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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育Sounds about right. The $729.95 that I said mine cost included the $65 extra shipping charge they tacked on. So the lathe was 664.95 without the extra shipping charge on top of the regular shipping charges. By the time I was done it was $1066. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of OldToolmaker via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 5:11 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? I bought my MicroMark in 2011 on sale for $679.00. I love the BLDC motor. No noisy gears, just a nice quiet purring sound. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育Hmmmm, are you sure about that year (2006) for a 7x16? I was looking for a mini lathe and I recall Micro-Mark releasing the 7x16 in the spring/summer of 2010. Micro-Mark was the only place that was selling a 7x16. ? Just looked it up and mini-lathe.com shows the 7x16 as a “New” lathe in 2010. < > ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Brian VanDragt
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 2:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? My Micro Mark 7x16 was $496 in 2006, but they have been improved since then. ? Brian
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
My Micro Mark 7x16 was $496 in 2006, but they have been improved since then.
Brian
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育I've gone the other direction. I got the Harbor Freight 7x10 because it was small enough to fit in my workspace and sufficed to do what I have needed it to do (so far!) Being able to pick it up and move it to store on the end of the bench has made a difference for me. It was also available locally in stock when I had a 20% off coupon ?that miraculously covered the lathe. :-)?I’ll look into upgrading it when the blessed day comes that I can have an actual workshop not a slice of the garage.? --? Bruce Johnson "Wherever you go, there you are." B. Banzai, PhD |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育Hello Jack, I never mentioned a $400 machine. Back in 2011 when I purchased my Micro-Mark 7x16 it was on sale for $729.95. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Jacques Savard
Sent: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 1:54 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? ? Is it? this one ? at 1400.00? it not? the same machine? the first? you speak about is 400.00 ? jack 47 71 ? ? After reading the replies, I’ve decided to post my list showing the reasons I chose the 7x16 from MicroMark. ? As I and others have said, the main reasons were Brushless DC Motor (no Hi/Lo gears), and longer bed . ? With changes over the past 10 years some of the information may be out of date. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? Micro Mark 7x16 lathe ? Pros: Longest bed available on a 7x lathe See some measurement photos of the bed length at < > ?????????????? - 16 inches between centers (actually more than 16 inches, see photos) ?????????????? - added room when drilling with a tail stock drill chuck ?????????????? - allows you to use longer drill bits ?????????????? - allows you to get the tail stock out of the way when not in use ?????????????? - extra length is good to have if you use a larger 4 or 5 inch chuck which requires an adapter plate ? Powerful 500 watt DC brushless motor ?????????????? - lots of low speed torque ?????????????? - no brushes to deal with ?????????????? - quieter ?????????????? - full range of speeds available with the turn of the speed adjustment potentiometer ?????????????? - no need to change gears for HI/LO speeds ? No HI/LO gears ?????????????? - often made of plastic and users break them requiring replacement ?????????????? - quieter operation without these gears ? Spindle Thru Hole ?????????????? - 20.5mm (0.807") spindle thru hole ?????????????? - This is 0.5mm (0.020") larger than HI/LO geared spindle lathes ? True Split nut ?????????????? - has a true split nut for power feed and threading. Some others only have a half nut with a support ? Collet Drawbar ?????????????? - Comes with a collet drawbar for use with a ER25 collet set (THIS IS NOT FOR A MT3 COLLET). ?????????????? ? This style of collet does not allow for long piece of material to be passed thru them. They have a set depth. ? Round Head Phillips screws on cross slide and compound handles instead of the cap screws that some other lathes use ?????????????? - users complain of scraped knuckles on lathes with cap screws ?????????????? - Note: these screws are of the phillips variety, not the "Crown Bolt" hex socket variety for use with an allen wrench ? Cam lock tail stock ?????????????? - Allows you to lock the tail stock down, or loosen it, with a flip of the lever ?????????????? - No searching for a wrench to tighten or loosen the nut ? True inch scales 0.050" per turn on cross slide and compound ?????????????? - Tail stock quill also has scale in inches ? Shipped in two boxes ?????????????? - lighter weight boxes prevents shipping damage ? No Red shipping grease ?????????????? - Some lathes come covered with red shipping grease* all over them requiring lots of clean up ?????????????? - Micro Mark lathes come with oil on them to prevent rust during shipping ????????????????????????????? * Other users are reporting that other dealers are now shipping their lathes with oil instead of red grease ? Port for optional Tachometer ?????????????? -The headstock has a port for an optional plug in tachometer, ?????????????? ??this tachometer can be used on a mini mill that has the same port ? Cons: Price is on the high side for a 7x lathe. More assembly required. Takes up more table space. ? Neutrals: Same cross slide travel limitations as other SIEG & Real Bull mini lathes have. ? No safety switched chuck/chip guard. Some users experience problems with this switch going out preventing the lathe from starting. ? Forward/Neutral/Reverse lever detents need to be drilled deeper or even moved. This is listed as a neutral since this flaw seems to appear on just about all the mini lathes. ? ? The Big Dog version comes equipped with a "lever lock" tailstock and spindle speed readout as standard (spindle speed is optional extra on Sieg) ? The Big Dog RB also comes with a number of features not available on any Sieg equivalent that I am aware of ? 4" 3 jaw universal chuck as standard with no backplate required. Allows full use of the 20mm pass through of the spindle from the box (not possible with the 3" chuck on Siegs) Saddle lock as standard Lead screw end float adjuster as standard Oilers fitted to lead screw, saddle, tailstock as standard Saddle way wipes fitted as standard Positive locking of slide dials (via an Allen screw as opposed to Sieg spring restraint ? < > < > < > ? Whatever machine a buyer ends up with, they need to do their homework carefully and review their requirements against the specs and prices before making any purchases. This group is here to answer any questions and offer personal opinions and experiences. If you have a question please ask it. ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of MZ Rider ? I am thinking of buying a new mini lathe. The prices however seem to be in a ratio of 1 to 3 from lowest to highest. This is after making allowances for what is supplied, which for a basic model, which is all I want is the gears and a 3 jaw chuck plus a few tools. Currently cheapest on Amazon Prime in the UK is around ?400 for a 7x12 no DRO. OK for what I want. Yet similar machines seem to go up to nearer ?1200 from other suppliers. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育? Somebody ?said? ? Sheap Fast Good ? ? Pic any? 2 ? Jack 47 71 ? ? ? After reading the replies, I’ve decided to post my list showing the reasons I chose the 7x16 from MicroMark. ? As I and others have said, the main reasons were Brushless DC Motor (no Hi/Lo gears), and longer bed . ? With changes over the past 10 years some of the information may be out of date. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? Micro Mark 7x16 lathe ? Pros: Longest bed available on a 7x lathe See some measurement photos of the bed length at < > ?????????????? - 16 inches between centers (actually more than 16 inches, see photos) ?????????????? - added room when drilling with a tail stock drill chuck ?????????????? - allows you to use longer drill bits ?????????????? - allows you to get the tail stock out of the way when not in use ?????????????? - extra length is good to have if you use a larger 4 or 5 inch chuck which requires an adapter plate ? Powerful 500 watt DC brushless motor ?????????????? - lots of low speed torque ?????????????? - no brushes to deal with ?????????????? - quieter ?????????????? - full range of speeds available with the turn of the speed adjustment potentiometer ?????????????? - no need to change gears for HI/LO speeds ? No HI/LO gears ?????????????? - often made of plastic and users break them requiring replacement ?????????????? - quieter operation without these gears ? Spindle Thru Hole ?????????????? - 20.5mm (0.807") spindle thru hole ?????????????? - This is 0.5mm (0.020") larger than HI/LO geared spindle lathes ? True Split nut ?????????????? - has a true split nut for power feed and threading. Some others only have a half nut with a support ? Collet Drawbar ?????????????? - Comes with a collet drawbar for use with a ER25 collet set (THIS IS NOT FOR A MT3 COLLET). ?????????????? ? This style of collet does not allow for long piece of material to be passed thru them. They have a set depth. ? Round Head Phillips screws on cross slide and compound handles instead of the cap screws that some other lathes use ?????????????? - users complain of scraped knuckles on lathes with cap screws ?????????????? - Note: these screws are of the phillips variety, not the "Crown Bolt" hex socket variety for use with an allen wrench ? Cam lock tail stock ?????????????? - Allows you to lock the tail stock down, or loosen it, with a flip of the lever ?????????????? - No searching for a wrench to tighten or loosen the nut ? True inch scales 0.050" per turn on cross slide and compound ?????????????? - Tail