Hi Everyone,
New to the site and like many others here, a new guy to machining. I am looking to purchase both a lathe and mill and have basically narrowed it down the the PM brand, but still have some uncertainty about what models to go with and would like some educated feedback. I have read up and down about China vs. Taiwan so I get that Taiwan is better, but I have a limited budget and am wondering if I should give up something in one area to gain in another. I also understand that I could look at used equipment, but to be honest, I would rather buy new, even if I have to do a little work to make it right. I like warranties.
My main use will be gunsmithing for myself and maybe helping some friends along with some odds and ends. I am sure I will try some little projects I have seen online just because I like to make things with my own two hands.
So far I have priced out a PM1340Gt along with a 727M mill. In the quote I upgraded to a 3 phase motor with VFD on the lathe and DRO's on both. I then started to look at the 1440 series and wondered if I may not be better off to go with one of those and get a 932M with power down feed since the lathes are a bit cheaper. I don't even know if I need power down feed, but it sounds useful .
I realize the 1340 is made in Taiwan and I know it is better quality, but for a home shop where I may use it 5-10 times a month, is it worth the extra money over the others. I like the idea of variable speed which is the reason I added a VFD, but I really don't think it is a deal killer for me. I know I can get the 1440BV if I want variable speed. The 1440's also come with QCTP's so that saves a bit more.
At this point, I am thinking I may go with the 1440E-LB that has the DRO included and the 932M PDF and add a DRO. Cost is comparible to the 1340GT with the 727m. Am I missing something where one combo is better than another. I can't afford a 1340GT and 932M both, so something has to give. I even priced the 1236 which is probably enough lathe for me, but at the price of the 1440E-LB, I don't see why not to spend a few extra dollars for it if I go with a chinese machine.
Also, one thing I am not sure about is how limited would I be if I don't have up to 112 TPI threading. How often do you normally go over 60TPI like on the 1440?
Thanks in advance.
New to the site and like many others here, a new guy to machining. I am looking to purchase both a lathe and mill and have basically narrowed it down the the PM brand, but still have some uncertainty about what models to go with and would like some educated feedback. I have read up and down about China vs. Taiwan so I get that Taiwan is better, but I have a limited budget and am wondering if I should give up something in one area to gain in another. I also understand that I could look at used equipment, but to be honest, I would rather buy new, even if I have to do a little work to make it right. I like warranties.
My main use will be gunsmithing for myself and maybe helping some friends along with some odds and ends. I am sure I will try some little projects I have seen online just because I like to make things with my own two hands.
So far I have priced out a PM1340Gt along with a 727M mill. In the quote I upgraded to a 3 phase motor with VFD on the lathe and DRO's on both. I then started to look at the 1440 series and wondered if I may not be better off to go with one of those and get a 932M with power down feed since the lathes are a bit cheaper. I don't even know if I need power down feed, but it sounds useful .
I realize the 1340 is made in Taiwan and I know it is better quality, but for a home shop where I may use it 5-10 times a month, is it worth the extra money over the others. I like the idea of variable speed which is the reason I added a VFD, but I really don't think it is a deal killer for me. I know I can get the 1440BV if I want variable speed. The 1440's also come with QCTP's so that saves a bit more.
At this point, I am thinking I may go with the 1440E-LB that has the DRO included and the 932M PDF and add a DRO. Cost is comparible to the 1340GT with the 727m. Am I missing something where one combo is better than another. I can't afford a 1340GT and 932M both, so something has to give. I even priced the 1236 which is probably enough lathe for me, but at the price of the 1440E-LB, I don't see why not to spend a few extra dollars for it if I go with a chinese machine.
Also, one thing I am not sure about is how limited would I be if I don't have up to 112 TPI threading. How often do you normally go over 60TPI like on the 1440?
Thanks in advance.
Last edited: