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Thread: metal lathe for wheel spacers
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5th August 2013, 06:32 PM #1Senior Member
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metal lathe for wheel spacers
hey guys looking to buy a mini metal lathe just to machine some wheel spacers for a motor bike project the spacers will vary up to anything around 50mm long, 50mm wide, 20mm hole thru the center
im looking at this german lathe Qantum D140X250 Vario Mini Lathe German Quality | eBay
or would a chinese C1 be better? i see the C1 sieg lathe has a duty cycle does the german lathe?
also would i be able to machine the maximum size round billet in steel on either lathe?
looking at buying the lathe tomorrow night or wednesday so any help appreciated even if someone can provide shop links im located in sydney can travel up or down the coast for pick up
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5th August 2013, 08:44 PM #2Mechanical Butcher
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Generally, when it comes to machine tools, bigger and heavier is better so the Seig wins on that score, being twice the weight.
But the Qantum has a comparatively huge motor, a big plus.
You could contact the seller, to read the label on the motor for the duty cycle.
Any lathe is better than no lathe, and either one ot these should be OK for making the spacers you want, and more besides.
All things equal, I'd rather the German over the Chinese.
Just to mention, for similar money you could buy a good used Hercus 9 inch lathe, and have serious swarf-making ability.
Jordan
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5th August 2013, 11:25 PM #3Intermediate Member
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The Quantum D140 x 250 specs list a tailstock travel of 30mm.
This could make it quite difficult to drill a hole through a 50mm long spacer.
If you then want to bore it to finished size, that could present quite a challenge on such a small light lathe.
Just something to be aware of.
Cheers,
Alan
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6th August 2013, 02:08 AM #4
Don't for a minute believe this a German lathe!
"Germany Quality" is a Chinese expression, not a "Made in Germany" label.
I understand there is a company called "German" in China that makes bearings - for the express purpose of truthfully being able to lable machine to have "German bearings".... go figure.....Cheers,
Joe
9"thicknesser/planer, 12" bench saw, 2Hp Dusty, 5/8" Drill press, 10" Makita drop saw, 2Hp Makita outer, the usual power tools and carpentry hand tools...
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6th August 2013, 02:26 AM #5
Hi Gazza,
Looks a bit small for the type of work you are considering, for that sort of money ( or maybe not too much more ) you could get a lot more capacity and power
Some idea's Here's a C3 for similar money Sieg C3 14"X7" 350x180mm Variable Speed Metal Lathe W Auto Feed Speed DRO | eBay although I'd say that's still way too small to be useful for general work.
Staying with just new stuff... the AL50 L157 | AL-50GA Bench Lathe | machineryhouse.com.au would be about as small as you'd really want to go.
Sooner or later, you'll be wanting a bigger machine. There are plenty of quality second hand bargains to be had if you are patient.
Regards
Ray
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6th August 2013, 02:39 AM #6
I got curious and did some checking of the German on-line literature on Quantum and Optimum Machines, Germany.
The company is indeed a German company. I was wrong
Hower, the translation of the relevant "About us" page on their German website about manufacture is:
"Manufacture:There you go, German quality but Made in China, you always learn something new on this forum
Since 2003 OPTIMUM produces some of its metal processing machinery in its own factory in Yangzhou, China, with German production manager and quality manager. Development, construction and quality management will remain decidedly in Germany."Cheers,
Joe
9"thicknesser/planer, 12" bench saw, 2Hp Dusty, 5/8" Drill press, 10" Makita drop saw, 2Hp Makita outer, the usual power tools and carpentry hand tools...
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6th August 2013, 09:35 AM #7Member
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Yep always be wary of later made German stuff. They do not have the same labeling requirements we have. I remember a dealer in Sydney who was selling a big lathe made in china with a very German name, turns out the German company had got involved and what sold here for $80,000 sold in Germany for $250,000. This was pre Internet days and in Marks.
so the quality can be better but the Chinese being the Chinese learnt very quickly Germanic names sell.
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6th August 2013, 09:45 AM #8Mechanical Butcher
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Not a big problem, surely? Just drill as far as the tailstock quill can go, then wind it back and reposition tailstock to keep on drilling.
Quite right that big is beautiful, if you have room for it. A smaller lathe can take longer but will do the job. As entry level machines, these are very portable so easy to upscale later if desired.
Jordan
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6th August 2013, 10:32 AM #9
Gazza,
my personal opinion only, I think both those lathes are too small for what you want.
I looked at the C1 a few years ago as a hobbyist lathe and decided it was too small for me. Instead I bought the C3 that Ray linked to.
I made up some small aluminium rings last week with a 19mm bore from a cheapy 19mm chinese drill bit. The C3 handled them OK, but I had to regrind the drill as it was rubbing too much (serves me right to buy cheap rubbish). I think with care a lathe the size of the C3 would be OK for what you want but do buy decent (!) accessories to go with it, especially if you intend to turn steel, not just non-ferrous. This can be a little difficult as the lathe tool bits need to be small to suit the lathe and aren't as common as "standard" sized stuff.
That being said, a mate of mine bought one of these from Hare and Forbes and given the space (which I didn't have at the time) I think they are better value for money for small and flexible types of work. I would personally go for one as an upgrade in the future.
Regards
SWK
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6th August 2013, 12:30 PM #10
It's not just the Chinese, I am fairly sure maccas owns brand names called 100% Australian beef and 100% Australian chicken. So when they say that there beef patties are 100% ausy beef they are not lying, even if the beef comes from o/s.
As far as the lathes go, I think you will find them too small, the cuts you will be able to make will be tiny. If you were making 1:100 train models in brass and ally they might be fperfect, but not for steel work. Look for a second hand hercus, mars (no bias there) or similar. Or go for the 50g that Ray linked, although I would still consider it too small. You will be happier in the long run.
Cheers,
Ew1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.
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6th August 2013, 01:39 PM #11SENIOR MEMBER
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This is on the NSW coast - would easily do it
Metal Lathe combination Milling machine | Power Tools | Gumtree Australia Port Macquarie City - Laurieton
Not everyone likes em, but would be much better than what your looking at.
Rob
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6th August 2013, 02:43 PM #12Senior Member
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i found an old Demco lathe its a medium size lathe and the guy said will need 3 blokes to lift, i tried calling the seller but his not available at the moment
will a lathe survive being outdoors under a canvas tarp? its pretty decent size and i only have a small 3x3m shed thats packed as it is
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6th August 2013, 04:39 PM #13Mechanical Butcher
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Storage outdoors is a negative.
Have you investigated Hercus 9 inch or 10 inch lathes?
The 10", called a 260, is usually available as a metric machine.
Accessories for these are fairly easy to find.
Transport is pretty easy too, if you do a partial dismantle.
One person can move one with no extra assistance if needs be.
Many have 3 phase motors, which could be an issue - more $$$ to change it.
Jordan
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6th August 2013, 05:29 PM #14SENIOR MEMBER
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$350 for the Demco is peanuts. I saw that on Gumtree but didn't mention it.
At that price I wouldn't feel bad about leaving it outside under a tarp. It's probably in less than perfect condition anyway. Looks a bit rough.
As long as you oil everything,don't stand it over lawn or grass, and give it a sunny spot it should stand up to it OK .
Rob
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6th August 2013, 05:37 PM #15Senior Member
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