lathe
- Thread starter Tomme boy
- Start date
ShamusSage
New Member
PM is the only vendor that actually does good quality control that I found. I have tested the warranty and my lathe issues were fixed, had zero issues with the mill. I also have been happy with the PM accessories, the cutting/turning tool holders are better than the average China specials you get off ebay or LMS. They are a good deal IMO.
I would go with a 10" or bigger lathe for home use. Get it up high, don't lean over the lathe. Controls need to be at your waist, save your back! I have my main lathe on a cast iron stand sitting on custom risers with large leveling feet, its set up for my 6'-4" body. You do want the room inside the spindle too. Avoid the tight crap. You want to be able to put a long 3/4" or 1" OD drill rod or even a rifle barrel through the machine.
Grizzly has decent specs sometimes, but nothing like PM. LMS are nothing special from my experience, just generic basic machines. But, LMS has good support overall. The 12" machines are much more rigid and budget friendly than the baby bench top lathes, but 10" is a decent compromise with a VFD and DRO set up. You get the bells and whistles for about the same money as a basic 12x36. 13" and bigger are a whole different class usually. Be aware of how the chucks attach also, the cheap and lighter machines are harder to change. You will need to get a 4 jaw probably or higher quality chucks and I do change them occasionally. You want the easy to change machines. VFD makes things much easier especially for a novice.
I would go with a 10" or bigger lathe for home use. Get it up high, don't lean over the lathe. Controls need to be at your waist, save your back! I have my main lathe on a cast iron stand sitting on custom risers with large leveling feet, its set up for my 6'-4" body. You do want the room inside the spindle too. Avoid the tight crap. You want to be able to put a long 3/4" or 1" OD drill rod or even a rifle barrel through the machine.
Grizzly has decent specs sometimes, but nothing like PM. LMS are nothing special from my experience, just generic basic machines. But, LMS has good support overall. The 12" machines are much more rigid and budget friendly than the baby bench top lathes, but 10" is a decent compromise with a VFD and DRO set up. You get the bells and whistles for about the same money as a basic 12x36. 13" and bigger are a whole different class usually. Be aware of how the chucks attach also, the cheap and lighter machines are harder to change. You will need to get a 4 jaw probably or higher quality chucks and I do change them occasionally. You want the easy to change machines. VFD makes things much easier especially for a novice.
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Ian
Notorious member
I buy things from LMS to fit my mini-lathe. Chris has worked out the details and and takes the confusion out of determining what upgraded part fits which Chinese model.
I'm about to pull the trigger on a PM mill, just doing a little last minute research on what capabilities I need. Been planning on a PM 25 for two years but the 2" quill travel isn't quite going to be enough for what I have planned to make. Also, the next models up from there are more than twice the weight for not a lot more money so the bigger machines seem the way to go.
I'm about to pull the trigger on a PM mill, just doing a little last minute research on what capabilities I need. Been planning on a PM 25 for two years but the 2" quill travel isn't quite going to be enough for what I have planned to make. Also, the next models up from there are more than twice the weight for not a lot more money so the bigger machines seem the way to go.
Charles Graff
Moderator Emeritus
Old American iron! 1947 Logan 9X19
smokeywolf
Well-Known Member
Nice Charles. Garage size, but commercial quality.
Tomme boy
Well-Known Member
That is NICE!
I wish I was around when our high school closed up the shop programs. They sold off 12 huge lathes for pretty much scrap. I don't remember what kind they were but they were really in great shape. They were all bought new in the early 60's. They also had 3 bridgeport mills. 2 were regular and a newer one with dro's.
I wish I was around when our high school closed up the shop programs. They sold off 12 huge lathes for pretty much scrap. I don't remember what kind they were but they were really in great shape. They were all bought new in the early 60's. They also had 3 bridgeport mills. 2 were regular and a newer one with dro's.
I was told by a couple guys who I trusted that while old American iron is very nice it is also often a project.
Their advice was to get old American if I wanted to fix it up, go new Chinese if I wanted to use it.
I am very pleased with my PM lathe.
Their advice was to get old American if I wanted to fix it up, go new Chinese if I wanted to use it.
I am very pleased with my PM lathe.
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Joshua
Taco Aficionado/Salish Sea Pirate/Part-Time Dragon
When I called to tell Grizzly that my Lathe had been damaged in shipping, the first thing they mentioned was replacement parts. Nope, I don’t want to rebuild I a broken lathe. I bought new because I didn’t want another project. I’ll just have too wait another few months until they come off back order.