in 1992/3.

    Cheers

    Benja

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

    Default

    Hi Benja,

    I just went out to the shed again to have a look. I thought that number sounded familiar. I have a Workman 12x36 lathe. Model number CQ6230/914.

    I think that's probably close enough to your proposed model I dare say!

    Mine was built in 2006. I have been pretty happy with it. It is more capable than I am in terms of accuracy. I did tear it down totally to clean it out and I have since replaced every bearing with quality Japanese bearings. The norton style gearbox makes a bit of noise, this is mainly due to the fact that I don't think it received the required lubrication early in it's life. This is partly through my own fault and partly because of the crap oil lubrication design of the gearbox. Once you understand where the oil goes and how much you need to make sure everything get it's share, it shouldn't give you any trouble. Once I finish my lubrication system in my mill, I intend on doing something about the lathe.

    I would definately say that my lathe is better quality than it's corresponding Chinese mill counterpart! The castings are quite neat and some thought has gone into its manufacture and design. The G4003 by Grizzly seems to be a re-badged version of the same lathe. I have an owners manual and parts list of the 4003 and all the parts/part No. and bearings lists are identical.

    Cheers,

    Simon

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    4,779

    Default

    I just re-read your first post. If your dad is a retired F&T then he should be all over it like a fat kid on a cup cake!

    A tip for buying one S/H would be to check the usual stuff like the bed etc etc, but if anything is likely to be neglected it would be the norton style gearbox. Set it for the fastest feed rate (lowest TPI setting) and have a listen when you turn it on.

    The top cover plate is held in place with 6 hex screws, if your keen then remove them and have a look inside to see what has been running through the headstock bearings over the last 22 years. It takes tapered roller bearings, 20312 front and 30211 rear. Preload is adjusted from the rear with a nut and locknut.

    Make sure it comes with all the required gears to allow all the possible threading combinations. It should come with:

    2 x 40T, a 91/86 combination gear, 26,27,35,45,50 and 60 teeth.

    The threading dial should come standard with a 16T gear but it should also have a 15T gear supplied to allow use of the thread dial for all metric threads. (theres a small chart on the side of the saddle to show this)

    You should also get a 3 jaw, 4 jaw + set of reversible jaws, faceplate, fixed and travelling steady, a 14/17mm spanner and a useless oil bottle!

    Forgot to mention the tailstock. But you probably thought of that anyway!

    good luck send some pics if you buy it. Dad bought my one for $2400 in 2007. I don't think prices have really changed much. Not sure what you would expect to pay S/H maybe $1500 in good nick?

    Cheers,

    Simon

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    South Coast, Australia
    Age
    62
    Posts
    225

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    About a year ago, I bought a S/HCQ6230 of about the same vintage as part of a lot and have been very pleased with it. It is pretty rigid and has some good features like power cross slide and large bore headstock. The four jaw is also decent quality. I second what Simon says and also suppose you could expect to pay around the $1500+ mark if it's in good condition. Check that it has been running with adequate oil in the headstock (sightglass near chuck) and the usual things like smooth and slop-free operation of the cross slide, topside, carriage and tailstock. If possible, run the motor and check that all speeds work and that it's not too noisy.
    He Who Dies With the Most Tools Wins

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    17

    Default

    Thanks so much for the info simon and blu, it's greatly appreciated from owners of this machine! Going in tomorrow morning to have a look with Dad, so will see how it all goes. Dad is pretty keen, I told him he will have to keep it at his house until I move and have more space for it. I think I would be kicking myself if I passed up a s/h ex-school lathe at this price.
    Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

    Cheers again

    Benja

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