im thinkng about getting a lathe for the lockup
as machine mart has a vat free day coming up are the clarke cl500m
any good or are they cheap import quality

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cl500m-metal-lathemill-drill/path/metal-lathes-milldrills

thanks

Rob

it will undoubtedly be junk compared to a properly made old lathe, which might be cheaper anyway.

if you have the room you will get more out of a good solid english lathe.

I sold my lovley super relm as I didnt have the space and bought a small one.

What a mistake to make its ok for little bits but crap with bigger stuff.

What he said......


A small used colchester or similar old machine would be amazing quality (provided it has been looked after), and would set you back around 500 for a very basic machine...

I hate modern tools with a passion, cheap and cr*p!.....

DITTO!!
The cheapy import ones are OK if you don't need to use it.......

Our sister company had one of these for turning down metal samples.

I don't think it lasted too long before something either needed replacing or burned out (I can't remember, I think the motor died after about six months). However, that was six months of repeated, every-day use.

It should be okay for hobby use, but as others have said, an old one would probably be better value for money.

Cheap Chinese thing IMHO you need to look very carefully at the ones on offer, find one with minimal backlash and tight spots and loks well finished and you might get a good one. Much better going for an older good condition British Lathe, there are lots on Ebay, Myfords and Colchesters for exmple.

Caber

Or even an old Drummond.

Theres some better ones on ebay for the same cash.

IMHO its better to buy an old one from a school??

I got a good ML7 for small notes on ebay, had to go a long way to collect it though

Practical Performance Car Magazine has a good article on new and second-hand lathes this month. Definitely worth a look.