Warco WM180 REVIEW 3 Months ON

This Warco WM180 review is based on my experience over the first 3 months of use. I'll share with you faults I've had on the lathe, modifications I've done and the pros and cons of this lathe. Overall the WM180 is a good lathe for anyone trying to get into machining but let my video aid you in your decision.

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Hopefully this video will help you in deciding if this lathe is for you. This is my honest review of the lathe 3 months into owning it. 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@ade63dug]

Hi Joe. just came across your video. since changing the motor maybe two years ago I have had no further issues . If it does go again I will be going to a three phase with inverter. I can see your tool post handle is facing towards the machine . Maybe try skimming a few thou off the thickness of the washer to bring it around towards you and out of the way . Moving forward think about a qctp as it will improve the usability no end. Keep enjoying what you are doing . Cheers Ade.

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Hi Ade thanks for the comment. Yeah a quick change tool post is definitely something I’m going to have to make for the lathe will help a lot. Have watched many of you videos and they have helped massively as I’ve only just started getting into machining so this is just the start for me hopefully.

[@adampenney2028]

Very Informative great work Joe Dog.

[@Mystereed0]

Great follow up Joe, appreciate the honesty. The new handles are great, it would be a good project to make a ball turning jig and mount some brass or aluminium knobs. I'd be interested to hear where you get your stock from, most lathe videos are from across the pond so their sources are unavailable. Really enjoying the content.

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Hi Sam really glad your enjoying my content hope it’s helping keeping you motivated until you can get a lathe. So I get most my stock from this eBay shop they have been good so far quick delivery and good prices. www.ebaystores.co.uk/steelcitygav

[@Mystereed0]

@@MachiningwithJoe Fantastic, thanks for the recommendation, I'll be having a browse today.

[@Festivejelly]

Think they sell them with brushless motors now. As well as some other minor changes. Its good they are improving on some issues. The DRO strip locations are daft though with the DRO they shipped with my lathe.

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Yeah a brushless motor is something the lathe has always been missing. So great to see they are improving.

[@argentdiary3483]

Great review. Very well presented. I think the length of the toolpost lever might be a little long? There's a huge amount of leverage acting on what in the grand scheme of things is quite a small stud? I should imagine it would be pretty easy to strip the thread or snap the stud? I seem to remember that the original Warco lever is less than half the length of yours?

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Yeah I am thinking after I’ve used this now I am thinking of shortening it slightly. Glad you enjoyed the review hopefully I have more useful content for yourself.

[@HM-Projects]

Good video. You may be able to get glass scales and a DRO for less than 150 quid on eBay.

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Hi BR I have a dro fitted on the lathe now and it’s great a well worth upgrade.

[@intheshed77a]

If you remove 0.75mm from the underside of your tool post handle nut or just make a new replacement for the original washer you’ll find it’s a much better position and keeps the tool post handle clear of your Chuck/work 👍🏼

[@MachiningwithJoe]

Thank you for the advise I have some 25mm brass stock I’ll make a washer out of that 👍

[@stewartross1233]

I was looking to get a 180 or a 250 but this appears to be a piece of junk!

[@MachiningwithJoe]

I wouldn’t say a piece of junk Stewart. Yes it’s had a couple of faults but generally this seems like a great beginner mini lathe for anyone like myself looking at getting into machining.