New Lathe / Milling Machine

Post by Phil_D

I think its time i got myself some new "toys", i have had my old modeling lathe for a number of years but its too small now.

I came across this a few days ago, got permission from "she who must be obeyed" to get a new one but would like so guidence/comments from others who know about these things.

http://www.chesteruk.net/store/model_b_super.htm

What do you think, a good buy or not?
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Post by Mark

Phil_D wrote:

"she who must be obeyed"

Ah the good old "RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY" quote (I loved that show!)
As for the combination lathe/mill, I am not familiar with them. But, it doesn't sound bad and I like the large swing capacity of the lathe. There are many choices as far as good mills and lathes go. Some are far too underpowered to do a good job as you might die of old age before you finish your project!
I have bought two lathes so far that have been great except for their available power but, they still do their intended tasks. I would choose the most powerful motored lathe/mill that you can afford as I have learned my lesson on that.

Post by 8ace

I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to metalworking and information on what is good or bad is almost impossible to find but I’m slowly learning and these sites are quite good for information.

http://www.mini-lathe.com/

http://www.mini-lathe.org.uk/index.shtml

http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/forumdisplay.php?f=3

I looked and the Chester machines. I was looking at the cobra 3-in-1 (good price) but with only a 150w motor it was never going to be up to much. Always go for more than you think you will need (motor power and bed/centre size) as it is nice to have the extra capacity and it always seems to get used eventually.

In the end I went for separate lathe and mill as you can turn,mill,turn without resetting between them. They both have 400w motors and seem to be able to do most jobs apart from turning large diameter stainless (but with different tooling and better cooling it might).

One of the great features I have found on my lathe is variable speed with RPM readout which makes calculating material removal easier (my mill has variable speed but no RPM readout).

Phil_D

Thanks for the info, i ended up buying that one from ebay at £724 delivered. The spindle bore is a bit small and its belt driven but at least the belts will slip if i stall it by being over zealous with the cutting

All i have to do is to make some space for it now
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Post by Phil_D






So can see the size i have balanced a XM177 across it




It was very heavy, i had to use a engine hoist to lift it into postion!

Still got some things to do before its fully operational, there is no tray on the bottom yet to catch the coolant/cutting fluid and i may need to get a stronger cabinet for it to sit on !
yeah i think a steel cabinet is a must!!

It had a shipping weight of 200 kgs and was delivered in a big lorry with a tail lift, the driver used a pallet lift truck to bring it round to the garage.

No, it was bolted to the pallet as-is the only thing i needed to put together was the coolant system and to wipe off some of the protective grease.
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Post by Stinger

Did it come with any tools at all? Also - how expensive is the material yu will be working with?

Post by Phil_D

Yes it came with some carbide tipped tools which chip very easy,
i am used to cobalt steel tools which i re-grind if they get damaged.
Once carbide tipped are damaged there is not much you can do with them.

Next week i will be receiving some indexable tools that have replacable tungsten carbide tips.
According to my friend these are probably the best items.

Material is not expensive as most of it will be off cuts from the above friends fabrication company and also i have collected various metal stock over the years.
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