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Thread: Toolex lathe

  1. #1
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    Default Toolex lathe

    Hi all,

    I've decided to upgrade the Hercus 9c i've had for the past few years. It's served the purpose I needed it for but im getting tired of changing gears/belts and its limitations aren't enough for what I plan on doing in the future.

    I'm tossing up between the Hafco AL336 and the Toolex equivelant sold at Gasweld. Both are very similar with regard to specs and price. The Hafco has a couple of extra features like a foot brake and bigger motor, but I've seen both and the Toolex has a better fit and finish.

    I've found plenty of info on the Hafco lathe but nothing on this new Toolex one. Just seeing if there is anyone out there who has one of these Toolex lathes or know anything about them. I was told these replaced their old CQ6230 which they no longer make.

    Cheers
    Fitzy

  2. #2
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    Do you have a link?
    I have the 12x36 from years ago and I couldn't speak more highly of them, or there quality along with fit and finish as you said.
    It came to me attention a few months back they where mo longer selling them after recommending them to another Aussie
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  3. #3
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    Default

    I think most of them require gear changes from imperial to metric.
    My thoughts when i selected my AL960 was to pick the one with imp leadscrew as I THOUGHT it would be most of which i wanted to do..ie imp.....so far its been right....but...and there is always a but ...was it the right decision long term future????

  4. #4
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    I do probably 70-90% metric threads over imperial, I'd still choose a imperial leadscrew instead of stuffing around with 3 gears for the dial.
    So much easier just backing up.
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  5. #5
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    Default

    Sorry I should have included this. Link for Toolex is

    https://www.toolex.com.au/products/512690

    Specs aren't on the site but are as follows-

    Swing Over Bed: 305mm
    Distance Between Centres: 940mm
    Swing Over Carriage: 173mm
    Swing in Gap: 440mm
    Bed Width: 182mm
    Spindle Bore 38mm
    Spindle Taper: MT 5
    Spindle Step & Speed: 9 Steps / 64 – 1500rpm
    Spindle Nose: Cam-lock D1 - 4
    Cross Slide Travel: 150mm
    Compound Slide Travel: 90mm
    Longitudinal Feed: 0.052 – 1.392mm/r (0.002”- 0.0548”)
    Cross Feed: 0.014 – 0.38mm/r (0.00055”- 0.015”)
    Metric Thread Range Steps & Pitch: 26 Steps (0.4 – 7mm)
    Imperial Thread Range Steps & Pitch: 34 Steps (4 – 56 TPI)
    Travel of Tail Stock Sleeve: 100mm
    Taper of Tail Stock Sleeve: MT 3
    Motor Power: 1.1KW/1.5HP
    Coolant System: Yes
    Weight: 510/460KG
    Packing Size With Stand: 178 x 75 x 76CM

    Includes:

    Cabinet Stand
    3 Jaw Chuck
    4 Jaw Chuck
    Face Plate
    Back Plate
    Drive Centre
    Drive Centre Sleeve
    Tool kit
    Coolant System
    Safety Chuck Guard
    Work Light
    Rear Splash Guard

    Don't have a pic unfortunately.


    Fitzy

  6. #6
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    Would be interested to have a look the next time I'm in Newcastle. It sounds like almost a 12x40 lathe and see the price has jumped up, but then again so has H&F ridiculously.

    Some of the specs look a little different but not by that much.
    The last display lathe they had turned people off, as it was battered and missing peices, hopefully this being a new model it will be better.

    I remember talking to Steve the manager some years back, he said there where grades in component like beds etc, and as far as he knew they ordered the A grade components.
    Whether this is still the same, I have no idea.
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  7. #7
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    Dave J, looking around the store at other Toolex products gave me an impression they were better finished than a lot of other Chinese stuff you see. This must be a good thing. Not being able to find much about them on the net and not seeing a lot of second hand ones around should also indicate they are decent machines for this price range I guess. People generally write about problems rather than how good their machine is. Speaking of price, yes I found out what your model was selling for not too long ago.. Quite a jump up. Must be a top quality coolant pump on them now..

    Feature wise is also making me slightly apprehensive. Would the extra 1/2HP really make a difference in this size lathe? And no foot brake like the al336, I've never used one but hear they are a great feature. Al336 has 18 spindle speeds up to 1800 as opposed to the 9 going up to 1500 on the Toolex. Al336 has an extra 85kg in weight. Are these features worth sacrificing for a better fit and finished machine??