stock quill also has scale in inches ? Shipped in two boxes ?????????????? - lighter weight boxes prevents shipping damage ? No Red shipping grease ?????????????? - Some lathes come covered with red shipping grease* all over them requiring lots of clean up ?????????????? - Micro Mark lathes come with oil on them to prevent rust during shipping ????????????????????????????? * Other users are reporting that other dealers are now shipping their lathes with oil instead of red grease ? Port for optional Tachometer ?????????????? -The headstock has a port for an optional plug in tachometer, ?????????????? ??this tachometer can be used on a mini mill that has the same port ? Cons: Price is on the high side for a 7x lathe. More assembly required. Takes up more table space. ? Neutrals: Same cross slide travel limitations as other SIEG & Real Bull mini lathes have. ? No safety switched chuck/chip guard. Some users experience problems with this switch going out preventing the lathe from starting. ? Forward/Neutral/Reverse lever detents need to be drilled deeper or even moved. This is listed as a neutral since this flaw seems to appear on just about all the mini lathes. ? ? The Big Dog version comes equipped with a "lever lock" tailstock and spindle speed readout as standard (spindle speed is optional extra on Sieg) ? The Big Dog RB also comes with a number of features not available on any Sieg equivalent that I am aware of ? 4" 3 jaw universal chuck as standard with no backplate required. Allows full use of the 20mm pass through of the spindle from the box (not possible with the 3" chuck on Siegs) Saddle lock as standard Lead screw end float adjuster as standard Oilers fitted to lead screw, saddle, tailstock as standard Saddle way wipes fitted as standard Positive locking of slide dials (via an Allen screw as opposed to Sieg spring restraint ? < > < > < > ? Whatever machine a buyer ends up with, they need to do their homework carefully and review their requirements against the specs and prices before making any purchases. This group is here to answer any questions and offer personal opinions and experiences. If you have a question please ask it. ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of MZ Rider
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 5:35 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? I am thinking of buying a new mini lathe. The prices however seem to be in a ratio of 1 to 3 from lowest to highest. This is after making allowances for what is supplied, which for a basic model, which is all I want is the gears and a 3 jaw chuck plus a few tools. Currently cheapest on Amazon Prime in the UK is around ?400 for a 7x12 no DRO. OK for what I want. Yet similar machines seem to go up to nearer ?1200 from other suppliers. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育? Is it? this one ? at 1400.00? it not? the same machine? the first? you speak about is 400.00 ? jack 47 71 ? ? After reading the replies, I’ve decided to post my list showing the reasons I chose the 7x16 from MicroMark. ? As I and others have said, the main reasons were Brushless DC Motor (no Hi/Lo gears), and longer bed . ? With changes over the past 10 years some of the information may be out of date. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? Micro Mark 7x16 lathe ? Pros: Longest bed available on a 7x lathe See some measurement photos of the bed length at < > ?????????????? - 16 inches between centers (actually more than 16 inches, see photos) ?????????????? - added room when drilling with a tail stock drill chuck ?????????????? - allows you to use longer drill bits ?????????????? - allows you to get the tail stock out of the way when not in use ?????????????? - extra length is good to have if you use a larger 4 or 5 inch chuck which requires an adapter plate ? Powerful 500 watt DC brushless motor ?????????????? - lots of low speed torque ?????????????? - no brushes to deal with ?????????????? - quieter ?????????????? - full range of speeds available with the turn of the speed adjustment potentiometer ?????????????? - no need to change gears for HI/LO speeds ? No HI/LO gears ?????????????? - often made of plastic and users break them requiring replacement ?????????????? - quieter operation without these gears ? Spindle Thru Hole ?????????????? - 20.5mm (0.807") spindle thru hole ?????????????? - This is 0.5mm (0.020") larger than HI/LO geared spindle lathes ? True Split nut ?????????????? - has a true split nut for power feed and threading. Some others only have a half nut with a support ? Collet Drawbar ?????????????? - Comes with a collet drawbar for use with a ER25 collet set (THIS IS NOT FOR A MT3 COLLET). ?????????????? ? This style of collet does not allow for long piece of material to be passed thru them. They have a set depth. ? Round Head Phillips screws on cross slide and compound handles instead of the cap screws that some other lathes use ?????????????? - users complain of scraped knuckles on lathes with cap screws ?????????????? - Note: these screws are of the phillips variety, not the "Crown Bolt" hex socket variety for