Thread: Advice Paramount FI-610SM Lathe

Hi All,
Would really like to hear from people that own or have used this lathe. The Paramount Browns FI 610 sm metal lathe.
I am considering buying one but as I'm in a different state i can't assess it myself.
It looks a little heavyer or more robust than the usual 10x22 lathe sold by many dealers.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Turner1

Hi All,
Would really like to hear from people that own or have used this lathe. The Paramount Browns FI 610 sm metal lathe.
I am considering buying one but as I'm in a different state i can't assess it myself.
It looks a little heavyer or more robust than the usual 10x22 lathe sold by many dealers.
Any advice would be appreciated.

I haven't done any of the above but:

I've had a close look at this lathe and it's a solid well made unit. Paramounts have sold this model unchanged for about 10 years, and I considered it when I bought my CQ9325 from them 10 years ago.

The only feature down side compared to the CQ9325 is that it doesn't have a cam lock tailstock. It does have a Morse 3 tailstock, which some similar units do not.

It also has a toothed belt primary drive, which I don't particularly like (check you can get a replacement).

I have seen comments in user forums that the semi geared head (forward/ reverse leadscrew feed gear) is constant mesh, and can be noisy.

I've not heard it running, so I can't say how noisy.

It's the lathe I would have bought if the CQ9325 was not available (which it no longer is) and is definitely bigger and more heavy duty. Top slide is a lot better/heavier - a decent size. Has a wider and heavier bed as well.

For the money I think it's pretty good and would still be my choice as a replacement. Hard to beat in that price range.

Rob