PM-1236-T 12″x36″ Ultra Precision Lathe-Good Machine?

[Titanium Knurler]

Navav2002, my 1236-T is cleaned-up but still on the pallet so not much to report yet. Gman has been up and running for a while with his new 1236-T so he is a much better source of information at the moment. I will keep you posted.

 

[wrmiller]

So how is the 1236t?? Can you give us any feedback at this point?? I am dreaming of upgrading my current 9x20 lathe. I've basically decided on either the 1236 w/preffered package or 1236t. There is a Whole Lotta bang for your buck with the standard 1236 coupled with the preffered package. It's probably the most logical choice for my needs but deep down I really want a Tiawanese machine. Of course my dream lathe would be the 1340gt, but I don't need the added capacity nor the hardened gears (ie: can't afford it). That's what makes the 1236t so attractive, it's basically my dream lathe but more within reach.

Oh well, it's all a dream right now anyway but hope I can upgrade someday..

The 1236t is basically the same as a 1340GT, just in a (slightly) smaller package and without the hardened gears in the headstock. Had this lathe been available when I was shopping for a lathe, I may have gotten this one instead of my 1340GT. What I do is not hard on my machines, and much of my lathe work could be done on your 9x20.

But the difference in quality between my old chinese lathe and the 1340GT is day and night. With proper care that 1236T should last you a long time, if you can swing it (pun intended).

 

[gman10259]

Well so far it has been a positive experience with the PM 1236-T compared to the negative one I had with the Weiss WBL290F.
All the hand wheels turn smoothly. Shifting speed selector gears on the head stock are also smooth as is switching between the feed power rod and lead screw. The clumsiest feature on the lathe is moving to different feed rates with the Norton style gearbox levers. I wind up using both hands to slide the lever over to the position I want. It slides smoothly but I cant seem to master it with one hand. I've been turning on some one inch steel stock right now. Playing around with speeds and feeds with carbide inserts. I had purchased an AXA QCTP when I purchased the Weiss lathe so I put that on the 1236-T for now. Have two minor issues with the lathe. The sheave (pulley) on the motor is defective and full of rust and the drive belt rubbed upside the electrical cable for the end gear cover safety switch. Both items are being replaced by PM. I like that the head stock and end gear cover plates are cast iron vice aluminum or sheet metal. For a small lathe it is robust and looks to be well built and power seems to be there when making heavier cuts.

 

[gman10259]

I also found the lathe bed had a slight twist from the head stock to tail stock. I had to shim the left side of the bed on the tail stock end 25 thousandths.

 

[wildo]

I had purchased an AXA QCTP when I purchased the Weiss lathe so I put that on the 1236-T for now.

Really pumped to finally find some reviews of this lathe. I asked about this lathe probably a year ago, and while Matt did give some good feedback, there just wasn't anyone to provide a user review. Well I wasn't able to come up with the $$$ needed at that time and am once again considering this lathe. I have two questions which looks like you can easily answer:

1. I can't find the specification for the center height on the 1236T. Center height is the vertical distance from the top of the compound rest to the centerline of the lathe. I already have a sizable investment in my AXA setup for my SB 9a and am wondering if you have had no issues with using the AXA size QCTP on the 1236T? For the small, detailed work I do, I would prefer to not invest in BXA stuff.
2. I'm pretty confident in my steel benchwork, and even recognize that this lathe is actually intended for bench mounting (unless the stand is ordered). I see that your lathe is sitting in the middle of the span of your bench. I have read that long bench spans can allow vibrations to effect surface finish. Given that this is a heavy 850 lb machine- are you having any issues with surface finish with the machine bench mounted across a wide span like that?

Thanks!
[EDIT]- by chance do you have any videos on youtube of using the lathe?

 

[Titanium Knurler]

Hi Wildo, I recently ordered a 1236-T. It is uncovered but still sitting on the pallet. I would be happy to measure the distance between the compound and the centerline for you tomorrow. I ordered and installed the BXA setup and sent some photos to Matt to ask if it was done correctly. It was VERY easy to install. I will attach the photos I sent to Matt.

BTW, I ordered the PM bench and will post some info on the bench and lathe when I am able. So far very happy with both.

Mike

 

[john.oliver35]

There are some nice looking finishes on the parts of the lathe shown in your pictures. I am looking forward to hearing about the chips!

 

[gman10259]

I haven't had any issues using the AXA QCTP and it's tool holders with the 1236-T.

 

[Titanium Knurler]

Wildo, is this the measurement you are after?

 

[wildo]

Wildo, is this the measurement you are after?

Yep! Looks like it's a bit over 1.1875" if I'm reading that correct. Thanks!