use with an allen wrench ? Cam lock tail stock ?????????????? - Allows you to lock the tail stock down, or loosen it, with a flip of the lever ?????????????? - No searching for a wrench to tighten or loosen the nut ? True inch scales 0.050" per turn on cross slide and compound ?????????????? - Tail stock quill also has scale in inches ? Shipped in two boxes ?????????????? - lighter weight boxes prevents shipping damage ? No Red shipping grease ?????????????? - Some lathes come covered with red shipping grease* all over them requiring lots of clean up ?????????????? - Micro Mark lathes come with oil on them to prevent rust during shipping ????????????????????????????? * Other users are reporting that other dealers are now shipping their lathes with oil instead of red grease ? Port for optional Tachometer ?????????????? -The headstock has a port for an optional plug in tachometer, ?????????????? ??this tachometer can be used on a mini mill that has the same port ? Cons: Price is on the high side for a 7x lathe. More assembly required. Takes up more table space. ? Neutrals: Same cross slide travel limitations as other SIEG & Real Bull mini lathes have. ? No safety switched chuck/chip guard. Some users experience problems with this switch going out preventing the lathe from starting. ? Forward/Neutral/Reverse lever detents need to be drilled deeper or even moved. This is listed as a neutral since this flaw seems to appear on just about all the mini lathes. ? ? The Big Dog version comes equipped with a "lever lock" tailstock and spindle speed readout as standard (spindle speed is optional extra on Sieg) ? The Big Dog RB also comes with a number of features not available on any Sieg equivalent that I am aware of ? 4" 3 jaw universal chuck as standard with no backplate required. Allows full use of the 20mm pass through of the spindle from the box (not possible with the 3" chuck on Siegs) Saddle lock as standard Lead screw end float adjuster as standard Oilers fitted to lead screw, saddle, tailstock as standard Saddle way wipes fitted as standard Positive locking of slide dials (via an Allen screw as opposed to Sieg spring restraint ? < > < > < > ? Whatever machine a buyer ends up with, they need to do their homework carefully and review their requirements against the specs and prices before making any purchases. This group is here to answer any questions and offer personal opinions and experiences. If you have a question please ask it. ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of MZ Rider
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 5:35 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? I am thinking of buying a new mini lathe. The prices however seem to be in a ratio of 1 to 3 from lowest to highest. This is after making allowances for what is supplied, which for a basic model, which is all I want is the gears and a 3 jaw chuck plus a few tools. Currently cheapest on Amazon Prime in the UK is around ?400 for a 7x12 no DRO. OK for what I want. Yet similar machines seem to go up to nearer ?1200 from other suppliers. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育After reading the replies, I’ve decided to post my list showing the reasons I chose the 7x16 from MicroMark. ? As I and others have said, the main reasons were Brushless DC Motor (no Hi/Lo gears), and longer bed . ? With changes over the past 10 years some of the information may be out of date. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? Micro Mark 7x16 lathe ? Pros: Longest bed available on a 7x lathe See some measurement photos of the bed length at < https://picasaweb.google.com/109240381799213351397/MicroMarkMicroLux7x16?noredirect=1# > ?????????????? - 16 inches between centers (actually more than 16 inches, see photos) ?????????????? - added room when drilling with a tail stock drill chuck ?????????????? - allows you to use longer drill bits ?????????????? - allows you to get the tail stock out of the way when not in use ?????????????? - extra length is good to have if you use a larger 4 or 5 inch chuck which requires an adapter plate ? Powerful 500 watt DC brushless motor ?????????????? - lots of low speed torque ?????????????? - no brushes to deal with ?????????????? - quieter ?????????????? - full range of speeds available with the turn of the speed adjustment potentiometer ?????????????? - no need to change gears for HI/LO speeds ? No HI/LO gears ?????????????? - often made of plastic and users break them requiring replacement ?????????????? - quieter operation without these gears ? Spindle Thru Hole ?????????????? - 20.5mm (0.807") spindle thru hole ?????????????? - This is 0.5mm (0.020") larger than HI/LO geared spindle lathes ? True Split nut ?????????????? - has a true split nut for power feed and threading. Some others only have a half nut with a support ? Collet Drawbar ?????????????? - Comes with a collet drawbar for use with a ER25 collet set (THIS IS NOT FOR A MT3 COLLET). ?????????????? ? This style of collet does not allow for long piece of material to be passed thru them. They have a set depth. ? Round Head Phillips screws