Lathe advice please

[ian63]

Hi, first post here but have been a member for some time. I am hoping to buy a lathe soon with a budget of about $2000. I have no real practical machining experience and would prefer to have something that I can use ‘out of the box’ rather than a second hand machine that would require some work. I am based in Sydney and would look to buy something locally in case support is needed at any stage. I am considering the AL-320G from H&F or maybe the TL250V from Titan Machinery.
Does anyone have any comments or suggestions over which one would be better? The intended use would be to eventually make a 5 inch gauge steam locomotive.
Thanks

[Dave J]

Hi Ian,
I would suggest a 12 x 36 lathe and that would last you a life time. Even if you bought one second hand, a lot don't get used much and they have hardened ways unlike the older lathes like Hercus.
A few things that would steer me away from the 320G would be the bolt on chuck by (Instead of the D1-4 of the 12x36 inch lathes) the thread range only has 11 metric and 27 imperial compared to 30 odd of both with the 12x36 and the steadies are tiny compared to the 12x36 lathes.
There are other things like the gap bed, the1hp motor instead of 2hp and the metric lead screw which I find is confusing and you need to change gears on the thread dial for different threads as well.

If you could stretch it, the Gasweld Toolex lathe is on a special at the moment without a stand for $2895. If you where interested in going this way I might be able to get you a deal either with or without stand as I know the manager up here and I just got another member one for a good price.
https://www.gasweld.com.au/products/580713
You may have already read it, but if you haven't here is the link to the thread we where talking about it and it's better quality and features over the H&F's one.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/cq6230a-12x36-lathe-132768/
Dave

[Greg Q]

I can't comment either way except for a general dislike of H & F. But, reading the Titan blurb for their lathe there is no mention of power feeds on the model you cited.

Greg

[ian63]

Thanks for the replies.

Dave, Something to think about there. Unfortunately that may be a bit out of my price range, especially as i would need a stand as well. Depends on how negotiable the price is. I may give them a call tomorrow.

Ian

[Dave J]

Hi Ian,
The other guys inquiring about these lathes down around Sydney never had much luck and some said the store guys where arrogant, so I spoke to the Newcastle store as I know the manager and they they own a franchise down in Sydney as well.
I am not sure, but I think it was $2950 I got the last one with stand for another member, just check that other thread for the price.
The Gasweld lathe is a better fit and finish over the H&F's one..

Dave

[rogerbaker]

Often overlooked when people are budgeting for lathes, mills etc is making a considerable allowance for the tooling you will need to go with the machine.
Lathe tools, drill bits etc can add up to hundreds if not thousands of dollars

Roger

[Sparkiekosten]

Sorry to bring up an old threads let alone hijack it but I am looking for a lathe as well and was looking at either the Titan TL250V, Hafco Metalmaster AL320G or should I go for a Titan 330A or Hafco Metalmaster AL335 or AL336.
I have the room for a bigger lathe however I also will need to get a mill( at some stage) and a benchsaw, bandsaw, woodlathe, router table,drill press, sandblasting cabinet...........Sorry, I got ahead of myself :U

I really like the Titan range of lathes however I cannot seem to find to many people who have one. This makes it hard to find out if they are any good.
Hafco metalmaster seems to be more common.
If anyone knows of threads or places to find out more about them I would really appreciate a few links about them.
As for what I need it for lets just call it my retirement package:wink::wink:
I really like all the info out there about the 9 X 20 lathes and all the improvements I could do to it. However which of the 9 X 20 lathes is considered a good unit?
I know the AL335 ,AL336 and the 330A are a bigger lathe but is it worth the extra money.
Also I saw a thread for a Gas Mob? who sell lathes?
Would they consider shipping one to Bundy QLD?

[RayG]

Hi Sparkiekosten,

Size depends on what sort of work you want to do.

You'll see the same lathes over and over with different branding, some subtle differences, they are made in any number of factories in China and Taiwan... even the exact same model from the same retailer can come from different factories.

So they vary quite a bit in quality and finish.

With all that in mind.. my advice (for what it's worth :) ) get one with a DRO, and a QCTP.

The one you mentioned the TL250V, looks about the same as the AL60 or Sieg C6

Regards
Ray

[wheelinround]

All ears as its stirring more interest the in put is terrific.
That Titan series looks impressive


So back up is one thing worth looking hard at i know at H&F I would have no problem, I have also had good dealings with Gasweld at Penrith.

I'd like to view he Titan range but where?

