My thoughts on new small lathes

My thoughts on new small laths, things to consider.

[@piclife1178]

I own a 8x16 Chinese lathe I bought in 2005. At the time it came with a stand, 2 chucks, faceplate and steadies for £560 delivered. It has been well used and abused but still gives excellent service doing all I ask of it. I have made 5 internal combustion model engine on it and while I can see it is not finished to the standard of Myford etc, it is a tool that gets the job done. The hardened ways show no sign at all of any wear even after 16 years. I wanted something I could move on my own. I have considered ML7 over the years. The biggest thing that puts me off is the generally non-hardened beds used on the Myford. Every time I get interested and look around it seems there are so many "paint re-furbished" examples of 50 or more years old that the risk of paying good money for a nice looking machine but with worn out beds seems high. I am not even convinced they are as good as claimed, the only Myford thing I have is a vertical slide which uses a main nut that is just a complete joke, 4mm thick of some white metal that really doesn't seem fit for purpose at all. I am pretty sure, if it wasn't for the Chinese lathes bringing the overall price of lathes down then I would never have been able to afford a small lathe at all.

[@seamusbolton215]

Hi there, excellent video, love the old machines Can I make one suggestion however ? I know these old machines can be picked up for very little money, but sometimes I think this is a false economy If you can pick up a more modern Student / Harrison 300 etc with gear box and modern cam lock head stock and higher speeds for carbide, do buy it Yes you will pay 3-4k, maybe more, but a good one is a pleasure to use and if you take care of it you can use it for 10-15 years and sell it for more than you paid for it (what car or other gadget can you say the same about ?) Thank you again

[@norfolkworkshop3609]

i compleetly agree but theres a big differance between £100 and £3000

[@deedeeindustrialsuperprecision]

I like your videos but, I think you are being too kind to the new mini lathes and such, the new smaller machines I see over here are pretty terrible. Your Colchester is a serious machine. I use an old worn machine like that all the time, you get to know where the "sweet spots" are.