on cross slide and compound handles instead of the cap screws that some other lathes use ?????????????? - users complain of scraped knuckles on lathes with cap screws ?????????????? - Note: these screws are of the phillips variety, not the "Crown Bolt" hex socket variety for use with an allen wrench ? Cam lock tail stock ?????????????? - Allows you to lock the tail stock down, or loosen it, with a flip of the lever ?????????????? - No searching for a wrench to tighten or loosen the nut ? True inch scales 0.050" per turn on cross slide and compound ?????????????? - Tail stock quill also has scale in inches ? Shipped in two boxes ?????????????? - lighter weight boxes prevents shipping damage ? No Red shipping grease ?????????????? - Some lathes come covered with red shipping grease* all over them requiring lots of clean up ?????????????? - Micro Mark lathes come with oil on them to prevent rust during shipping ????????????????????????????? * Other users are reporting that other dealers are now shipping their lathes with oil instead of red grease ? Port for optional Tachometer ?????????????? -The headstock has a port for an optional plug in tachometer, ?????????????? ??this tachometer can be used on a mini mill that has the same port ? Cons: Price is on the high side for a 7x lathe. More assembly required. Takes up more table space. ? Neutrals: Same cross slide travel limitations as other SIEG & Real Bull mini lathes have. ? No safety switched chuck/chip guard. Some users experience problems with this switch going out preventing the lathe from starting. ? Forward/Neutral/Reverse lever detents need to be drilled deeper or even moved. This is listed as a neutral since this flaw seems to appear on just about all the mini lathes. ? ? The Big Dog version comes equipped with a "lever lock" tailstock and spindle speed readout as standard (spindle speed is optional extra on Sieg) ? The Big Dog RB also comes with a number of features not available on any Sieg equivalent that I am aware of ? 4" 3 jaw universal chuck as standard with no backplate required. Allows full use of the 20mm pass through of the spindle from the box (not possible with the 3" chuck on Siegs) Saddle lock as standard Lead screw end float adjuster as standard Oilers fitted to lead screw, saddle, tailstock as standard Saddle way wipes fitted as standard Positive locking of slide dials (via an Allen screw as opposed to Sieg spring restraint ? < http://www.micromark.com/microlux-7x16-mini-lathe,9615.html > < http://www.bigdogmetalworks.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=779 > < https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=5100 > ? Whatever machine a buyer ends up with, they need to do their homework carefully and review their requirements against the specs and prices before making any purchases. This group is here to answer any questions and offer personal opinions and experiences. If you have a question please ask it. ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of MZ Rider
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 5:35 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? I am thinking of buying a new mini lathe. The prices however seem to be in a ratio of 1 to 3 from lowest to highest. This is after making allowances for what is supplied, which for a basic model, which is all I want is the gears and a 3 jaw chuck plus a few tools. Currently cheapest on Amazon Prime in the UK is around ?400 for a 7x12 no DRO. OK for what I want. Yet similar machines seem to go up to nearer ?1200 from other suppliers. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育8x14 is a dream, but you can make your own tachometer for your 7x lathe for some few USD. /johannes ? ? Sendt fr? for Windows ? Fr?:MZ Rider ? Actually I might got for an 8x14, the extra cost is small for the overall gins, including digital tachometer. ? |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育? Beautifull ? ? Maybe delivery? in quebec city ? ? Lot of? ohotos ? But only 10 inch ? ? Why ?? ? And ?avelability? or price ???? ? ? Jack 47 71 ? ? The Homier was a bit of a stand out, reviewed here:?? I don't think it is available any more.? The LMS 5200 is a 'best in class' according to LMS blurb. ? Thanks for sharing your experience Craig. ? ? On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 05:30:25 AM PDT, Craig Hopewell via groups.io <cch80124@...> wrote: ? ? There is ZERO difference in the QUALITY of any of the 7X mini-lathes.? ? There is more difference between examples of any vendor's lathe, than between different vendor versions.? ?Totally luck of the draw.? ?I currently have the LMS 5100 - most expense 7X available.? ? Not a bit better than the $299 Homier I previously owned (with respect to build quality).? ?Both SIEG built.? ?Features will vary.? ?Don't expect quality.? ?Buy the cheapest and expect issues. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
The Homier was a bit of a stand out, reviewed here:?? I don't think it is available any more.? The LMS 5200 is a 'best in class' according to LMS blurb. Thanks for sharing your experience Craig.
