probablynot Posted December 21, 2013 Share #1 Posted December 21, 2013 I've decided to reward myself for meritorious service (specifically, bringing the Admiral her breakfast in bed regularly and unfailingly for the past 8 years and 8 months) by buying myself a small metalworking lathe. The Admiral has actually smiled and nodded her consent (though the words 'daft' and 'why?' are evident in her smile).But which lathe?I've set myself a £500 ($800) budget, and I want that to include some cutters so that I can use the new toy out of the box.Axminster (UK shop) are offering the Proxxon FD 150/E Lathe packaged with a 6 Piece Cutting Tool Set for £468. Free delivery. Looks interesting, but I can't find out how much it weighs. I'll be using the lathe in the kitchen, which means I'd have to lug it around quite a bit. I do have some Proxxon woodwork tools, and the quality of those is pretty good, but metalwork at ship-modelling scale does require precision. Any comments on this lathe from actual users would be appreciated.A possible alternative, for £330 (excluding cutters, and even excluding a tool post apprently), is the Draper 22824 Micro Metal lathe. Only 100mm between centres. It's mounted on a wooden base, which looks somewhat Heath Robinson to me, but the whole thing weighs only 10.3kg so it's portable.Others I've looked at include the Osaki mini metalworking lathe. Under £500 (but doesn't include cutters), looks reasonably professional, and has 300mm between centres. However, it weighs "37/40kg", and wouldn't fit in the cupboard with the saucepans. The same goes for pretty well all of the other 300mm models I've looked at.I don't need 300mm between centres. I do need precision. I'd be very glad to hear of the experiences of other MSW members in buying metal lathes. Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q A's Revenge Posted December 21, 2013 Share #2 Posted December 21, 2013 (edited) I believe someone on here recently bought a Lathe from Amadeal, top of this page. http://www.amadeal.co.uk/acatalog/Mini-Lathe.html Hopefully they'll comment on it presently for you. The general advice with these types of tools is to buy the biggest you have space for/can afford. You can do small stuff on a big Lathe but you can't do large stuff on a small one. The 350mm between centres could be handy for masts if you can find the space for it. Edit: Sorry, just read your size limitations. Looks like it will have to be one of the micro lathes! This one is about half the weight but still 250mm between centres. http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-model-engineer-series-c1-micro-lathe I should imagine the Proxxon lathe you mentioned is quite light as it seems to have an Aluminium alloy bed. Most Lathes have cast iron beds for rigidity. Edited December 21, 2013 by Q A's Revenge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probablynot Posted December 21, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted December 21, 2013 QA, thank you.I did look at the Amadeal model mentioned in your first link, but at 42/45kg it wouldn't be practicable in my cramped circumstances! The Axminster C1 Micro Lathe in your second link looks particularly good, however. True, it's over twice the weight of the Draper 22824, but at 22kg it's seriously more manageable than most of the (40-45kg, 300mm-between-centres) models I've been looking at.If I bought the Tungsten Carbide Lathe Tool Set 8mm (£19.25) to go with it, would I need anything else to start using it out of the box? Or are there other 'extras' that I'd have to buy in order to get going?If no-one comes up with adverse comments on this particular model (and if no-one else comes up with an option closer to my ideal requirements), I'm planning to phone Axminster on Monday and see what sort of a deal I can get. Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpnuts Posted December 21, 2013 Share #4 Posted December 21, 2013 I want one (would love to build a working steam engine) and I was looking at a proxon well dreaming obviously. I have read loads of reviews and they all say it's a good lathe so I say go for it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q A's Revenge Posted December 21, 2013 Share #5 Posted December 21, 2013 I've never got on very well with carbide tools. I use either HSS or in some cases insert tooling. You only need a few lathe tools to get you started but something similar to the HSS sets on this page may suit. You would need a grinder to sharpen them though. http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Cutting-Tools/Lathe-Tools Other tools you'll need to start would be a small drill chuck for the tailstock and some centre drills and also a revolving centre. Joining a model engineering forum is also very useful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkay11 Posted December 22, 2013 Share #6 Posted December 22, 2013 The Proxxon weighs 4.5Kg according to http://www.proxxon.com/en/micromot/24150.php?list. Tony Quote === First build: Caldercraft HM Cutter Sherbourne 1763 FINISHED 2nd build: Triton cross-section COMPLETED 3rd build: La Chaloupe Armée / 42ft Armed Longboat of 1834 by tkay11 – scale 1:36, plans by M. Delacroix COMPLETED 4th build: Allège d’Arles 1833 (Ancre) POB by tkay11 – scale 1:100, plans by F. Fissore COMPLETED Working on La