Trying to pick a lathe (UK)

[djh82uk]

Hi Guys

Im trying to pick which lathe to buy in the UK, any reccomendations?

So far I have seen 3 to consider, the Ama180V, the CJ18a and the Sieg C2

Here is the 180V: http://www.amadeal.co.uk/ama180v.htm
and the CJ18a is like this one, but with DRO: http://www.amadeal.co.uk/cj18.htm

And Im sure you know about the C2

Now the 180V is out of stock for a few months, worth waiting for? I think ive seen some cnc conversion kits out for the C2

Question is what should I look for? I want to do some threading and aluminium work (nothing that heavy).

I also what to convert it to cnc at some point, how difficult do you think it would be to do one the 2 from amadeal?

I have a Taig mill so I would be making the conversion myself out of aluminium.

But I know little about cnc conversions with lathes and what the possible pitfalls may be.

The thing that puts me off the C2 is no DRo and it has plastic handles :S

Any advice?

Thanks

DJH

[djh82uk]

Hmm, Im also looking at the C3 lathe, I cannot find much info on cnc conversions for them tho

DJH

[blighty]

don't know how much money you have to spend........... but have you thought of a Myford. you can pick them up on ebay from £400 and up, depending on condition and what they come with.

i have a ml7 and to cnc it would be easy (ish) there is lots of room to put your nut's and ball screws in.

just a thought :-)

[djh82uk]

Hiya

I did consider it, I have upto £400 to spend on the lathe, but with a myford I would have to go pick it up or pay £75 to be delivered on a pallet, plus at that price it's going to need work, stripping, cleaning, replacing parts and if I get a duff machine ive lost £400.

I am definatley leaning towards the Sieg C3, just cannot find any cnc info for it.

I have plans for the Sieg C2, tho I would buy the C2a I guess

Hmm, decisions decisions