bench top lathe

[la2baja]

I am looking for suppliers. Used or rebuilt tools. A "mini lathe" or bench top lathe. Also smaller metal brakes. Anyone know a reputable supplier in the LA or OC area? IF you don't know of a used tool supplier new stuff will do as well.

Thanks in advance.

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[FABRICATOR]

There are lots of used machinery dealers in the LA area. I've had luck with ebay too.

I hope you're making very small parts. If not, a benchtop lathe can be one of the most frustrating machines ever invented by man.

[Josh_K]

I have a harbor freight 12"x36". Its a bench model, but i wouldnt call it a mini lathe. I have found that it is really good size. The spindel bore in it is 1.530. Meaning you can pass a 1.5 tuber or rod all the way through the chuck. This gives you a good bite on parts and its got fair power for making all kinds of small race car parts. The next lathe I get will have over a 2" or 3" spindel bore.

[la2baja]

There are lots of used machinery dealers in the LA area. I've had luck with ebay too.

I hope you're making very small parts. If not, a benchtop lathe can be one of the most frustrating machines ever invented by man.

I am going to use it for notching. Looking to achieve reliable, repeated notches while on a budget and limmiting the amount of space I use. in the shop. Not overly limmited on space but can't afford the $$$ or space for a large shop lathe.

[Kbach66]

I am going to use it for notching. Looking to achieve reliable, repeated notches while on a budget and limmiting the amount of space I use. in the shop. Not overly limmited on space but can't afford the $$$ or space for a large shop lathe.

You're going to notch tubing with a lathe?
I'd like to hear more about that process.

Are you looking for just a lathe, or the combo lathe/mill.
If you're notchine on just a lathe......I'd like to see how it's done.

[la2baja]

Sorry busy week and not making myself clear. An end mill on a lathe. Here is a link with and example. Post #4

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29424

[Josh_K]

You dont have to belive me, but I would ask a few people that have used mini lathes in the past if a mini has the power to do that. I bet my 12x36 gear head would have the minimum amount of torque for that cut. I am guessing that any smaller would be no bueno.

[151fab]

Bench top lathe would be fine, power wise. Just make sure you can get one with a chuck that will handle a 2" endmill. Mabey get the corn cobb end mill to make it easier for the lower powered motor to handle the cut and lessen the liklyhood of the endmill climbing the part.

If I were going to use a machine to mill tubing I'd get a mill and use a hole saw. You can offset the cuts easier and way more accuratly and you would have a mill in your shop; usually way more useful than a mini-lathe. Sell your drill press to offset the cost and floorspace the mill will require.

[clogking]

How about some pictures of the mill set ups and the bench Lathe set ups. Would like to see how you hold the tubing. And how you make the hole saws longer.

[la2baja]

Ok so a mill seems to be a better choice. I reread the old thread http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29424 and DUMP had said the same about the mill being accurate. I can make space if need be. So what is the prefered equiptment? A good mill that you have used and isn't going to kill my wallet, or I can find used.

Thanks to everyone so far for the help.