Can any1 suggest where to buy used...

[gogego]

lathe. I would like to get a mazak that can turn parts up to 9"x42", I want mazatrol and the graphics so we can easily verify programs. Any suggestion on model would be appreciated, we are turning tools steels.

Cheers

[quick_stickz]

You can find machines on e-bay. If you google cnc equipment auctions there are many sites that deal in used equipment, shop liquidaditions, etc.

[nightraven]

yeah I know Mazak was among the first to "program with pictures" so you cd see what you were cutting, keep in mind they are far from the only ctrl with conversational programming. I cut my teeth in CNC repair at a Mazak shop, 20 machines, M-2, T-2, M-32, T-32, T-plus, & M-plus. There were only 2 Mazak support-techs then who could troubleshoot those "older" controls, rest were all young guys, like myself, but they never got into the old controls...U get one, you better have a good meter & megger cuz otherwise will be alot of "part-swapping" to find the problem...and with Mazak that gets pretty expensive, believe me. Good news, they still make parts for all machines they ever made. The bad news, they charge an arm & a leg...hey, where else were U gonna get those 2 $6,500 a piece I/O cards? If yr East Coast & have a cpl buddies who repaired older Mazaks U'll be fine. Their last service-tech who knows the old Mazatrols retired last year tho.

[southern cnc]

Can't beat an older Mazak if you are looking to save money. Parts are easy to find.
I must admit that I have somewhat of an advantage. I am one of the "old" Mazak service engineers, so I buy old, and fix them myself. To me, the T-plus and M-plus are the "new" machines, haha.
As far as what you need, be sure that you get something long enough. Mazaks usually came in 500mm increments between centers, usually beginning at 1000mm or about 40 inches, so you may have to get a 1500mm lathe. Consider a steady rest, if you can find one.