Thread: Need a lathe... Hafco AL-320G?

Originally Posted by SkydivingSteve

Actually, the AL-335 only has 9 spindle speeds from 75-1400rpm were as the others have 18 from 65-1810rpm (better for the small stuff and the larger stuff. So it seems that the AL-336 is the same with a different sheet metal gearbox...? Even more price bashing will need to be done, possible???

I think you'll find they're quite different lathes. Quite different headstock castings. I had a look in the showroom last June I think, just out of curiosity.

The interesting question is, where do the extra speeds come from in the 18 speed models. Is there another gear in the train somewhere, or is there a 2 speed motor? A question worth asking IMO.

PDW

Originally Posted by PDW

It's a PITA cutting metric using an inch leadscrew and vice versa because you can't disengage the half nuts (without taking other precautions that are also a PITA). Not that it can't be done, just it's a PITA - especially on a machine that doesn't have instant reverse via 3 phase motor, or a foot brake or similar.

There is only one plus for an imp leadscrew lathe I can think of. The thread chaser for cutting imp threads has only one gear for the bottom so you dont have to play around with that. Now of course if you're only ever going to be cutting metric threads thats not a huge plus
Rack re-positioning is shorter when cutting metric thread on imp lathe but really........

Originally Posted by PDW

The interesting question is, where do the extra speeds come from in the 18 speed models. Is there another gear in the train somewhere, or is there a 2 speed motor? A question worth asking IMO.

If I recall correctly its 9 speed with a Vee belt change to get the other 9 speed. So it only has a single belt the other lathe has two belts.

Stuart