Thread: Mitsubishi Lathe

For a few years I owned a woodworking combination machine. It was a mixed blessing owing to nature of wanting no delays when I got stuck into a project. But, upon reflection, it was perfect for a hobbyist. It would sit unused for 99% of the time, then cursed for the 30 second change over between functions.

I would happliy own a three-in-one metal working machine. If nothing else they tend to impose an order of operations such that you will think through any project and then optimise our machine set-up operations to most efficiently use the machine.

Well bought, and good luck with the installation.

GQ

a lot of metal there!!

Hi Dave,
Ricks number is 0412231260. Good luck!

Ewan

If this unit works the same as the one on LOG's link then it appears to me that only the shaper and mill share the same space so the lathe is free to leave setup. One blessing. Still a great find either way and having tipped a normal lathe over I will repeat my previous first sentence. Tall and top heavy by the looks. My tipping was caused by not enough support under the ramp and not enough connection between the two sides of the ramp.

Still, nothing I could not fix. I tipped mine on its back. I had to make a new cross slide wheel. Wasn't there when I got it. Later I asked where it was. It was on the newer lathe work had got to replace this one. They tipped it over, on its face. Quite a bit of damage. I found it hard to believe. They have access to forklifts up to 4.5 tonne. I sat mine on the trailer using one of the 3 tonners from under the tray.

Dean

Thanks all for posts and advice. I thought that I had responded but ....dont know where it went! Machine came off a ship built by Mitsubishi heavy industries in Nagasaki in 1982. I arranged for an engineering firm near dock to disassemble machine to remove from ship and then to reassemble again when ashore. They also built the base to bolt machine to and to stop carrier from throwing a chain over the bed. I am getting all my machinery together to see what can be done (two mf tractors plus small bobcat). Ewan, What are contact details for your sympathetic truck fella.

David

I must be going mad. Found post. Thanks for phone number Ewan. Perhaps you could come out for the ride? I will have arms and legs my end but the more the merrier.

Originally Posted by YarrD

I must be going mad. Found post. Thanks for phone number Ewan. Perhaps you could come out for the ride? I will have arms and legs my end but the more the merrier.

Sounds like fun. PM me when you have a day planed and i'll see what i can do.

Ewan

Fantastic thang there YarrD.

Fellas, I recon there must have been some insider trading or secret men's business or wink wink nudge nudge say no more, top secret classified communications going on for him to snag that beauty.

Hope it arrives safe and sound for you. A great toy for winter.

Cheers.

If I'm not right, then I'm wrong, I'll just go bend some more bananas.

Have received quote for freight of Dainichi Universal Machine from Gladstone to Canberra (I now know it weighs 2 tonnes). Quote is $2100....I wish I owned my own truck&hiab...ho hum

Originally Posted by YarrD

Have received quote for freight of Dainichi Universal Machine from Gladstone to Canberra (I now know it weighs 2 tonnes). Quote is $2100....I wish I owned my own truck&hiab...ho hum

Ouch indeed! Maybe it's possible to get it on a backload somewhere

Freight company charges go all over the place depending on what the job is... I am not very surprised the cost was that much....

Have you tried Milthorpe's in Cowra? They run Cairn's to Melbourne often... Milthorpe Transport

Another mob based in Rockhampton is Sander's transport.... They go to Melbourne from Rockhampton... S.J. Sanders P/L | WHO GOES WHERE? - THE MISSING PIECE TO YOUR FREIGHT & LOGISTICS PUZZLE

There is also RC's transport that does at times go from Gladstone to RC's shed...

thanks, I will check these firms out.

Hi David,
I meant to post this yesterday but forgot. If you have the time, and want to go for a drive.....I hired a kennards 2 ton truck to get my shaper. It cost $160 for the day, i think it was $220 or something for 2 days, that includes 100km, then they charge 30c per km. So a 1500km 2 day trip would cost $650 ish plush fuel, then you would still have to get a fork to unload at this end. So it may cost you $1000+fuel (say 200-250l) for the diy approach. I think Log got his planner from Bathurst to QLD for $400-$500, i think i just depends on your luck, and who you know!

Dear All

I have now taken delivery of machine (will try to organise pics). Initial impression is very heavily built for its specs - motor is only 2,200w (3 phase), running through multi disc clutch to head stock and shaper/mill etc. Machine weighs 2000kg. 4 jaw chuck is 300mm-ish - weighs 40 kg - 3 jaw chucks easier to handle. Everything seems hugely chunky. Good for specs but I fear I will never move the machine from where it was left by forklift. Bore through spindle is 32mm. Leadscrew is 6mm pitch. No quick change gear box - has 127/120 gears for mm vs imperial threading plus a bunch of steel change gears, nicely cut. Top spindle speed only 640rpm, lowest is 32rpm. Has v type ways (as per Southbend). Has tapered gibs for cross slide and tip slide which look pretty neat adjustment-wise. Has 5MT spindle, 4MT in tailstock and mill. Ways have very minor dings, mill table, a couple of drill through marks, otherwise pretty clean. Shaper looks like it has never been used. Has foot switch for mill etc, worklights missing. So, overall, pretty happy - but have really bitten off more than I can chew I fear. When asked WHY do I want such a machine, can say...because having is half the fun...or perhaps...because very few people have such a beast...I think I now know why!!