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Metal mini-lathe - any advice?

Jimjam66

Chief Battonager
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Jan 27, 2013
Posts
3,775
Location
Basingstoke, Hampshire
Hi all -

I've decided to 'invest' in a mini metal lathe. Anyone got any advice or experience of the beasts to share? Hunting around I seem to find these two options which are (sort of) affordable:

AMADEAL (top one)

ARC EURO TRADE

The Amadeal machine is cheaper and has a 100mm chuck, allowing for insertion of rods up to 20mm through the headstock. However, the Arc Euro Trade machine is a SIEG, thus a known quantity. It is pricier but has a brushless motor, although I'm not sure how much of a benefit that is.

Any ideas?:nooidea:
 

clumsysod

GOBBY GIT
Graduate Member
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Apr 7, 2013
Posts
687
Location
Grantham
I don't know about these particular lathes only that they are all made in China and sold under many different names.
What I can say with a degree of confidence is that a brushed motor is much easier to control speed wise.
More controllable in as much as it can start and stop quicker reach high speeds quicker.
I cant off hand think of a power tool that is not controlled by a brushed motor or modern washing machine.
That will raise some exceptions I am sure.
 

turnaround360

Caracktycus Pots
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Mar 6, 2013
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2,427
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Essex
First Name
Frank
I think its the gear ratio that give the torque with metal lathes but feel free to put me straight.
 

trapper

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Feb 13, 2013
Posts
252
Hi david if I were you I'd stick to any Sieg based product. Most Mini lathes are in fact clones of this....... things such as Proxxon need maker specific accessories , including cutting tools. I'd go for a Clarke cl300m which is the same as an Axminster sc2 which is a Sieg Sc2 you will find this is branded under many different names & larke one!!. What decided me was proximity to the supplier....... I have two machine mart outlets within 10 miles. Clarkes range of accessories is rather small but I can let you have numerous alternative sources and some whacky mad professor adaptations of my own allowing small milling operations etc. The machine also has the benefit of a mt2 tailstock so many accessories are interchangeable to your woodworker. Either way its your budget that is the principle factor.
 
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