View Full Version : Can you recommend a mini lathe ?


darpinian
01-03-2001, 02:51 PM
I have been looking at Enco. Prazzi, and Kovals Micro lathe
to make thumb bobs stop pins, etc. Which is best ??

Don Cowles
01-03-2001, 07:58 PM
I have a Sheline which I like very much, but I have been told that you can make anything on a big lathe you can make on a small one, so if there is the remotest chance you might ever want to turn something over an inch in diameter, you should consider a larger unit.

eadus
01-03-2001, 08:53 PM
Enco has a good name in this country, however I would agree with Don, you can always turn something small on a big lathe but not vice versa. By big I don't mean gigantic but something that will handle say 1" stock. My lathe was made pre 1939 and has a bed 16" long and will handle 1 1/2" stock and with a plate turn something 5" in diameter, yet it is still classed as a small lathe. You can pick the whole thing up in your arms and it sits on a small bench.

Regards from Australia

darpinian
01-05-2001, 03:42 PM
Thanks guys for the info. I guess I need to determine if I
will ever have the need to turn larger stock.

JerryO13
01-05-2001, 06:05 PM
better to have a feature that you never use then to need it and not have it.