lathe choices

[Woodfin]

With the outfitting of my retirement/hobby shop I will be adding a medium size lathe.

Let me hear what some of you have

[SSGT Mustang]

I have an old south bend heavy 10. I love it and use it often.

Tooling will kill you if have to buy everything new. Most people don't need a taper attachment. However, you should get a good 3-jaw chuck (with inner and outer jaws) and a 4-jaw. Aloris-type tool holders are a must. And you should get a Starrett level to set up the machine.

The ways are critical. Buy a good used machine, but don't settle for crappy ways. Check the run out on the bed and the tail stock alignment before buying. If the runout cannot be corrected within reason, then pass on the machine.

Check out this guy on youtube. Lots of incredibly valuable information. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mrpete222

[older racer]

hi, I have a jet 13x 36 . its good quality and works great. a bit bigger might be better, esp if you get a gap bed lathe. lots of sizes out there. good luck.

[Mark Yacavone]

I would look for an older Ohio type lathe. A Sydney or a Leblond. You can still adapt the import stuff to them like a 3 jaw Chuck. I would look for a long bed with an 8-inch swing anyway. The import tool bits aren't too bad from MSC Supply for occasional hobby type work. If you find one that's three phase and you don't want that you can just put a 220 motor on it. You just won't be able to reverse it in case you're into cutting reverse threads or something.

[Larry Hill]

A good source for a used lathe without a lot of use is the school systems or a tool room lathe from a company going overseas. Also make sure it will cut inch/metric threads.

[tj310]

I suggest Practical Machinist website as a good source of info and used machines ...Trevor