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Bolton 12x24 Lathe CQ9332
- Thread starter ShagDog
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2018
- Messages
- 7,058
I think John @matthewsx had one. As I recall, it wasn't a happy experience for him, but maybe he'll drop in and speak to it.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2013
- Messages
- 4,088
I have 2 larger cousins 1236 Shenwai SW900B
They are well made machines, made in Taiwan in the same factories as the Bolton, Tida, Kingston, Kent and a hundred different badge names
They are well made machines, made in Taiwan in the same factories as the Bolton, Tida, Kingston, Kent and a hundred different badge names
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2020
- Messages
- 242
Just 'cuz I was curious, I searched H-M and found some negative reviews. Folks mentioned having to swap change gears any time you want to change feeds or thread pitch. One guy called it the lower end of Chinese quality. Multiple people mentioned lack of customer support, and zero spare parts available. This guy here https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/feedback-on-bolton-metal-lathe.77502/post-688336 just said "NEVER buy a Bolton." "Buy anything BUT Bolton." I guess he didn't like it.
But I guess anything could be a good deal if it's cheap enough, and doesn't have any fatal flaws that keep it from working even at a minimal level. Unfortunately it's hard to know that until you start using it.
My Taiwanese 12 x 24 has veen very capable and reliable. '82 vintage, but as with many benchtop sized machines, it was only used by a hobbyist, so wear on it is minimal. So maybe consider an older used machine, made ABC (anywhere but China). Yes I know they have a space program and are capable of making fine machines, but the ones imported into the USA are often "lathe-shaped objects" — as long as you don't look to close.
Here's another guy with that very lathe, also not happy with it. https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/bolton-lathes.19840/post-480277
That's all I got, will stop sticking my nose in it now.
But I guess anything could be a good deal if it's cheap enough, and doesn't have any fatal flaws that keep it from working even at a minimal level. Unfortunately it's hard to know that until you start using it.
My Taiwanese 12 x 24 has veen very capable and reliable. '82 vintage, but as with many benchtop sized machines, it was only used by a hobbyist, so wear on it is minimal. So maybe consider an older used machine, made ABC (anywhere but China). Yes I know they have a space program and are capable of making fine machines, but the ones imported into the USA are often "lathe-shaped objects" — as long as you don't look to close.
Here's another guy with that very lathe, also not happy with it. https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/bolton-lathes.19840/post-480277
That's all I got, will stop sticking my nose in it now.
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2015
- Messages
- 12,446
Bolt. that's my advice
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2019
- Messages
- 7,299
Ask yourself, why is it “barely used”?
How much are they asking?
Reach out to the manufacturer/importer toolots about parts availability. Look at how the chuck is mounted and see if you can figure out how you might mount any other chuck you might want that didn’t come with the machine.
Here’s the manual.
This isn’t the model I owned, I had a 13x40. It taught me a lot about lathes, this one might be a good learning experience for you. Or not….
John
How much are they asking?
Reach out to the manufacturer/importer toolots about parts availability. Look at how the chuck is mounted and see if you can figure out how you might mount any other chuck you might want that didn’t come with the machine.
Here’s the manual.
This isn’t the model I owned, I had a 13x40. It taught me a lot about lathes, this one might be a good learning experience for you. Or not….
John
I went and checked it out. I must say, I was somewhat impressed. It was like new condition. Everything was good and tight. Ran well. Came with a 4 jaw chuck. No bench. I did not want to pay the asking price although I thought it was reasonable. When I went to try to pick-up (lift up) the 4 jaw chuck, I realized that this is too big a lathe for me. I am not getting any younger. The 3 jaw chuck was already on the lathe, and all I could think of is how the heck am I going to get the 3 jaw off and put any chuck back on. I still wanted the lathe but, it would be impractical for me for various reasons. So bottom line is that I did not buy it. I'll stick with something around the size of my 9" South Bends.
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