i'm still new to machining, but i need to get a lathe as the one i'm currently training on is about to evaporate. i would like to get something good that will last me and that i can grow into- i don't mind spending good money on tools like this to begin with to avoid having to buy another one later. i'd rather it have auto feeds but i probably don't have the dough for cnc-
what should i get?
thanks!

I love my lathemasters 8x14 http://lathemaster.com/LATHEMASTER8x14Lathe.htm , really does a great job at turning.

The size and accuracy of parts you make determine your best choice. If you want to be able to make tool room quality parts, and 10"x20" is big enough, take a look at Monarch 10EE. This machine is known for drive problems, keeping the value down. As this is easy to repair/upgrade, a 10EE is one excellent value for a home shop type.

Here's a cherry fully tooled one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=92150&item=7522129739&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Karl

Well if you don't mind spending money...Hardinge or another similar toolroom lathe.

Karl,

Would it be a sin to convert that Monarch to CNC?

Chris

You can convert any machine to CNC but you'd do far better refitting an existing CNC machine with a new control. Machines with dead/obsolete controls go for little more than scrap value where a 10EE brings $2K to $5K+ depending on tooling and condition. I bought a factory rebuilt Hardinge CHNC with no control for $1250 on Ebay.

There's also screw machine type lathes that can be had for scrap cost. These would make a better start than a manual lathe because you get a turret.

Karl

Thank you for that input. I didn't know bargains could be found on the cnc lathes. I'll do some searching. I never have luck with Ebay. Anything I am interested in, the bidding always goes to high for buying site unseen.

Chris

Karl,

That Hardinge that you bought on Ebay, did you ever retrofit the controls? If you did could you describe what you did?

Chris

This will be my third Camsoft retrofit. Previously, I've done a stepper mill to AHHA, servo kneemill to Camsoft and a double turret monster CNC Mazak M4 lathe to Camsoft. Without a doubt, Camsoft is the best possible retro control for a commercial machine.

On this machine, I've bought all the parts I'm bound to find used. I farm for a living, the months of August and November are free for this job.

Regarding Ebay, its the world's biggest auction. I have automatic searches for machines with dead controls. Anything I might be interested in gets a low bid - after a 100 or so you're bound to get one that is an extreme value. This particular machine may be the best buy I've ever made. Right now, I'm watching for another CNC mill with a taper 40 tool changer - it will take up to a year to find the right one. Of course, I also stop at every jockey and machine shop I know. I'm looking for their scrap.

Karl

Check out the German made Weiler cycle control lathes. Extremely rugged!

Check out the German made Weiler cycle control lathes. They ar extremely rugged.