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

[Titanium Knurler]

Here a drawing I had made for a steel plate I used for my PM 1236-T:

 

[davidpbest]

Greetings All,

Speaking of the PM-1236T lathe, i will be receiving mine soon and will need to build a sturdy metal bench for it. Does anyone have plans (hole placement, width, length, etc.) they would be willing to share?

You might want to check out the stand I designed for my PM1340 - click here. At that link, you'll find detailed plans and photos of the build. It has proven to be a terrific stand and I really like having the lathe on a C-channel so the chip plan can be removed. Photo:

It's also been copied by another member here ( ahazi )with some size modifications to employ a HF tool chest which is readily available. You might want to DM Arial about his stand too. He did a great job.

There are a few advantages of the stand I designed:

• you can put drawer storage below the chip pan which is a hell of a lot more convenient than a door with shelves behind.
• the lathe bed can be leveled with you standing upright on your two feet instead of wallowing around on the floor.
• the chip pan is removable for cleanup.
• it has space for a medium-sized electronics enclosure for VFD and other controls, for coolant system, DRO mounting, etc.
• it has provisions for a tool rack on the back and two swing-away lift-off trays for common tools.
• it sits off the floor just enough to be able to get a pallet jack under the whole affair.
• total cost for the materials was under $400, but you have to be able to weld and paint.

More on my overall lathe build was covered in this thread. Good luck with your new lathe.

 

[Baja_Dude]

Thank you all for the drawings and photos, they are outstanding!

 

[Baja_Dude]

Titanium, what is the 4 inch hole in the drawings used for?
Also, the drawing indicates 2 additional holes next to the 3/4 inch holes on the tail stock end; what are those used for?

I thank you in advance.

 

[Dhal22]

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..

Chuck, did you ever upgrade?

 

[Baja_Dude]

Dhal22, i have not yet received the lathe; will keep you posted when it arrives!
You are correct though, the Taiwanese machines consistently get much higher marks than the Chinese models.
Which was one of the factors i used in deciding to go with the 'T' model (at PM, the 'T' in the model name means Taiwan).

 

[Titanium Knurler]

Baja, the four inch hole is for the drain in the drip pan. The additional holes on the Tailstock end are for fine thread bolts I use to straighten the ways. I am pretty sure I described my goofy system in my thread on setting up the lathe. If you can’t find info in the thread let me know.

 

[Baja_Dude]

Thanks Titanium!