Which Lathe to get?! HELP!!

[firestorm1284]

Hey all, I am in need of some good advice on a good lathe to get. I currently have the HF 8x12 lathe, and it is just not good enough. My main problem with it is that threading is... impossible. The bolts on the gear changes are weak and I'm worried they will fail. Also, it seems to be very difficult to get them to line up just right so the machine runs smoothly. In addition, I would like a lathe with a bit more precision. SO, I need to get a bit larger lathe. QUICK AND EASY THREADING IS A MUST!!! I don't want it to be such a monstrosity that it is difficult for me to set up, but I do want it large enough that I can possibly do some work on rifle barrels.

I'm trying to decide whether to go with a new lathe from Enco or Grizzly (Chinese made) or to buy a used older lathe. I'm looking to keep it under 1500 with freight charges if new.

Recommendations please!! (Also, I wasn't sure which forum to post this in, so if this is in the wrong spot, please let me know!)

[Farmers Machine]

Milltronics CNC makes some of the finest and easiest to use and program lathes avaliable in the USA and they are build in Minnesota. If you want to do gun smithing get one with D1-8 spindle so you can easily change to a 4 jaw chuck or a collet chuck. Their CNC has a rethread program that makes it very easy to chase and repair threads or cut new ones from scratch. with all of the whistles and bells they will be way under your budget of $150,000.00
good luck

[firestorm1284]

Farmers: Thank you for the info, but I think something got lost in translation there, my budget isn't $150,000.00, it is $1,500.00. I'm not looking to get a CNC right now, although I hope to convert it later. I'm just looking for a good lathe to do some hobby machining on and possibly some barrel work.

Thanks for the help though, but these machines are WAY out of my price range!

[Farmers Machine]

Sorry about that. Stay away from China junk. Check E Bay and find an old American build lathe that is about 20 years old. even with this much experience it is better than a new one from China. The only thing to really look for is its ability to machine Metric threads with out a lot of hassle. Slack in the gibbs can be taken up and worst case you will have to make a thicker one from a strip of flat metal. Also check E Bay for a Dorian quadra tool post so you can have 4 tools avaliable on the compound.
Good Luck
The Farmer.