Jacinthe 1:96 POB (ANCRE publications) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grsjax Posted December 22, 2013 Share #7 Posted December 22, 2013 You might want to look around for a good used Unimat lathe. Either the original or the later Unimat 3. Nice thing about them is they have a milling option and there are lots of accessories for them. Ebay usually has at least a few of these listed. Quote My advice and comments are always worth what you paid for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boccherini Posted December 22, 2013 Share #8 Posted December 22, 2013 Brian, have you considered a Taig? I also needed a lighter, portable machine due to lack of bench space. They are a basic lathe without all the bells and whistles of the Sherline (for about half the price). It has served me well to date turning both wood and brass. Regards, Grant. WackoWolf 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q A's Revenge Posted December 22, 2013 Share #9 Posted December 22, 2013 This is another option for tooling. I have several of them including home made versions. They are very easy to make if you have a mill. http://www.eccentricengineering.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=17 http://youtu.be/0yxaoTY9D7w Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probablynot Posted December 22, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted December 22, 2013 Tony - Thanks re the Proxxon FD150's weight. I'm actually coming back in my mind to this lathe - it's so much more compact than the alternatives I've been tempted by, and it seems to be able to do pretty well all of the tasks I can see myself wanting to perform. It worries me somewhat that Proxxon seem to have all their retail suppliers by the short and curlies, and very few of them vary by one penny from the standard £451.50 price. But there is one (just one) I've found that knocks off £51.51 ...My main worry is that the aluminium construction isn't going to remain precise for as long as a cast-iron lathe would. But hey, I'm 77 years old - it ought to last me out! And if (a couple of years down the road) I decide I need something bigger and better, Proxxon tools do seem to hold their value on Ebay!Grant - Thanks for pointing up the Taig. I did take a look - reminded me of the sort of thing Hobbies Ltd of Dereham, Norfolk might have come up with in the post-war years! Probably pretty good, but I'm afraid it didnt inspire me.Grsjax - Good thinking. I know Unimat is a good name, and buying second-hand often means there are 'extras' bundled in, but I didn't want to go into the sometimes-hazardous realm of used goods.QA - Thanks again. Actually, another reason why I'm now leaning towards the Proxxon - the tool-holder that comes with it looks pretty versatile and will do tapers.I'm still not committed to anything. But Tool Lust is gaining hold, and if I order this evening I might be able to take delivery on the 24th![PS - the Admiral is looking over my shoulder and grumbling words that include 'mutiny'!] Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaetan Bordeleau Posted December 25, 2013 Share #11 Posted December 25, 2013 For 330 pounds, you get a lathe, a drill and if you add by example proxxon X-Y table, you would also get a mill. This is what a used Unimat is also doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q A's Revenge Posted December 25, 2013 Share #12 Posted December 25, 2013 [PS - the Admiral is looking over my shoulder and grumbling words that include 'mutiny'!] It's a shame you're not a little bit nearer or I'd offer to come over and help you repel boarders! Lol. probablynot 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael mott Posted December 25, 2013 Share #13 Posted December 25, 2013 Brian, the Draper and the small Axminster both look good, But the Proxxon looks very good for the money. I must admit I like larger tools for the reasons already mentioned. I once turned some clock spindles on a Colchester 2000 (a pretty big lathe) Michael avsjerome2003 1 Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkay11 Posted December 25, 2013 Share #14 Posted December 25, 2013 If you go to tBS Aachen in Germany you'll find all Proxxon equipment far cheaper than in the UK. Shipping is around €12 and you have no import duty or tax to pay as it's all within the EU. I bought a Proxxon X-Y table from them and delivery was within 48hrs by DHL. Have a look at http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Suche/Proxxon_24150_Precision_lathe_FD_150-E.htm?VL=Proxxon%2024150%20Precision%20lathe%20FD%20150/E where you'll see the FD 150 for €415, or £354. It was interesting that until about a year ago the UK prices were roughly on par with those in Germany, but then they suddenly rocketed up whilst the German prices remained static. Tony Quote === First build: Caldercraft HM Cutter Sherbourne 1763 FINISHED 2nd build: Triton cross-section COMPLETED 3rd build: La Chaloupe Armée / 42ft Armed Longboat of 1834 by tkay11 – scale 1:36, plans by M. Delacroix COMPLETED 4th build: Allège d’Arles 1833 (Ancre) POB by tkay11 – scale 1:100, plans by F. Fissore COMPLETED Working on La Jacinthe 1:96 POB (ANCRE publications) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probablynot Posted December 26, 2013 Author Share #15 Posted December 26, 2013 