  8. #8
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    I consider 2hp to be right for this size lathe, not sure why they would drop back to a 1 1/2hp for a little bigger machine.
    The extra weight might just be the foot brake mechanism, double pulleys, stands etc or one weighed with accessories. I wouldn't believe the weight unless they weighed it in front of me.

    The only difference between the 9 and 18 speed is the motor and the main pulley are double ones. Mine runs 2 belts so there are 2 grooves in them for either size.
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  9. #9
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    Thanks for the info Dave J. I thought the drop in HP was odd. Either cost saving or some other legitimate reason. Surely having single pulleys opposed to doubles wouldnt lighten the load that much to justify it.

    There's another lathe in SA which I just came across. It's the Paramount Browns FEL1342. Here's the link.

    https://www.paramountbrowns.com.au/p...and-1080mm-bc/

    Looking at all of its features, it gives the Hafco and the Toolex a run for their money and is $1k cheaper. But once again I can't find any info out about them and any info on their other lathes is limited and quite old. This would have to be a sight unseen purchase and without knowing what their after sales service is like is a bit risky.

    Anyone out there have any knowledge of the Paramount Brown machines and/or experience with their service recently?

    Fitzy

  10. #10
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    Hi Fitzy,

    A few thoughts for a dilemma like some I have had.
    You may be happier in the long term by putting build quality higher on the rating scale than motor power.

    You mentioned two very similar products, one you think is better made and the other with a bigger motor. I personally never have a problem living with a better build, but find it infuriating to live build quality issues, and potentially challenging and certainly time consuming to improve a build that falls short. Re the motor, the extra power of the bigger motor may rarely be used, and not an issue unless you know you will be pushing the productivity limits of the machine on a regular basis.

    I hadn't heard of Toolex before your post, but by the sound of it they are people who know about their products, and hopefully would be willing to discuss any concerns you have about what they sell.

    Cheers,
    Bill

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Fitzy14 View Post
    Thanks for the info Dave J. I thought the drop in HP was odd. Either cost saving or some other legitimate reason. Surely having single pulleys opposed to doubles wouldnt lighten the load that much to justify it.

    There's another lathe in SA which I just came across. It's the Paramount Browns FEL1342. Here's the link.

    https://www.paramountbrowns.com.au/p...and-1080mm-bc/

    Looking at all of its features, it gives the Hafco and the Toolex a run for their money and is $1k cheaper. But once again I can't find any info out about them and any info on their other lathes is limited and quite old. This would have to be a sight unseen purchase and without knowing what their after sales service is like is a bit risky.

    Anyone out there have any knowledge of the Paramount Brown machines and/or experience with their service recently?

    Fitzy
    It says sold out, so not sure if you will get it.
    I know they had a ripper deal on a slightly larger lathe about 6 months ago for $5800.
    The gasweld has 100mm compound travel, that would come on handy, mine only has 75-80mm and has been limiting, so I bought a taper attachment.
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  12. #12
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    Sorry for the delay in replying, had to put this on the back burner for a couple of weeks, work was a bit hectic.

    Bill and Dave J,
    Thanks for your input. I agree I think the quality will be something that will keep me happier in the long run and outway the other things. For my needs I think the Toolex is the way to go. I went into the Canberra Gasweld store while I was down there on Friday for work, and I can say the build quality is consistent so far! I took a few snappys this time so when I work out how to post photos I'll put them up for anyone else interested.

    Dave J, I spoke to Paramount Brown and they are getting more stock in soon. If the quality is on par with the Toolex this is certainly a good deal. I can get one freighted for just over $4500. The features are similar to the Hafco and the savings could also go towards a DRO.

    If anyone has been and seen the Paramount Brown one I'd really love to hear some feedback??

    Cheers,
    Fitzy

  13. #13
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    For threading up to a shoulder a footbrake is almost essential.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by bob ward View Post
    For threading up to a shoulder a footbrake is almost essential.
    Or quick reactions on windings the crosslide out and your usual only doing 60rpm.
    That's the way I've always done it without a foot brake and it's always worked.
    I have everything to add either a disc brake or the original type drum brake to my lathe, one day I'll get around to it, lol

    Also helps to grind a HSS tool offset so your grind on the tool only goes as deep in the thread as needed on the left side.
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  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by bob ward View Post
    For threading up to a shoulder a footbrake is almost essential.
    Lot safer to thread away from the shoulder.

    The Monarch lathe has a single tooth dog clutch with disengaging stops to deal with this problem.

    PDW

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