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CrazyCraig 04-22-2002, 09:11 PM I am kicking around the idea of getting a lathe. what is a good size to get? I plan on building my own axles 3.125" DOM and other odds and ends. What size should I look at? I'm just kicking around the idea right now. Craig onetoncv 04-22-2002, 09:15 PM a 10 foot bed would be nice- i'd go with like a reede printice or monarc these are two type the government used and have ball bearing heads- they are work horses - Jess bgreen 04-22-2002, 10:30 PM get one with a digital readout. I would never own one without! Major time saver and very accurate. dont get anything smaller than an 18" by 40" :usa: SHERPA 04-23-2002, 06:33 AM I have a 16 X 60 an old Southbend tool-room version. works for everything small-to large........ I do wish the spindle bore was ALOT bigger, but any spindle-bore lathe in the 3.125" cap area is reeeeeeeeeeally gonna cost $$$$$ I've looked, and they ain't cheap.............. --Sherpa fj40guy 04-23-2002, 08:08 AM Current Issue of Home Shop Machinist has a write up about an ENCO lathe, might be of interest. I have a SHORT LeBlond. It was designed for a Liberty Ship, so 13" x 15" seems pretty darn short, but with a little thought amazed at what I can get done with it. I've threaded the ends of a 3' long 4" pipe by removing the tail stock, and using a steady rest. Admitted there are times I wish for a longer lathe, yet with a full size milling machine I can complement the lathe for some jobs. What is your BUDGET? Don't overlook it is easy to spend $2500 on a lathe, only to "discover" you need another $2K in tooling!Then again you might find that deal for $500 on a nice tool room lathe that was stored all it's life! :D I could really use a turret lathe for some of my small production runs! Not enough room for everything, so with limited space I have a good mix of tools. If you are lucky enough to have a Adult Education school that has a metal shop, sign up for the classes! Tom :usa: | |