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Help choosing a mini lathe

TorchHypnosis

TorchHypnosis

Plastic
Joined
Apr 8, 2019
Location
Lacey WA, USA
I am trying to decide on a decent mini lathe to get. I require:

(1) Customer service/parts availability
(2) Dual direction rotation
(3) Fairly precise stock chuck

What I am grinding is graphite, so a 3/4 HP motor should be fine as I don't need the torque. Our manufacturing process requires the motor to run at low speeds for 10 minute intervals with a 1 minute break between intervals. It would be handy if I could get accessories for it (such as milling bed attachment), but not necessary. I am trying to spend about $1000, so my options are fairly limited. What I do not want is to buy "more machine than I need". I do not want something with a large footprint. I only need a 6" swing and about 12" between centers. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks for reading!
 
Try posting this instead:

Our commercial manufacturing process involves shaping graphite. I have a $1,000 budget for a new machine and require: 1) Customer service/parts availability, 2) Dual direction rotation, 3) Fairly precise stock chuck.

Perhaps a 3/4 HP motor should be fine as I don't need the torque. Motor will typically be run at low speeds for 10 minute intervals with a 1 minute break between intervals. It would be handy if I could get accessories for it (such as milling bed attachment), but not necessary.

My options seem fairly limited but I do not want is to buy "more machine than I need". I do not want something with a large footprint. I only need a 6" swing and about 12" between centers.

Does anyone have any recommendations?
 
Thanks Cranium. Unfortunately I was looking for something with a smaller footprint. I have a SEW Eurodrive motor with a MOVIMOT inverter capable of a wide variety of speeds all the way to zero, eliminating the need for gears(less parts to break, easy PLC control). I may just buy spindle/tailstock and use my linear actuators(also easy PLC control) as the bed. As nice as it would be to have this degree of automation, I was hoping to find something that I would not have to spend an entire week wiring and programming. That Sheldon DOES look good though!
 
GregSY said:
Have you considered making your own lathe? Perhaps fabricated of aluminum plate, even,?
Click to expand...

Get with the times Greg...."composite" is the new way.

Driveway gravel, Bondo, and a HF mini cement mixer.

Add Mach3 and your all set.
 
What about a 9" South Bend. You can pick up a fairly nice and very usable one around here for well under $1K. If I remember they came with a 3/4 HP motor installed.
 
You don't tell part size or actions need to be cut. But a little bigger than a mini like a decent 8, 9 or 10-24 lathe gives a little more room for dust containment, bigger hand wheels, greater selection of holding device and yet takes little more room/bench space.
Wade 8" x 24" Tool Room Lathe, Model. 8A | eBay

Agree some likely over $1,000 but likely better chance of getting your money back at selling time.

Agree that A...s - Sheldon looks like a great deal. again easy to get you money back at selling.Way too far away to ship to Washington.
 
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