Which Lathe Would You Suggest?

Well after a long search I am really close - the RML / ERL fell by the wayside because I just could not see one, so that was a deal breaker.

Considered a Gosan, but again only dealer was 2000km away, so that made it hard BUT the guys at Modern Tools Melbourne are fantastic and I would certainly deal with them if only I was closer.

Ruled out a Hwacheon on the basis of price - looks like a great machine, so back with the Colchester as being a great machine and 600Machinery have good price coupled with a commitment to facilitate set up, onsite training and support which will make the transition a smoother event. So we are looking at the Colchester Triumph 2000, which has a 54mm spindle bore, 400mm swing over bed and 1250mm between centres.
16 speed manual lathe with a DRO and other goodies.

So now the selection process is drawing to a close - one way or the other I will make a commitment with dollars tomorrow. Good to sleep on things.

Cheers


mal
 
All these machines would be be high quality, so I would say they are all great choices providing they address your work envelope. Local support is also significant. I still would give some consideration to the ERL/RML series, one of the forum members purchased the ERL-1340 and it looks mighty fine. He posted some videos on it operating and it is a very smooth machine. May be worth PM him if you have an interest/questions. Unfortunately it is not always possible to get your hands on the exact machine you want to purchase, I just did that with an LMV-42 mill based on reviews and discussions with other machinists. The fit and finish, function exceeded my expectations.
ERL-1340 post: http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/erl-1340.39331/page-4#post-413105
Mark
 
Yes the video clips are a treat.
I was interested in the RML machine however I was unable to actually see one and I have been caught before - machines that look good in a picture disappoint when seen in the flesh/metal.

With the Colchester I have been able to run the machine at a wide range of speeds and I like the benefits of things like pressure lubricated headstock bearings, including replaceable spin on oil filter. I would have liked a slightly shorter machine, so I could avoid the necessity of relocating my milling machine.

I am just measuring the shed today and testing my plans against reality to make sure I don't find myself up a creek without a paddle.

Thanks for your input.

Mal
 
Well been in touch with my supplier this morning - things are looking promising. I can get a shorter bed version which will give me 650mm between centres - rather than 1250mm. So the lathe drops back to an overall length of 2 meters of floor space rather than 2.7 meters. Big difference in size and I still get my 54mm spindle bore and my high quality 16 speed geared headstock and so forth. A few more hurdles to jump, but things are looking good.


Mal
 
OK - the deal is done. I have ordered a Colchester Triumph 2000 with the short bed option of 650mm.

Now it is time to rearrange the workshop and settle down for delivery which will be about 8 weeks away.

Thanks to all who have contributed.

Mal
 
malmac said:
OK - the deal is done. I have ordered a Colchester Triumph 2000 with the short bed option of 650mm.
Now it is time to rearrange the workshop and settle down for delivery which will be about 8 weeks away.
Thanks to all who have contributed.
Mal
Click to expand...

Congrats and Good Luck with the purchase! I'm certain you'll be enjoying the time, making the chips fly in the near future....
 
Congratulations . I believe you made a good choice. We have a 15x50 Colchester at work bought new in 1995 and its been an absolutely outstanding machine. In 20+ years the only mechanical failure was a round-cord oil pump "brammer?" belt. Twice. Seems chips can work their way near it under the end cover and shreds. As others mentioned parts are a phone call away but OMG - " Would you like that with lube or without Sir?"
At home I have a baby '79 Colchester 11x30 geared head and its also been a great machine.
 
Thank you for your response. For a machinist, it is like waiting for the new baby to arrive. I am already preparing the nursery (workshop in our language) and doing a bit of a stocktake on what new tooling I will need. Though yesterday I was on the old lathe turning up some parts which formed part of a bracket - and imagining how much better the new lathe will perform - I have no chuck guard on the old lathe so tend to come in covered in chips. Yes all very exciting. The projects are already jockeying for a good position on the to do list.

Cheers


mal
 
Yup I remember "machine delivery and moving" day for each of my machines very well and its super exciting for sure!! Other than a foot brake and geared head which are standard features on your machine, one of the most useful (almost mandatory) accessories in my view is a good quick change tool post. I change tools back and forth so often I couldn't imagine working without one. The DRO I added is nice but nowhere near the utility vs cost ratio. Throw some photos up when you get it. Be sure to take lots of the unload process too. I love seeing that stuff.
 
No worries - will have the camera running. The lathe ordered has a quick change tool post - not had one before so that will be a treat - and to tell the truth the whole lathe will be a treat. Big step up for this little black duck.

Thanks for sharing my excitement.

Mal
 
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