Lathe review AL1000D

Here's my new lathe. It's a 3 phase machine with 40mm bore, 1000mm centres and DRO.

[@chippyjohn1]

Looks like a nice lathe, keep us updated on the good and bad. I have been looking at the CL-460 1000, can't understand why it has anything imperial on it though. Thanks for the upload.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Awesome mate, very nice looking machine, I’m looking forward to seeing this in future videos, ATB Matty

[@LawrenceTimme]

That is quite a beast.

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Thanks mate

[@byrontownsend5742]

Looks great, I like this model. Did you get it from Machinery Warehouse? Is it a common tool post to find that fits on?

[@Mezzmoengineering]

I paid a bit more to upgrade the tool post to a quick change unit. Got it from General Tools but its the same at Machinery warehouse

[@cameronhunt7925]

Hi Thanks for this video. I am thinking seriously about getting the same lathe. Could we have an update on this lathe has been going for you? Thanks Cameron

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Hi Cameron, Its been a great lathe. Accurate and haven't had any issues. Would definitely still recommend it.

[@cameronhunt7925]

Thanks. Brilliant.

[@freighternutnz]

Any thoughts good or bad on it after owning it for a couple of years? I am close to pulling the trigger on the 240volt version.

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Hi Roger, no complaints really. Has been a good lathe. Only thing I would have liked was a 50mm bore instead of 40mm. Not a major but would be useful at times. I wasn't prepared to buy the cheaper chinese unit to get the 50mm bore though

[@freighternutnz]

@@Mezzmoengineering Excellent, thanks for the update. I think that i can also live with the 40mm bore, most of my work is on 32mm bar and below. Considering purchasing the 3 phase version and fitting a VFD to get the metric lead screw on the 3 phase unit. thanks again for your reply.

[@Mezzmoengineering]

@@freighternutnz I think you will be very happy with it....

[@ianmoone2359]

Taiwanese made sounds encouraging compared to the lacking quality of the Chinese products. Can I ask please, if CL stands for centre lathe, and EL stands for Engine Lathe, what does AL stand for?

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Yes, the quality is very good. A comparable chinese lathe was about half the price so I guess you just get what you pay for. Its a centre lathe, I dont know what AL stands for. The "D" means its 3 phase, if it was "C" at the end its 240 volt.

[@mapexlegend]

Hey mate, I'm seriously considering buying this machine. Do you have any long term review points? The good, bad and ugly? Cheers 👍

[@Mezzmoengineering]

ITs a good lathe, recommended. Only thing that would make it better for me would be a 50mm bore instead of 40mm

[@brettnorton817]

I feel that the Comparision between "Chinese made" & "Taiwanese made" is dependeant on the levels of machinery that you buy. I have a AL410 which is far more accurate/quality made than the less expensive models. I also have a mate with a AL1000 in single phase who is currently on his 3rd motor in the 1st 12 months showing that any of this machinery can present problems..........

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Hi Brett, agreed. For the lathe I purchased I just found there was a noticeable difference in quality to the cheaper Chinese version. Quality is only one thing, as you said, reliability is another issue..

[@mattmcloughlin9071]

Do you have any details on you toolpost I have the same lathe and want to upgrade the toolpost

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Hi Matt, Not specifically but its a quick change post that costs around $500; Not sure where you are, but if in Australia try Hare and Forbes or General Tools, they are not hard to find

[@rc9thckunaldeshmukh856]

What is cost of machine

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Hi mate, it cost approx $11,000 AUD

[@joamonirl]

Are you still using this lathe

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Hi mate, lathe has been out of action while I’ve been building my new workshop. I will have it connected and working again soon…

[@joamonirl]

@@Mezzmoengineering Cool. I'm thinking of upgrading to this model. But it's much the same spec as Al-960b. What's it like for cuts over 1mm

[@Mezzmoengineering]

@@joamonirl Its similar but the AL960 is just a bit smaller and around 250kg lighter. The 960 doesn't seem to have a coolant system which can be handy at times. Really depends what you want, the 1000D is just a bit bigger and heavier. I've not had any issues with cut depth. 1mm no problem and no doubt it can handle more depending on the material. Maybe do a "compare" on the lathe website to see all the differences and then decide if the extra cost is worth it or not. Good luck with it, no doubt both are good lathes in terms of quality,.

[@joamonirl]

@Mezzmoengineering yeah the 960 is good. I just find it a little light for decent cuts. Cheers

[@Mezzmoengineering]

@@joamonirl The 1000 can take deeper cuts but if you already have a 960 then its probably not worth upgrading...

[@bigsmoke6189]

these have a far superior build quality to the chinese built machines

[@Mezzmoengineering]

Agree, would definitely recommend this over the Chinese equivalent