looking for info on a lathe

[4570Man]

You don't "need" a lathe to work on stuff, but they are extremely nice to have same for a milling machine. I have both, and don't what I would do without them. I don't think you will find many naysayers who actually have a lathe tell you that you don't need a lathe

 

[Mysfyt]

Bought my first lathe 30 years ago and never looked back. I wouldn't be without one (I own three). Don't let 3 phase deter you if the price is right. Two of my lathes plus my mill are three phase and I use VFD's (variable frequency drives) to power them. They only cost a few hundred bucks for lower hp motors and most will support the option for variable speed.

 

[MNBobcat]

I have the same lathe as in the photo. I paid $300 for it about 5 years ago. Nothing wrong with it, works great and isn't wore out.

 

[BHD]

the tolling will cost more than the machine many times, if your getting all the tooling and it is ready to go, may be a very good deal, you go and start buying tooling even import tooling, will add up fast, some In my opinion is what the extras are, and how usable it is when you get it,

I bought a few old lathes about 30 years go, and I have easily spent over $1500 over the years on tooling and stuff for the machines, and would still like to add more yet,

If it was me I would prefer a little more between centers on the first unit,

 

[farm boy00]

Didn't get the lathe but got a finish mower back blade and a welder

 

[farm boy00]

Just a quick update.
Guy is coming from 2 hours away to trade my plow for his finish mower back blade and arch welder.

Reason why I went this root is I need a mower for pastures which right now I hopefully will be able to take the shaft off this and do a first cutting with my brush hog, back blade for fixing the driveway before winter, and lastly welder so I can start learning to weld. My dad can weld in his sheet medal shop but I really want to start learning to weld

 

[farm boy00]

 

[LD1]

Probably a comparable trade vs the lathe. Mower $500-$600, blade $150-$200, welder $150-200.

Is the welder AC? If AC/DC?

 

[farm boy00]

Probably a comparable trade vs the lathe. Mower $500-$600, blade $150-$200, welder $150-200.

Is the welder AC? If AC/DC?

I'm not sure. Didn't think to ask but I'll find out tomorrow morning when he comes. Your prices are right on point really for what I was thinking. Right now multiple equipment is better for us

 

[ThomasH]

I would say that the value of the basic lathe is probably $500 to $750 depending on whether it has quick change gears or not; and more importantly, how straight the ways are. Tooling runs up the price quite a bit, so I am not sure what comes with it. It could be worth it, maybe not.