Bench lathe -opinions sought

**irving2008** · 28-12-2013

They're all made in China nowadays, and are variants on the same basic design.

Choose your supplier on their aftersales service... personally I've had good support from Warco in the past. Not had any dealings personally with Harry at Amadeal other than a chat on the phone a couple of years ago but heard some good reports on other forums.

**EddyCurrent** · 28-12-2013

Originally Posted by irving2008

Not had any dealings personally with Harry at Amadeal other than a chat on the phone a couple of years ago but heard some good reports on other forums.

I've ordered from Amadeal a couple of times, no problem whatsover, very good.
I've also spent a lot of money at Axminster Tools and they are also very good indeed.

**cropwell** · 30-12-2013

I haven't spent a lot of money at Axminster Tools, but when the slide plate broke on my CL300 MachineMart were out of stock with expected delivery 12 months and ArcEuro were saying 5 months. Axminster had 5 which they found in a dark corner of their warehouse.

Their customer service I would rate as superb.

Having said that, I am going to talk to Warco as their version of the 290VF has a lot of goodies with it, which makes £2,490 an attractive price, even if it is more than I want to spend at the moment.

Cheers,

Rob

**irving2008** · 30-12-2013

You have to look at these things as a long term investment. What's the 'cost' of not going for the higher spec? A DRO saves time so if used commercially will boost productivity. Even in hobby terms 'time' has a value. I'd add a QCTP in that category too. IMHO having all your toolbits pre-aligned is a big time saver as well as potentially avoiding costly errors. £600 more over the life of the machine is <£60 a year. Unless you're using a payday lender to fund the purchase the additional cost is far cheaper than the return on any 'savings' you make.

**cropwell** · 30-12-2013

Actually, the financial arguments, whilst still sound, are not relevant to me. Let's face it I am buying myself a toy, but I want one that has a lot of play value. I don't want the frustration of having to mend it to use it. My tailstock accessories only need a MT2 to MT3 converter. All my cutting tools are 8mm, so I may need to buy a heftier set and the Warco machine comes with a stand, fixed and travelling steadies and 3jaw self centring and 4 jaw independent chucks, plus a lot of other goodies.

It certainly beats getting socks for Christmas, especially as I never wear them (prefer seamed stockings

[I am bearded, 145 kg and 1.7m tall - now get that mental picture out of your mind])

Happy New Year to All.

Rob

**cropwell** · 31-12-2013

I have a feeling that the decision is made ! Amadeal can better the Warco price and up the spec of the machine to have a 3 phase brushless motor with inverter. I am going to see them on Friday 3rd Jan and probably commit to buy.

Thanks for the input.

Regards

Rob

BTW - really appreciate the forum, those members with wisdom and experience, share it with good spirit. Old friends banter with good humour and there is a real 'blokes in sheds' feel.
I have seen other forums degenerate to boasting or slanging matches and it destroys the forum. My son, who is wise beyond his 40 years (but still needs me to wire a plug) reminds me of two things : 1. Never argue with a fool in case he does the same. and 2. By demeaning others you only demean yourself.

My own motto is : If it can't be fixed with duct tape or a hammer, it's probably electrical.

**irving2008** · 31-12-2013

Originally Posted by cropwell

...My own motto is : If it can't be fixed with duct tape or a hammer, it's probably electrical.

If it moves and shouldn't - use duct tape;
If it doesn't move and should - use WD40.

**Stuart Winsor** · 16-01-2014

Sounds nice. I'm going down on Saturday and Hugh has offered to special order in the belt drive version.

**Stuart Winsor** · 18-01-2014

Originally Posted by Stuart Winsor

Sounds nice. I'm going down on Saturday and Hugh has offered to special order in the belt drive version.

Well, the deed is done but like Cropwell I've ordered the three phase FF with DRO instead. That means I've got to get a move on in organising my workshop! I was originally feeling quite laid back about it, thinking I was going to have to wait till about April. now it's 4-6 weeks! I suppose there are other people's bench designs somewhere in the archives?

**Stuart Winsor** · 08-03-2014

Within three days of placing the order, Hugh contacted me to advise he had sold the same lathe to two people so I was going to have to wait after all. I therefore reverted to my original plan. 27th of Feb I enquired if he was able to give a firmer date so that I could schedule the neccessary work into my future action plan and Edward replied "10th March"! Eeek! Hugh was going to double check as my lathe might be in "the second container". In the mean time, manufacture of the bench has commenced. All joints are cut but they still have to be "fitted", then there is assmbly and painting and I still have to clear the corner of the workshop where it will reside.