which lathe

[Sharq]

i know its like the question how long is a bit of string
but i am looking at the Hafco 336 deluxe
New HAFCO METALMASTER Bench Lathe AL-336D DELUXE for sale: $3,850 AUD - Hare & Forbes MachineryHouse -Centre Metal Lathes (http://www.machines4u.com.au/view/advert/HAFCO-METALMASTER-Bench-Lathe-AL-336D-DELUXE/7044/)

or the SM 1340 from Asset

SM-1340A. Centre Lathe. Steelmaster. 1000mm Centres, 330mm Swing, 38mm Bore.. 2 Axis DRO. - Asset Plant & Machinery (http://www.assetplant.com/epages/shop.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/shop/Products/12-0133)

slightly more for the 1 from asset but made in taiwan vs chinese from H&F
any ideas/preferences

[Dave J]

Hi and welcome to the forum,
The 1340 looks to be a longer version of the 336. Not sure about the 1340 being Taiwanese?
One thing to keep in mind is that with the Aussie dollar being strong a 2 axis DRO can be had for around $450 and a 3 axis at around $550 if you are up to fitting it your self.
They are not hard to fit and there is plenty of pictures and right up's on the internet (and of course here) to show how.

H&F have a sale on this weekend and they have a new lathe out for $5115 with DRO.
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=L560D

They also have the AL340 which is near identical to the 1340 for $4950 with DRO
https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=L179D

I have a 12 x 36 lathe ( similar to the 1236A and the AL335) and am happy with it. I does all I ask of it and a bit more. For only $3000 they are a good machine and leaves you more for tooling.

Dave