Lathe advice wanted

[gordtopps]

I am new to the forum, and look forward to much valuable info.

I am looking to purchase a lathe and require some informed help.

I am living in Spain and don't see any available locally, so I must buy from UK and ship over here.

I don't know anyone in the UK that can inspect and inform me about a used machine for me.

Obviously a Myford would be near the top of the list due to it's popularity and availability of extras etc.
I am anxious about this due to it having a screwed spindle nose. I would much prefer a D1-4 camlock fitting.

I would also consider a used Colchester, Boxford, Harrison lathe, considering the good value for money, but again, have no means to inspect the machine.

So, I suspect i'm limiting myself to the purchase of a new (probably Chinese origin machine).

From what I have seen it looks like being a choice of a Warco/Toolco or Chester model, but having just been on the Chester forum, I have seen some very disparaging remarks about their lathes, so that has put me off a Chester.
I dont know much about the Warco/Toolco models except from advertising material (then again the Chester ad. looked very promising)

Any comments/advise or other recommendations would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks
Gordon

[alanstepney]

You might also wish to look at Axminster. Same range as Warco et al, but I know several people who have bought from them, with entire satisfaction.

Personally, I would still go for Myford, but will admit I am prejudiced, as I have used one for many years.
But, as you say, living so far away, the choice is limited.
Myfords do sell 2nd hand machines, but at premium prices.

Some of the machine tool dealers do have good reputations but, not having had personal experience of them, I am reluctant to suggest which ones are best.

[russell]

It depends what you want. This looks good value: www.ebayanuncios.es/torno/80776#

Chinese lathes are available in Spain: www.hobbiesguinea.com/default.php?cPath=108_713 but they are expensive. It would be cheaper to have one shipped from the UK. The same applies here in France. Arc Eurotrade have a good reputation and will ship overseas. They list the same machines as Guinea Hobbies at about 1/3 of the price. I have also had good service from Warco.

Russell

[keithcat]

ChesterUK lathes are the same as Warco and Axminster/ Toolroom lathes, very slight differenties. I have bought lathes , mills and smaller items from Chester and have noticed inproved service over the last couple of years. If you decide to buy second hand a gearhead boxford is just about the best value, that comes with a D13 camlock,

Mike

[russell]

I don't know if they have changed but when I inquired about buying a mill from Chester a few years back, they insisted that I had to buy from their French distributor at more than double Chester's UK price. I bought the identical mill from Warco instead.

Russell.

[Staffordshirechina]

As it happens, my larger lathe is a Pinacho, made in Spain. I had never heard of them until I saw the machine on Ebay and did some research. They are the bigger end of the scale for modelling, probably equivalent to Harrison or Colchester size. look here
www.metosa-pinacho.com/en/index.html

Les

[gordtopps]

Thanks for all the input/comments.
The Pinacho is a bit big for my needs, I wouldn't be able to get it through the door in fact.
My conclusions are a used Boxford AUD from somewhere like G+M Tools or Home and Workshop Machinery in the UK.
Will still keep looking/formulating ideas.
Thanks again
Gordon

[alanstepney]

I have heard several favourable comments about G & M.
Although I have never bought from them, I did go there once and felt that they knew what they were talking about and wanted satisfied customers.

I wont comment on H & W M.

[engineernut]

Apr 17, 2009 16:07:12 GMT alanstepney said:

I have heard several favourable comments about G & M.
Although I have never bought from them, I did go there once and felt that they knew what they were talking about and wanted satisfied customers.

I wont comment on H & W M.

Have bought a few items from G&M. Large and small. Well satisfied.
They do ship wordwide I believe.