Busy Bee CT089

[ironsteel]

I am a newbie Calgary Ab, i am in the process of purchasing a new lathe 13 x 24 Craftex CT089, or the
10 x 18 model does anyone have any exp. with any of these lathes ( the 13 x 24 on sale now 1788.00 Cdn and the 10 x 18 for 888.00) any thoughts about these machines, seems to me that these bench lathes are hard to get used, also it seems that the smaller lathe are made in CHina ?

[hndswthtshdws]

I own the 10x18 and love it. The main issues I have with it are crappy hardware, lack of handles, and some lack of finishing. With new bolts, some handles, and a bit of filing work its a great little lathe. I was looking at the smaller 7x series but ended up with the 10x18 because it was $200 more for a lathe that weighs 3.5x as much, has a larger capacity, and has a 1" spindle bore.

If your looking at something bigger I would consider it strongly. Bigger is almost always better.

[murph1411]

For me i turn 1.25" axles for lawn tractor racing so the 1.5" spindle bore on the CT089 was a must. The only issue i'm having is exessive play in the handles. The CT089 come with the steady and follow rests,3 and 4 jaw chucks, face plate, change gears and centres. It works really well for me. I just have to get a quick change tool post for it.