Wanted: Metal turning lathe

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Looking for a turning lathe,  something like maybe a 36" long bed or anything close to that.  Floor or bench model, old or new, but reasonably pricedThanks, Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by IweldLooking for a turning lathe,  something like maybe a 36" long bed or anything close to that.  Floor or bench model, old or new, but reasonably pricedThanks, Matt
Reply:Thanks for the reply  Yes i have considdered buying a foreign machine but im not sure which to buy  When i was in Reno, Nv i went to the Harbor Freight store and looked at their lathes but it seemed like all of the moving parts had alot of play in them,  not very precise for something that HAS to be a precision machine.  Maybe they just had a bad one out on the floor or something but even at their cheap prices i wasnt buying thatI would really love to own an American machine but as you stated by the time they are sold they are used up.  I really think that for the little I will use it a foreign machine will get me by just fine.  Give me your thoughts on these import machines,  I promise i wont bash your opinion,  I just really need some help deciding on a quality machine at a reasonable priceThanks,  Matt
Reply:I found a LeBlonde lathe a few years ago on e-bay for dirt cheap. Yes it was worn somewhat, but it's a tough old machine that will throw chips for days.The key is to know what to look for and find it close to home.I got my Miller 330 A/BP and the lathe from e-bay ads, same seller, 20 miles from my home so shipping is not an issue (necessary for big heavy stuff)I see clausings and the like all the time and they will hold tolerance if set up and maintained right.I've also seen HF china scrap converted to CNC and works pretty good for small stuff as long as it doesn't see too much duty.You get what you pay for unless you're willing to work a little on it.If you're serious about machining, buy quality it lasts, buy cheap buy again, and again, and....
Reply:Thanks for the reply,  it seems that everything on ebay is so far away from me.  Aparently no one within a few hundred miles from me wants to sell anything and especially on ebay where all of that type of equipment is in california or somewhere way to far away to drive and with the cost of shipping even if you get a good deal on something heavy like a turning lathe the savings are all eaten up by shippingIt is looking like I should probably just invest in a new chinese machine and get it over with.... For the little I use a lathe a good foreign machine would suffice im sure,  I just wish I knew which brands are the "best bang for your buck".  I really do want a machine that is accurate and going to last quite awhile cause im 22 and plan on being at this till I can't work anymore so if im going to spend the money now i don't want to have to do it again in a couple years.Thanks again, Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by IweldI just wish I knew which brands are the "best bang for your buck". I really do want a machine that is accurate and going to last quite awhile cause im 22 and plan on being at this till I can't work anymore so if im going to spend the money now i don't want to have to do it again in a couple years.
Reply:Thanks Tanglediver,  no pun taken... I only see wise advice in your post and I do belive I will be using it.Some day I will stumble on the right machine for me at the right price,  until then I will probably be waiting like I have been for the last 4 yearsThanks again, Matt
Reply:If I wanna find one I'll go for the American, English and Russian made... a bit of rebuilding always occur here and there... Dont go and buy a machine where it was used as a grinder for human flesh... errr... you know what I mean...P.S. OLD chinese machine is better than the newer version in my book... at least th strength is there and you can always upgrade it with other parts... If you buy it cheap.Last edited by Mandau; 03-24-2008 at 05:24 AM.Unit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...