Hi all, I am a shop owner who started in the trade as a heavy equipment mechanic. 3 years ago I purchased an established hydraulic repair shop which fit well with my skill set, but opened new doors. I am learning the machining side of things, which is a great change of pace and a satisfying job. We currently have a Colchester Mastiff 1400 engine lathe. 21" x 120" and a 3.500" Thru-Bore. It does everything that I ask of it, although it has been used hard and is showing its age. The bed ways are fairly worn at the chuck. I am tossing around the idea of either getting the ways and carriage restored or replacing the lathe. I have tried to do as much as my own research as possible, but find myself looking for first hand advise. We are looking at $10-15K to get the the axes fixed.
As far as a new lathe is concerned,If I go that route I want something stout, accurate and if maintained and not abused will last. I heard good things about Hwacheon, although I would rather not buy Asian if I can help it. I also was looking at a Tool-Mex with their 4.1 or 5.5" thru bore. We do a lot of large (to me) bars and tubes and a fair amount of job shop work for local manufacturers on things like crusher shafts and auger shafts. Is there any solid advise that could be given to a young man in my shoes looking to upgrade equipment? Is it foolish to buy a new machine? We use it every day of the week, and it is a big contributor to our bread and butter. Also, we could stand to have a little more swing and a little more length, but not looking for a HUGE machine or a true oil country lathe with an 8" + thru bore.
Thank you for your input, there is a wealth of knowledge on this page, I read all the time, but this is my first time seeking advise. hopefully I am in the correct section.
As far as a new lathe is concerned,If I go that route I want something stout, accurate and if maintained and not abused will last. I heard good things about Hwacheon, although I would rather not buy Asian if I can help it. I also was looking at a Tool-Mex with their 4.1 or 5.5" thru bore. We do a lot of large (to me) bars and tubes and a fair amount of job shop work for local manufacturers on things like crusher shafts and auger shafts. Is there any solid advise that could be given to a young man in my shoes looking to upgrade equipment? Is it foolish to buy a new machine? We use it every day of the week, and it is a big contributor to our bread and butter. Also, we could stand to have a little more swing and a little more length, but not looking for a HUGE machine or a true oil country lathe with an 8" + thru bore.
Thank you for your input, there is a wealth of knowledge on this page, I read all the time, but this is my first time seeking advise. hopefully I am in the correct section.