I suppose the hunt can be frustrating. I have a 10” Logan, forget the number, but it has all the basics, QCGB, AXA tool post, lots of holders and tools. I added iGaging readouts to X and Z, etc. The bearing are amazing...just the weight of a small chuck key will rotate the spindle. But I work with steel more now, and it struggles with more than maybe 25 thou cut.
I thought about new, looked at all the choices, seemed to me they were all the same lathe with different branding and market positioning strategies. The convenience would be great, delivered to my door, lots of accessories,
I have been watching CL for Sacramento, Gold Country and San Francisco, and there is a new listing every couple of days it seems. Recently I saw a Takisawa TSL-800D listed...I had researched that lathe a year or so ago when one came up by surprise locally, and liked it a lot. I watched for a few days, and when it was still listed I had to call. The seller was closing a machine shop after 38 years, and had purchased this new. It was almost 200 miles away, but he was close to a small airport so I went to see it. It was really in excellent condition, “runs like new” as the seller said. But, seemed a bit pricey, and the agony of moving it turned me off.
Then I spent a few days pleased that I resisted. But you know what happened...called him back, renegotiated price and accessories, and agreed on a price. I rented a really cool little hydraulic trailer that squatted right down flat, and picked it up pretty easily for a 2500 pound lump. Other than unloading in the dark and a rainstorm, it went pretty well.
I think my current lathe is going to a friend tomorrow so I hope to get the shop back in business by Saturday. It takes a major rearranging, which was much needed anyway. For the record, the Takisawa, with only a 3 jaw, collet closer, steady rest, couple of chucks, centers, Aloris CXA toolpost and a couple tool holders and a tray of random tools...and also a 8 station turret (don’t know if I’ll ever use this) went for $3250. My Logan is going with a pretty complete set of insert tooling is going for $1200 supposedly.
The Takisawa with no wiring or plug changes started right up on my phase converter.
Anyway, i’m satisfied. Now to add a DRO and a 4 jaw...it needs an A1-5. I’m thinking DRO Pro magnetic. Anybody have an extra chuck?