Newbie- Hafco MetalMaster AL-50GB

[sl9]

Hello Everyone,
I am thinking of buying a Hafco Metalmaster AL-50GB bench lathe to make small adaptors for my telescopes. Does anyone have any reports (good or bad) on this machine?.
Cheers,
sl9

[Matt_H]

Awww cmon guys someone must know! I am in the same boat, looking at the AL-50GB that is. Not making telescope stuff.

Its a toss up between that and the AL30. The 50 seems to be the more enticing as it weighs another 60 kilos on the 30 so I would assume it would be a more sturdy and lasting machine.

[zaithyn]

I think honestly you are looking at things maybe as a theoretical issue rather than practical.
I maybe use the top four speed range of my lathe maybe one or twice a year. Normally I have no problems getting a finish using my lower four direct gears, the highest is 685 rpm.
I don't know whether this is due to experience or what, but I have never run into any finish problems at all. But that is only my views, someone else may have different thoughts.

[patndel]

Originally Posted by Matt_H Awww cmon guys someone must know! I am in the same boat, looking at the AL-50GB that is. Not making telescope stuff. Its a toss up between that and the AL30. The 50 seems to be the more enticing as it weighs another 60 kilos on the 30 so I would assume it would be a more sturdy and lasting machine.

Hey Matt, I've got an AL50 clone going close to 25 years old now, mine has the manual change gears (no quick change gearbox), it's actually the same machine, just rebranded.

I'd take the AL50 over the 30 simply for the larger swing and bed length. Before getting my mill, I would use the lathe to face off irregular bocks of metal and quickly chew up the swing. If you choose to use tapered shank drills, the length of the bed diminishes quite quickly too.

In the time I've had the lathe, I've only ever had to change the belts a couple of times, I use it at a hobby level making RC bits and pieces. If you can afford the extra $$ and space go for the larger one.

Pat

[Matt_H]

Thanks guys, I found out some more info today on the lathe and was informed that the machine does not come with cutting tools or coolant pump. Is a coolant pump a neccessity for the average Joe jobs.

My work would be mostly aluminium with the odd steel stuff. Also what about tooling? What should I spend to get the right tooling to see mr through?

This is looking like it will hit $2k before it gets out of the shop!!

[Blu_Rock]

I bought a AL50GB about 9 months ago and am happy with the machine. See my feedback (and others') concerning the lathe on this thread over at www.woodworkforums.com.

Also check out this thread that I started when I was looking for info on small lathes.

I use both carbide and HSS tools and while coolant is not necessary when using carbide tools, I use hand-sprayed coolant when cutting with HSS.

What other tooling will you need? In my experience, lots. I have already spent over $1,000 on cutters, dial gauges, vernier gauges, micrometers, magnetic dial gauge holder, tailstock chuck, live centre, lighting, etc, etc. Count on spending at least $2,000 all up.