DIY Lathe - What Headstock?

[Chaz]

My thoughts are something like these:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOXFORD-HE...YAAOSw32lYuejJ

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MYFORD-ML1...8AAOSwxu5ZOIUw

Is the cheaper Chinese stuff worth considering - like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headstock-...MAAOSw8gVX2sAJ ?

[Ross77]

I picked the Colchester Chipmaster as its a tool room spec lathe and had the spindle capacity that i needed. had a lever operated collet chuck as well. bonus :0)

[m_c]

My thoughts are something like these:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOXFORD-HE...YAAOSw32lYuejJ

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MYFORD-ML1...8AAOSwxu5ZOIUw

Is the cheaper Chinese stuff worth considering - like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headstock-...MAAOSw8gVX2sAJ ?

I think I'd go for the Boxford or Chinese option. My original CNC lathe was based on an ML10, and I always thought the spindle was a bit noodly.

Before deciding on a headstock, you need to think about what size of bar you want to be able to fit through it.
ML10 limit was a 5/8" throughbore IIRC (I used an adjustable reamer to open mine up so I could fit 16mm bar in). That CJ16 should be 20mm, and a quick search puts the Boxford at 3/4".

[Boyan Silyavski]

That Boxford seems very nice. Nothing beats buying a complete head stock.