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Originally Posted by alan2525 I just got the regular catalogue from Axminster through the letterbox and they've just added this lathe to their line up of chinese imports. Looks impressive for the Money - a shade under £300. inc delivery and tax. Has digital readouts on the X/Y axis too. It says it's portable (almost) at 37 kilo's but looks like it has enough cast iron to be usefull too. Axminster SIEG C2A 300 Mini Lathe</H3> http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.a...sfile=1&jump=0 • Constructed almost entirely of cast iron with ground, hardened bed ways • Fully featured saddle and carriage assembly • Powered leadscrew • Supplied with, 80m 3 jaw chuck, 2MT centre, change wheel set, wrench set, oil can. |
Alan, that is basically exactly the same lathe I have execpt for a slight differrent arrangement of the switches. Mine has an American built circuit board which may or may not be better than the original and mine also has a digital readout for spindle speed.
For a machine fitted with digital feed readouts that is a good price and, if you follow some of the links earlier in this thread, you will find there is a wealth of spares and support for these machines, especially in the States. I have just purchased a Tailstock Cam Lock kit for mine and I am just going to order some spares and a Quick Change Tool post for it as well. I even went on a site a couple of days ago who repaired the electronics board for these machines. Don't be put off by the fact that they are in the States, a lot deal internationally and postage isn't horrific.
I would highly recommend the service and supply from littlemachineshop.com who answer e-mails immediately and get stuff out to you straight away.
I agree that a Myford is probably a better quality but for it's size, price, features and support these lathes are excellent value for money. For a second hand Myford you will be paying considerably more than these prices and you are inheriting second hand electrics as well.
It's never simple and straightforward but I am very happy with my Chester Conquest and I am sure you will be equally happy with the Axminster machine.
By the way shop around for all the bits you want. Chester do a range of quite expensive vices for thier machines but Axminster do a superb and much cheaper rotating cam lock vice for my Micro Mill which I might just invest in when I get home.