Are the cheaper benchtop "precision" lathes worth it to have around for projects?

[steve855]

The following is my opinion.
Any lathe is better than no lathe at all.

I agree. Having a workshop with no lathe is a bad situation and any lathe is better than none. I agree with LXCam, a good machinist can make useful items on one of those 7x10s, it just takes longer. Sometimes a lot longer. I have a fair amount of experience on real industrial lathes, and I know how much faster and easier they can make good parts. I would still take a 7x10 versus no lathe at all. As others have said, you have to know the machine's capabilities and work within them.
The tricky part is that the 7x10 or 7x12 lathes are priced and marketed as a beginner or starter machine, but I think it would be frustrating to start learning on one with no prior experience. Like learning on a cheap, barely functional tig welder, it can be hard for someone just starting out to tell if the bad results are from their lack of skill, or from the inadequacies of the machine.

*One advantage of starting on a cheap 7x10 is that it can't possibly rip your arm off.

 

[PugetDude]

Products for bench top machinists

The premier source of tooling, parts, and accessories for bench top machinists.

littlemachineshop.com

I'm not necessarily saying buy from them, but there's some information on their page.

I've also been seeing like old Atlas lathes on Marketplace in the 5-600 dollar range. I think there's something to be said for a brand new benchtop. I also think you'd have a more capable machine once you figured out any idiosyncrasies of an old lathe.

There's an older 6"x 18 Atlas Craftsman lathe and a Crown Top Craftsman Machinists chest for $200 in the GJ Classifieds...

 

[Det2]

There are lots of times I could use a lathe to make up a small part or tool for a project or repair. I don't have the space and won't use it often, although that might change if I get one, for anything to big. Have been thinking about getting one of the smaller import benchtop lathes just to have for random needs. Just to make tools and parts for other smaller projects. Are these things worth the 600-700-800 dollars they are? Seems like one of these 7x14 or so ones sold under various names would do most of what I might need to do and would be nice to have around. But wondering if they are just **** and a waste of money? Mainly would use it for things like making a threaded rod for puller, seal and bearing driver adapters, some threading of rods, etc. Nothing too crazy or crazy precision, although would like it to be pretty close if I'm going to do something. I know HF, vevor, etc. all sell these things and guessing they all fairly similar in quality. Anyone have experience with one of these 6-800 dollar machines?

New to the forum but I got to say....
First one MUST define the term precision! In galactic terms, that is +/- a few light years. Building a house +/- a few inches. Working on your car +/- .01". General machining +/- .001 " building a semiconductor +/- a few microns. Building a modern integrated Ckt. +/- .5 nanometers.
I ran into this with a machine shop where I wanted a stainless door make and I detailed out a part out X.** inches nothing. They told me I did not spec the tolerances. so next I had them make an SS sheet metal door. I spec.ed the tolerances out to X.001 just for grins. They were off by 10.5 INCHES!! Kind of makes you wonder sometimes?

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, the lathe is the "King of Tools". I wanted to be able to own and operate one for for many years, but i have evolved beyond that.

 

[Det2]

IMHO, the lathe is the "King of Tools". I wanted to be able to own and operate one for for many years, but i have evolved beyond that.

You can have Cheap AND good? I'll take one!!

 

[PugetDude]

There is also Levin, but that would only be for those with very deep pockets (they are tiny, but start around $12000).

Levin Instrument lathe WW(8mm) collet. motor/variable speed drive - collectibles - by owner - sale - craigslist

Levin Instrument lathe WW size. Comes with its motor and variable speed drive. The headstock and lever-feed collet-holding tailstock takes WW(8mm) collets. Comes with a Levin tip-over tool rest. The...

www.craigslist.org

 

[Ultradog MN]

Levin Instrument lathe WW(8mm) collet. motor/variable speed drive - collectibles - by owner - sale - craigslist

Levin Instrument lathe WW size. Comes with its motor and variable speed drive. The headstock and lever-feed collet-holding tailstock takes WW(8mm) collets. Comes with a Levin tip-over tool rest. The...

www.craigslist.org

I'm thinking - based on what the OP describes that that Levin is Not what he wants.
I suggest he look for something like an old South Bend, Craftsman or Atlas.
A 6" model will do a lot of small jobs - cut commutators, make rivets, bushings, make specialized things, sand, cut, drill or polish stuff.
I wouldn't advise a pos new china job.
Reason? Because they're a pos.
Metal lathes are very heavy a 6" benchtop model will easily weigh 500 lbs so consider the logistics of getting one moved.
Also consider that tooling for a lathe is a never ending money hole and it is WAY BETTER to spend 50% more for one that is well tooled ie measuring tools, chucks bits, tool holders, dial indicators, etc, etc.
Also, don't expect your first lathe to be your "forever lathe". As you learn you will want to do more things. Think of them as a progression - like from tricycles to bicycles to mini bikes to to dirt bikes to BMWs or Harleys.
I'm on my 5th lathe now. Each one was bigger and better but... I still use much - if not most of, the tools and tooling that I've collected since I bought the first one.

 

[Ultradog MN]

IMHO, the lathe is the "King of Tools". I wanted to be able to own and operate one for for many years, but i have evolved beyond that.

King? Maybe...
My old bruiser is the QUEEN of my shop