After two years trying to decide, finally ready to pull the trigger on a metal lathe.
Thread when I was looking at just getting a small one to just learn:
Feedback on first lathe - 8x14 600W variable speed lathe CJ210A - But you all quickly convinced me to save my money and buy something that I could use for most of the stuff I needed to do. Even though, at the time, I just wanted to get my hands dirty starting with something. It was great feedback, and even if I wanted to start playing, it was worth waiting and using the money for something that I could give it better use.
So at the end of that thread, back in Jan 29, 2020, I had decided on a
Precision Matthews PM-1030V-wQCTP-w/2axDRO.
Since then I have been watching videos, reading, trying to learn how, what, when to use a lathe... I started watching again the videos from recommended by Aaron_W:
Blondihacks Lathe Skills video series and that has answered a few questions I had.
In that previous thread I started to ask about additional tools/accessories I should get with the new lathe... since that thread was for feedback on a smaller lathe, and since I had decided on a Precision Matthews lathe, decided to start a new thread here.
Here is what I have so far on my list to buy:
The lathe, of course. A
Precision Matthews PM-1030V-wQCTP-w/2axDRO - the thing that I keep coming back to is on the DRO option. Is it necessary for a newbie like me? It is an additional US$500.00 and I just want to make sure that it is an added bonus that will get used a lot and worth getting or ??? Or skip it and save the $$$ for more tooling.
Anyway... the list:
- Precision Matthews PM-1030V-wQCTP- (w/2axDRO ??)
- PM-1030V-STAND w/Storage
- AXA Master Turning/Boring Tool Set
- 0-1/2 Ultra Precision Keyless Drill Chuck MT2
- Slim MT-2 Body Live Center
- Spare Back Plate, 5" Diameter, for PM-1030V Lathes - feedback I got, so decided to get one (if they become available by the time I order) :
I have a couple dial indicators, and in the
video from Blondihacks I saw that she had one with a 3D printed base on the lathe ways. I want to make that as well. I do have a cheap 3D printer, but found this video and seems like a great project (to practice using my mill) to make my own base out of aluminum -
Making a Lathe Ways Dial Indicator Holder
Apologies for the long post... So the questions/requests that I have:
1. DRO or not? I do not mind spending the additional 500.00. That is not the issue. I do mind wasting that money if there is really no need for it.
2. Anyone has a photo of a Precision Matthews PM-1030V-wQCTP with the DRO installed? I can't seem to find any photos of that setup.
3. Besides those I already listed, what additional tools should I get to start with?
Anything that I am missing? And I can't go with a larger one... not financially feasible with all the other stuff that I want for my garage. The next size would put me in the over US$5K range... What I have listed above is right around US$3,658.93
Thank you!