Recommendations?

NEIL MCMLX

NEIL MCMLX

Proactive member
Joined
Nov 1, 2025
Messages
1,388
Reaction score
4,691
Location
Seaham
I'm toying with getting a lathe ( for the purpose of making bits n bobs for my guns), and don't know whether to get a small one (Clarke etc) or a second hand bigger one. Not very experienced with lathes, only turning down spigots many moons ago, and would be grateful for any recommendations and guidance from the more experienced members? I'm limited to single phase. Got about a grand in the kitty. Thanks in advance, Neil. Apologies, I have just seen a similar post further down the page 🙈
 
Last edited:
I think a mini lathe is a good starting point, they dont take up much room and will probably more than capable of your needs. Easy to sell on as well if you do need to go bigger or lose interest!
 
Hermitage10 said:
Good choice!!!!! That's a great starter lathe and more than capable of doing most of what you'll need....

I've been looking at one for a while but haven't pressed the button yet
Click to expand...
There's a Myford hobbyist with cabinet near me for just over a monkey, but it looks a proper heavy lump! Ide need an engine lift, so I'll give that a miss 🫤
 
My advise is buy the largest lathe without going to mad don’t do what I did and end up buying 3 due to lack of space and the fact that I hadn’t use a lathe in 50+ years I brought a Axminster micro lathe which was ok for just starting but it’s mainly a desk top lathe and very limiting so that got sold after 3 months lathe No.2 was a Warco mini lathe (similar to the Amadeal) much better and bigger but sadly after a while less than a year lathe No.3 was purchased a Warco Wm 180 with a DRO and a base unit all purchased new the first two found willing new owners the WM180 is a keeper it’s not perfect and I some times find myself looking for No.4 but I’ve run out of space though I did manage to fit a Axminster mill in as well.
Morel of all of this is bigger in better try to get a lathe with a brushless motor as it did make a difference on the wm180 get a DRO if you can and budget another 30/50% for all the extra bits and bobs : quick change tool post + at least 5 spare tool holders ,cutting tools, lubricants,measuring instruments,etc etc and of course materials steel brass etc
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top