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Author Topic: Lathe/Multi tool  (Read 3106 times)

Footski

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Lathe/Multi tool
« on: December 07, 2017, 12:57:36 pm »

I have a big birthday coming up in the new year and am seriously thinking of getting a small lathe or multi tool. Mind you, she who must be obeyed (swmbo), does not know she will be buying me one........yet.
Anyway, I have never used a lathe before and am not sure whether these multi tools, which include a lathe are good value or not.
Money is a serious consideration, as I do not want her spending too much........(not that she would anyway!).
I am basically after a little advise as to which way to go and which product to go for.
Cheers guys.
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imsinking

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Re: Lathe/Multi tool
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2017, 01:17:36 pm »

Also take into account the cost of tooling & measuring equipment  . . . nearly as expensive as the machine , I've never reckoned the 'Combo' lathe / millers , the only good ones I ever saw were the one's aboard ship in the RN . . .
Bill
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tigertiger

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Re: Lathe/Multi tool
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2017, 03:09:29 pm »

If you mean the Unimat type lathe/multi tool, these have been discussed several times over the years on here.
If you put 'Unimat' in the search box at the top of the Mayhem pages, you will get around 50 results.
Some people love them, others not.
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Footski

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Re: Lathe/Multi tool
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2017, 08:54:23 am »

Cheers guys, I will take a look.
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Geoff

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Re: Lathe/Multi tool
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2017, 01:52:08 pm »

I would also give serious consideration to the "Peatol" lathe which is also very good. I've had mine for a number of years without fault. Its both reasonably priced and has a good range of accessories. It is also belt driven so is quiet to operate and being belt driven obviates damage in the event of a "dig in" with a tool.


Steel bed filled with concrete to absorb vibration works very well.




Cheers


Geoff

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Subculture

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Re: Lathe/Multi tool
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2017, 05:00:12 pm »

Guess it depends on what you want to make with it. Generally a basic lathe with a few accessories is all you need for the majority of work. You can do small milling jobs on a simple cross-slide.

If you have the room something alike a good secondhand Myford or Boxford (generally much cheaper than a Myford, which is the model engineering standard) take some beating over the smaller machines IMO. But if they're out of the question some of the machines mentioned plus the Chinese Sieg machines sold under various brand names are good value.
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Footski

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Re: Lathe/Multi tool
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2017, 07:29:42 pm »

Thanks a lot for all the info. I now at least have ideas to look at..
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