Thinking of getting the Precision Matthews 11x27 lathe...

They are close. When I purchased, the 1127 came with a number of things that the 1228 did not. QCTP was a big one. Looks like the 4 jaw chuck is also not included. It does have a D1-4 mount, so getting chucks is easier and the added gearbox options are nice. Particularly if they have it set up so that you can switch from thread to feed without gear swaps.

I imagine if you asked them they would install a DRO for a fee. They are generally pretty flexible.
 
Per above, all you need to do is ask and they will do the install. As mentioned, it is not that difficult to install yourself, in particular because there are multiple postings with detailed information. Might review the threads below, also a lot of video postings on the different lathes. The 1228 is a good balance between size and weight, but read what others have posted.
https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/new-pm-1228vf-lb.62688/#post-516537
https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/considering-pm-1228-or-1236-lathes.61206/
https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/pm-1228vf-lb.35363/
https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/pm-1228-vf-lb-lathe-preparations.35255/
https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/pm1228-dro.50974/
 
ttabbal said:
There is some small flex in the compound that makes parting a little bit of an issue. A solid tool post helps a lot there. I part aluminum and 12L14 with the power feed now. I haven't tried parting anything harder.

I really like the 1127 overall. Rigidity is going to be far better than a mini lathe, as well as power. If you don't need the larger work area of a 1236 or similar, or don't have the space, it's a good option. That said, the 1236 preferred package is a lot of machine for the money and it deserves consideration. It also comes with a stand, which can be a bit of cash to buy or build for the smaller machine. It will be a fair bit more rigid as well.

The cross slide DRO scale is a bit annoying to mount. I actually hung it off the back of the machine. The gib adjustment and locks are all right where you want to put the scale. If you have a mill, making the brackets is easy. The longitudinal scale is easy.

As for how useful a DRO is on the lathe, I love it and don't regret installing it at all. I wouldn't say it's as big an issue as on the mill, but the low cost models are worth having in my opinion.
Click to expand...
I found that if I used shorter set screws and a stubby Allen wrench, I could adjust the cross slide gibs with the glass scale in place. E768EB71-CC63-49B1-8FF7-01C191211B34.jpegC76EC479-AEFB-4FFB-A018-E7EEAB1CB307.jpeg
 
I'm leaning towards the 11x27 because it comes with the QCTP and the 4 jaw independent chuck
 
Just ordered the PM-1127VF-LB Lathe

can't wait to get it!

Cost me over $4k total. Ordered the 2-axis DRO installed and an MT3 drill chuck
 
Congratulations! I think you'll like it. Mine has been a great machine to work on.
 
The DRO is on back order, so it'll take awhile. I hope sooner rather than later.

I'm also trying to come up with a bench design to place this lathe and mill on, and I'm no woodworker. Thinking of using 2x4s and 3/4" plywood as the table top
 
Use two pieces of 3/4 plywood, glued and screwed together.
 
Not sure whether to go wood or metal. I am definitely much better with working on metal than wood, plus I can make leveling feet much easier.

But I have to add drawers and wood is much easier to add drawers to.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top