Ray

[Sparkiekosten]

Thanks for the speedy replies:2tsup:
I just finished watching the vids on the titan range of machines.
Titan Machinery - VIDEOS 123 (http://titanmachinery.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=238)

they seem like a good bit of kit to me but maybe someone more knowledgeable than me can shed more light on the subject.
The lathe Big Shed has seems alright and very similar to the Titan TL250v.
I wish I could find someone who has a Titan Lathe so I can get some feedback.

[matthew_g]

If you could stretch your budget I would be looking more towards the AL355 or AL366. I believe that you would be much happier in the long run. The model numbers can also be found in different brands if you are not happy with H/F for much the same price, A quick search on the bay will no doubt bring up a list of secondhand machines with the same model numbers.
Just rushing out and buying the first lathe avaliable in your first budget is sure to dissapoint further down the road. If you could wait a few more weeks and throw another $700-$800 at it I genuinly believe you will be a much happier machinest for it.
Matt

[Sparkiekosten]

If you could stretch your budget I would be looking more towards the AL355 or AL366. I believe that you would be much happier in the long run. The model numbers can also be found in different brands if you are not happy with H/F for much the same price, A quick search on the bay will no doubt bring up a list of secondhand machines with the same model numbers.
Just rushing out and buying the first lathe avaliable in your first budget is sure to dissapoint further down the road. If you could wait a few more weeks and throw another $700-$800 at it I genuinly believe you will be a much happier machinest for it.
Matt

Just so happens I know of those two lathes for sale locally.:whistling:
I am just waiting for a price on them to see if it is a good deal.
I know I am making little sense with all these different lathes I am looking at but I covering all my bases at the moment.
I have seen the AL355 and AL366 up close and they are a big lathe for the money.
I can stretch my budget that far only in a few more weeks though. :(
I am waiting for an answer from Titan Machines as well on their TL 330A and their TL 250V.

[matthew_g]

I have an AL340 and at the time of purchase I was kinda umming and ahring over the 366 and mine the AL340G, Thinking the 340 was a bit bigger than I needed, But I'm glad I waited a few weeks and went for the bigger as I couldn't live without it now days..

[Sparkiekosten]

Here is the deal.
$3350 cash will buy me a new AL336 lathe.It has been sitting on display for about two years however. Build 09. No rust on the beds or chuck :D
I think it is a good deal as getting one from Hare and Forbes Brissie will set me back $3560.00 landed at home.
I have the means to pick it up and get it home with a crane truck.
Also there is a AL 335 sitting there available for $ 3050 cash
I cannot find anything bad written about the AL336 anywhere so I will assume it is a good Lathe.
I realise DRO and QCTP would be good but it will have to be an add on at a later date.
Anyone who owns a AL336 willing to comment about it,s features and or problems?

[wiffis]

Just so happens I know of those two lathes for sale locally.:whistling:
I am just waiting for a price on them to see if it is a good deal.
I know I am making little sense with all these different lathes I am looking at but I covering all my bases at the moment.
I have seen the AL355 and AL366 up close and they are a big lathe for the money.
I can stretch my budget that far only in a few more weeks though. :(
I am waiting for an answer from Titan Machines as well on their TL 330A and their TL 250V.
Sparkiekosten could you please tell me where in bundy you found the lathes as i am looking as well and would rather not go to brizzy.

[Pete F]

One caveat I'd suggest is to buy the size lathe you feel you will need. I think a lot of people get seduced by the "bigger is better" syndrome, and while all other things being equal that's typically true, there is more to the story. Imagine, for example, that you have a desire to build clocks, doing so on a 12" lathe would be cumbersome and difficult. What many people also fail to consider is that generally speaking, the larger the lathe, the exponentially more expensive the tooling for it. It can be quite disappointing to stretch to buy a larger machine, only to then discover that instead of fitting an AXA QCTP (clones are common and cheap), you're needing a BXA or even CXA, so every time you need more holders you're paying many times more for them than you would have if they were only AXA. Just an example to consider.

Pete

[Dave J]

Sparkiekosten could you please tell me where in bundy you found the lathes as i am looking as well and would rather not go to brizzy.

Hi, and welcome to the forum.:2tsup:
He also has another thread about installing the lathe if your interested.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/my-new-al336-lathe-139256/

Dave

[Sparkiekosten]

Sparkiekosten could you please tell me where in bundy you found the lathes as i am looking as well and would rather not go to brizzy.

Old man Schultz @ Semco sales just next to the Airport.
Just be very patient when you see him. He is getting very old.

[wiffis]

Old man Schultz @ Semco sales just next to the Airport.
Just be very patient when you see him. He is getting very old.
Cheers for that i will check it out thank you.