On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 05:30:25 AM PDT, Craig Hopewell via groups.io <cch80124@...> wrote:
There is ZERO difference in the QUALITY of any of the 7X mini-lathes.? ? There is more difference between examples of any vendor's lathe, than between different vendor versions.? ?Totally luck of the draw.? ?I currently have the LMS 5100 - most expense 7X available.? ? Not a bit better than the $299 Homier I previously owned (with respect to build quality).? ?Both SIEG built.? ?Features will vary.? ?Don't expect quality.? ?Buy the cheapest and expect issues. -- Lone Tree, Colorado? ?USA |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
I second all the comments on getting a longer bed. I would also add another very important consideration : Don't just look at the lathe - look at the vendor.? If you just buy the cheapest lathe (especially if it a a "no name" brand) you will get support post-purchase support if there are any factory defects. The good vendors will typically make good on any factory defects or omissions (but more importantly, they will also work to make sure there aren't any in the first place).? It's one thing to skimp a bit on tooling, but the lathe itself is the foundation you are building on so you want that to be as solid as possible.
Having said that, if you are the kind of person who likes to take a so-so piece of equipment and improve it, there are plenty of good guides online on how to improve a 7X lathe. So you can either pay in money up front or in labor (and a bit more money) after purchase. I think both approaches are valid; it all depends on how you like to spend your time, and how quickly you want to get started on "making stuff." I took the latter approach many years ago - mostly because I got a good deal on a used lathe and didn't know any better. It probably took me about a 18 months to get up to speed. Part of that time was work spent tweaking the lathe, part of the time was in acquiring additional tooling, and part of the time was just re-learning very old and rusty lathe skills. I might add that if you have used or trained on a larger lathe you will have to re-learn some things on working with a small lathe. The main thing is that I enjoyed the whole process of making improvements to my lathe, acquiring new tooling and learning how to use it, and making useful (and just fun) stuff. Whatever lathe you get, no matter what size, is going to have some limits, but there will still be many things you can do within those limits, so I am sure that whatever lathe you end up with you are bound to have fun with it. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
There is ZERO difference in the QUALITY of any of the 7X mini-lathes.? ? There is more difference between examples of any vendor's lathe, than between different vendor versions.? ?Totally luck of the draw.? ?I currently have the LMS 5100 - most expense 7X available.? ? Not a bit better than the $299 Homier I previously owned (with respect to build quality).? ?Both SIEG built.? ?Features will vary.? ?Don't expect quality.? ?Buy the cheapest and expect issues.
-- Lone Tree, Colorado? ?USA |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
?I’m an ex importer of mini lathes. There are 3 manufacturers . The first being Sieg commonly called a kit lathe by many usually requiring lots of work to have accuracy.Easily identified by a”H” shaped saddle. The best was the Falcon made by the ex export manager of Real Bull who set his own manufacturing company and made an improved version. These two manufacturers lathes can be identified by a more robust rectangular saddle, adjustable lead screw end float, oilers on lead screw bearings plus other hidden improvements.. These 2 are more favourable for the well known reputable dealers using their own brand names.
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
Buy one with a rectangular saddle not a H shaped. They have an inferior power board and are more of a kit. To get accuracy they normally require stripping and rebuilding. I’m an ex importer of Real Bull and Falcon . They were virtually problem free. That’s why I’m stuck with a heap of spares.
