Metal Lathe

[TailorCoffee]

So, im thinking about buying a lathe. Would love to get something vintage, but not sure if i have the budget for that. Anyone here have experience with the mini lathes from vevor or Sieg(or similar)? Or should i just keep saving for a couple years until i can afford a nice old lathe like a Myford or one of the Southbend imatations? Not sure if i have the space for a really big lathe, which is why im looking at mini lathes or something upto the size of a southbend 9inch

[Superman]

my $0.02, I've heard it more that once lathe's are like slow cookers, seems like a good idea at the time but eventually you realize its a waste of money. Anything I need done I take to a local engineering workshop.

That said, I love my slow cooker so make of that what you will.

[TailorCoffee]

Yeh, im definitely starting to fabricate more and the lathe will allow me to do a bunch of extra things. Not an absolute need, but it will make it a lot easier than having to go somewhere everytime i need something done. Now the 2 extra coffee machines at home, they might not be so necessary haha

[amberale]

If it flies, floats, fornicates or....flings metal-hire it don't buy it.
How about checking in with your local Men's shed?

[TailorCoffee]

im a member of the one by me. its great and they have a lathe, but you need someone around when using it and they only have a couple days in the metal shop and only for the mornings, so very restrictive time wise. but, a great resource nonetheless

[Ironwoodbrad]

I have a metal lathe in my shed, I wouldn’t want to be without it . It’s an old Taiwanese job, rebadged under many names, mine has a Forbes badge, it’s a 12x24. When I got it, it had a 2hp single phase motor, I changed it to a 3 phase motor and put a VFD on it, this runs off 240v, but gives it variable speed and reverse at the twist of a dial.
Not sure if you are familiar with the Australian Metalwork Forum, it’s similar to this place, but obviously a different theme. Good and helpful people over there, where you’ll get plenty of help and advice for all things metalworking.

[TailorCoffee]

cheers. will start lurking around that forum. thanks for the tip

[Stavros]

By all means buy a metal lathe - they are way more useful than you would first think. Having one opens up a lot of option for modifying and repairing things. And metal lathes are like coffee machines - you can start with a small, basic, budget one, and upgrade later if you want to. A little Sieg will keep you amused while you keep an eye out for a something more capable. It may take a year or so to find something nice, so be patient. Anyway, best of luck.

[TailorCoffee]

Thank Stavros. I might pm you with some questions at some point. cheers!

[ChristopherD]

By all means buy a metal lathe - they are way more useful than you would first think. Having one opens up a lot of option for modifying and repairing things. And metal lathes are like coffee machines - you can start with a small, basic, budget one, and upgrade later if you want to.

I agree 100%, once you've got one, you will find reasons to use it. You'll also find reasons why you need to upgrade lol.

[TailorCoffee]

So, i landed up getting a mini lathe. If anyone wants a custom tamper base, let me know and ill happily turn one for you. cheers

[EspressoAdventurer]

I'll PM you Tailor. Be later this arvo once cleared the swamp of an in tray !!