Which small lathe to buy in Canada?

[corey@12mile]

I am most likely going to buy a small lathe in the next few weeks. I live in Southern Ontario and can hop across the border at Niagara Falls/Fort Erie if I need to hop the border.

I have a budget of not more than $1000 CDN.

My plan at this point is small parts such as little parts for RC toys and small firearm related projects such as bolt handles and such. I would like to get something as long as possible but I will take something smaller to start.

I would also like to convert the lathe to cnc at some point so that will be part of my consideration as well.

Does anyone have any suggestions on places to start looking for a lathe. I am within easy driving of Princess Auto, Tegs Tools & Busy Bee. If there is any place around the GTA that I should be looking into, please let me know.

I am new to all of this although my neighbour is a machinist so I will have some help.

I think the Microlux 7x14 might fit the bill for the price but I don't know if anyone in Canada can get it. I would be willing to take a trip to the US to pick one up if need be.

If anyone can give me some options of lathes that are within driving distance for me I would most appreciate it. I am location just outside of Hamilton, Ontario.

Thanks,
Corey

[SherlineGuy]

Sounds like the Sherline or Taig would be large enough for your work, and are ready to use the same day you bring them home. The Taig costs less, the Sherline has more available accessories.

The imports can do heavier work, but are not always 'in tune' as delivered.

[Richard23]

For the price and capabilities of a Taig and Sherline, I would consider the one from Gunhead. http://www.gunhead.com/GMW/index.html

I believe both the Taig and Sherline would have a hard time cutting steel and other heavier metals. Aren't those two lathes made of aluminum?


Seems Gunhead is having a sale too. I would take an honest look at their offering.

Rich

[SherlineGuy]

The Gun-head looks to be a CNC-only and is more than double his budget, but the application looks just as he described.

[rowbare]

Are you close to a Princess Auto? They sometimes have the 7x12 mini lathes in stock (and the occasional micro-lathe).

[abby_normal]

why not spend $100 more and get the bigger lathe at busy bee

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?NTITEM=B2227L

although I have the 7 x 8 and am happy with it. does need tuned before it works well.

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?NTITEM=B1979C

[CNC55]

Hi Corey,

I am in Canada and have buy a mini lathe of 7x10 on eBay, it was only 6 month old. Was pay 250 US + shipping by UPS cost 82 US and customs cost 102 CAN . Was delivery at my door.

Lathe of 7x10, 7x12 and 7x14 are all make in china, name and color change but they are all the same one, you will have some little work to do on them , like to make a chipe gard for the slade gear.
Will also need to be all clean, adjust all oil and grease the spindle gear with lithium grease.

Oh also file all sharp edge. It look they do not have file in china.

[stick]

I have the little 7x12 from Princess Auto. It's ok for most small stuff, but as the parts get bigger, has serious limitations. My advice, buy a bigger machine than you think you will ever need. I often wish I'd have held off for a larger one, but I have space issues too. And keep in mind, it's quite possible spend more in tooling and attachments than the initial cost of the machine.

[ihavenofish]

ive had my eye on this little guy

https://www.machinetoolswarehouse.co...e-p-16136.html

its a bit above your price point, but it comes with all the trimmings including stand, compoound, chucks, steadies, etc.

(its not made in germany though, thats a misprint, though its the same as a german engineered Opti which is also made in china).

he plans on listing weiss machines soon as well (also the same as opti), though i dont know if he'll do any of the lathes. the have a 7x12 that should be well under $1000 without all the fluff.