Warco BH600

[Arnak]

Hi Folks,

I'm thinking of purchasing a Warco BH600 Lathe, has anyone
had amy experience or comments on this lathe?

Thanks

Arnak

[waggy]

No experience of the 600 but I have a 1260 which I find adequate for most work. Took some cleaning up when I took delivery and I think the gears are noisy, especially when using the feed box. Other than that, no problems.
For the price I don't think we can grumble.

[Arnak]

Hi Waggy,

Thanks for the info. ;D

What sort of cleaning up did you find neccessary on the lathe?

Thanks,

Arnak.

[Tim Bayliss]

I purchased the Chester version of this lathe (the craftsman), which is virtually identical apart from some minor operating handle locations. Having used it for some time I think the Warco layout is probably better.
I am delighted with the lathe. For the money it takes some beating. It is very accurate and fairly solid.
The chucks provided are quite large & lumpy so the first thing I did was to make a spindle nose adaptor to take my Myford chucks, etc. Much more convenient.
One minus is the stand supplied with it. It's from 3mm thick MS but a bad design so isn't very rigid. I've strengthened it with some 2" angle but 'one day' I'll fabricate a decent stand to replace it.
The belt changing between high and low ratio is a bit fidly, I generally leave it on low ratio and get from 50 to 650 rpm (with backgear for the slow speeds, which is easy to operate). This speed range does for most stuff.
I think they're good value, best of luck.
Tim

[waggy]

Aye up Arnak,
I used parrafin to clean down the lathe. Don't know what they use as rust preventative but it is horrible and smelly. Use gloves when you clean your lathe.


Waggy.

[Arnak]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the info and the tips.

That's made my mind up, I'll go for the Warco....

Thanks again

Arnak.