Re: ATM Help! What Metal Lathe Size?

[Andy Saulietis <iss@pvtnetworks.net>]

David writes,

>I need the help of the list to determine what size Metal Lathe would be a 
>good choice for building scopes.  The size might range from 6" to 18" 
>diameter scopes.  What sizes and makes do you ATM'ers have out there.  What 
>are the pro's and con's of what you own or have used in the past? I'll take 
>any advice you have before I go and buy one and find out it's to big or not 
>big enough.

I currently have an *old* 10" South Bend which works great
but is a bit on the small size for some of the things I do.

I'll probably get a 14" Harbor frt lathe that has ~3 HP,
single phase, with R-8 spingle & 20" gap bed. These
cost ~2600 + tooling & are Chinese made but fairly good quality
for the price. They also do metric threads.

Of course, if I find a *better* used quality lathe (Hardinge etc)
I'd rather have that...:)


Andy Saulietis
ISS Enterprises
39 Silver Fox Trail
Mayhill NM 88339
505-687-3067 voice
505-687-3021 fax, call voice or e-mail to set up
e-mail: iss@pvtnetworks.net