Warco 918/Chester 920

[Drawman]

Dear all,

I intend to replace my Hobbymat lathe quite soon with something a little larger, more accurate and more substantial. My workshop (the end of my standard sized garage) is very small, so space is an issue. I am thinking of buying a Warco 918 or Chester 920; has anyone experience of these machines? Can anyone tell me the difference between them other than the price? I have been told that the earlier machines of this type suffered from a drive problem because of the section of the belt used. I would be very interested to hear from a current or past owner, or in fact anyone with an opinion on the two machines.

Regards to all
drawman

[tim]

Hi Drawman
Ive been waiting to see what response you got about the two company's, because iam looking at down sizing my old ml7 for a warco wm210 or chester DB8 ,
I too would be interested to hear from any owners
cheers tim

[SteveW]

Guys,

I know someone going the other way, from Warco/ Chester to Myford.

He's actually got the lathe/mill variant and while he found the lathe OK had problems of either spring or more usually swing on the milling head no matter how hard he clamped the thing.

His main reason to trade up/down (??) was the type of work he wanted to do, his current lathe was/is too big for his target jobs.

[Chris Kelland]

Hi All,

I have just got a 918 and am very pleased with it. OK the drive belt does look too small for the power it has to carry but to date no problems, also the plastic gear (overload protection?) looks a bit suspect but all seems OK with no problems. The only complaint is the holes in the supplied riser blocks were drilled in the wrong place, but as I didn't use them, no probs. For the money I am impressed. I am now getting a WM-16 dovetail mill/drill, this appears to get round the usual problems with mill/drills.

Regards

Chris.

[chris vine]

Hi,

Don't forget to look at second hand.

You may find that a used myford is still a much better machine and, in addition, they are extremely good with spares price and availability. What far eastern supplier will still sell you a part for a lathe in 20 years time??!!

have fun looking
Chris.

[tim]

hello chris k
do you use the gearbox much? also why did you buy a warco instead of a chester ?
cheers tim

[Chris Kelland]

Hi All,

Re. the reason I got a Warco is simple, I spent a couple of ME shows looking at similar machines and the Warco had all I wanted, was finished the best and all the feedback from owners of Warco machines seemed to show no hidden 'nasties'. Yes I do use the gearbox, in fact I have used all the facilities, except the vertical slide. I am now looking to buy a new mill, probably the new Warco dovetail column machine, I think its the WM-16.

Regards,

Chris K.