Hafco AL 320g?

Looking to upgrade my old Mars 5 inch lathe. Have got beady eye on a Hafco AL320g in near new condition. It is around 2 years old, had light use and will come in around the $1500 to $1600 mark. I do light machining for auto repair and the occasional small job for myself. May be turning some disk/drum brakes for club members if I can get the jig right.

Is this lathe a reasonable machine? I am well aware that it is Chinese and that it is not "tool room" quality as far as accuracy goes but I managed to machine a hydraulic pin for my mates engine lift on the old Mars so I am guessing this may do better again?

Opinions, good and bad very welcome

regards

Old Hutcho

Old Hutcho, if you ask the owner he might let you take a brake drum around there so you can test drive it.

I doubt it would be rigid enough to do a disc or drum but for other small jobs it should be OK.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Techo1

I doubt it would be rigid enough to do a disc or drum but for other small jobs it should be OK.

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It's quite a solid lathe.

If it can swing it, then it should be able to machine it.

Certainly be a lot stronger than your Mars with the open headstock.

The only major downside with this lathe is that it does not have a quick change gearbox.

Rob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Techo1

I doubt it would be rigid enough to do a disc or drum but for other small jobs it should be OK.

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Would be just as rigid as some of the cheaper Brake lathes on the market, if not stronger overall.

For disc's, life would be easier if the lathe could swing them over the cross slide.
But if you're only doing a few you could get by.

Stuart