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
There are actually a couple of different lathes Sieg sells 3 similar but different 7" lathes the C2, SC2 and C3 which have a few differences mostly bed lengths, and drive system. Add to this the different vendors spec their versions differently, more powerful motors, nicer hand wheels, fancier tail stock etc. Another cost difference comes down to quality control, the cheapest come off the line, into a box and off to the customer, the more expensive actually get inspected so while probably not perfect there are no broken castings or grossly malformed bits.
A higher end seller is also more likely to help after the sale, vs the bottom tier who don't know who you are once the money has been received. Regarding size, consider if you plan on moving the lathe after getting it home. The 7x14 and 7x16 can be moved but are significantly heavier / bulkier which might get old if you plan on storing the lathe elsewhere than your work bench. More length is always useful if other considerations don't over ride it. The other thing is the 7x16 are large enough that cost becomes the only reason not to go with a larger more substantial 8" or 9" lathe. A 7x16" is only about 6"? shorter than a 9x20" lathe. Only the 7x10 is well short of the nominal length. They are really 200mm / 8", all the rest are within 1/4" of their stated length in inches. Their true measure is in metric (200,300,350 and 400mm), the inch lengths given are just rounded nearest other than the 7x10. |
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Re: Different Prices - such a range!
开云体育I had the exact same experience as gcvisalia. Length, inch, and motor sold me. Also because of the added weight of a 7x16 it is shipped in two cartons which forces you to assemble a small portion of the lathe which gets you familiar with adjusting the gibs, lead screw, and familiarizes you with what is under the front electrical cover. ? First upgrade purchase for any 7x should be the QCTP from Little Machine Shop < > ? But with all that said, I think the original post came from someone in Europe so MicroMark, Little Machine Shop, and inches probably don’t weigh in for him. ? Michael - California, USA Micro-Mark MicroLux 7x16 LMS 3990 Hi-Torque Mill with power feed ? ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of gcvisalia@...
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 1:54 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [7x12MiniLathe] Different Prices - such a range! ? When I decided to get a lathe knowing nothing, I decided on micromark 7x16 lathe. Also it was the only 7x16 at the time.The length, the true inch and the brushless motor sold me. Yes, I did some reading and the big thing was the length and the motor. It was just under what I could afford. I did get some other add ins and that got me started. But for sure, no matter what lathe you get, you will need to take them apart to clean things up and readjust things. But in a way that's also a way to really get to know your lathe. I'm still working on things for the lathe but making my shop more user friendly has taken up much of my time. Good luck ! ? On Monday, March 14, 2022, 09:14:10 AM PDT, Jonathan Mackenzie via groups.io <jonathanmackenzie@...> wrote: ? ? The generally accepted advice is to purchase the most expensive one you can afford, bearing in mind that about 50% of your budget will eventually go toward tooling and accessories. Most mini-lathes come from the same factory and in a wide variety of tolerances. The high end resellers insist on close specifications and better components, the low end sellers use the cheapest bits they can source. Therefore the reason for the great price disparity is quality. They look identical but the more expensive machines have better tolerances, higher quality bearings, properly aged castings and greater accuracy including spindle concentricity. You can buy a low price lathe but then spend many hours and money on improving it which is good if you want to learn about the lathe but not so good if you want to do actual work with it. If you have a choice get a 7x14 rather than a 7x12 as most stock purchased online comes in 12 inch lengths. Here in North America I run a Grizzly 8688 (7x12) and I am very happy with it, I think I paid around 600 USD and see they are now 950 USD. Hope this helps and remember there are many online reviews of the SIEG mini lathe in its many varieties. ? ? ? On Monday, March 14, 2022, 05:53:39 AM PDT, MZ Rider <mztraveller@...> wrote: ? ? I am thinking of buying a new mini lathe. The prices however seem to be in a ratio of 1 to 3 from lowest to highest. This is after making allowances for what is supplied, which for a basic model, which is all I want is the gears and a 3 jaw chuck plus a few tools. Currently cheapest on Amazon Prime in the UK is around ?400 for a 7x12 no DRO. OK for what I want. Yet similar machines seem to go up to nearer ?1200 from other suppliers. |
OldToolmaker
Johannes
MZ Rider
David Evans