I've been agonising about this all over Christmas! "Brian, be sensible!" says the Admiral. "Yes, OK", I reply, and then I go looking at every website you all hinted at, plus some more besides!However, there really aren't that many metal-working lathes that are [a] accurate, cheap and [c] small enough to fit in one of my kitchen cabinets. Proxxon don't really count as cheap, but the FD150 fulfils [c] pretty well, and from what I've heard it's pretty good with [a]. And it does tapers, so I don't have to get a special tool holder as an extra!I was all set to phone my preferred UK supplier tomorrow, and try to cut a deal giving me a FD150 lathe plus a set of cutters and a tail-end chuck for, say, £475. List prices here in the UK would have meant a £527.30 layout.But then I saw Tony's contribution to this thread. Thank you Tony! That German firm apparently has all my (initial) needs 'in stock', for a £440 49 outlay including delivery.So a few minutes ago, I ordered."Oh, Brian!" said the Admiral, in a suitably exasperated voice."QVC" I said in reply. That was enough. The Admiral has an expensive addiction to the QVC television channel.We're calling it a draw. Rustyj, src, mtaylor and 2 others 5 Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkay11 Posted December 26, 2013 Share #16 Posted December 26, 2013 I'll be very interested to hear your experience with this lathe, Brian. Keep us posted! Tony Quote === First build: Caldercraft HM Cutter Sherbourne 1763 FINISHED 2nd build: Triton cross-section COMPLETED 3rd build: La Chaloupe Armée / 42ft Armed Longboat of 1834 by tkay11 – scale 1:36, plans by M. Delacroix COMPLETED 4th build: Allège d’Arles 1833 (Ancre) POB by tkay11 – scale 1:100, plans by F. Fissore COMPLETED Working on La Jacinthe 1:96 POB (ANCRE publications) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith_W Posted December 26, 2013 Share #17 Posted December 26, 2013 Yes, I am interested in this lathe as well. I can't seem to find much details on the web. If you could make a thread with some unboxing photos and list what comes in the box, I would be most grateful. Quote Regards, Keith 2007 (completed): HMS Bounty - Artesania Latina 2013 (completed): Viking Ship Drakkar - Amati 2014 (completed): HMS Bounty Launch - Model Shipways Current: HMS Royal William - Euromodel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
druxey Posted December 26, 2013 Share #18 Posted December 26, 2013 You will have as many opinions as responses, I'm sure! However, going against the tide a little, if it is very small work that you intend to turn, why not consider a good lightly used watchmaker's lathe? A cross-slide is a good item to add. Either a chuck or, better, collets for your headstock may all be obtained on eBay, and probably within your budget. If the tailstock will accommodate collets as well for drilling purposes, that is a bonus. It's worth a look. That said, I have also used a Unimat DB200 for over 30 years. It will manage larger work well, but for tiny stuff I use the watchmaker's lathe. WackoWolf 1 Quote Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q A's Revenge Posted December 26, 2013 Share #19 Posted December 26, 2013 Glad you've bought something you wanted Brian, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun using it! probablynot 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael mott Posted December 26, 2013 Share #20 Posted December 26, 2013 After you comment Druxey I did a Google search and the images were certainly a lot of marvelous eye candy especially some of the older stuff. Michael Quote Current builds Bristol Pilot Cutter 1:8; Skipjack 19 foot Launch 1:8; Herreshoff Buzzards Bay 14 1:8 Other projects Pilot Cutter 1:500 ; Maria, 1:2 Now just a memory Future model Gill Smith Catboat Pauline 1:8 Finished projects A Bassett Lowke steamship Albertic 1:100 Anything you can imagine is possible, when you put your mind to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probablynot Posted December 27, 2013 Author Share #21 Posted December 27, 2013 Tony, Amfibius - your interest is noted. TBS-Aachen tell me my lathe (plus cutters and tail-end-chuck) are already on their way and I can expect delivery between 1 and 6 January. I'll put the un-boxing 'log' in this thread (unless a Moderator says otherwise ...) The last time (and incidentally the first time) I ever used a metal lathe was about 35 years ago. My first task with the FD150 will be to make two 3mm-diameter brass pulley wheels. Fairly easy. The next task will be to create a replacement for a missing falconet on a part-built "Endeavour" model I've been given. That might prove more difficult ... Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted December 27, 2013 Share #22 Posted December 27, 2013 Brian, I'd suggest opening a new topic with the name of the lathe and word "review" in the title. Then as you work with it, you can add to it. Your choice really. WackoWolf and Q A's Revenge 2 Quote Mark "The shipwright is slow, but the wood is patient." - me Current Build: Past Builds: La Belle Poule 1765 - French Frigate from ANCRE plans Triton Cross-Section USS Constellaton (kit bashed to 1854 Sloop of War _(Gallery) Build Log Wasa (Gallery) HMS Sphinx 1775 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Non-Ship Model: On hold, maybe forever: CH-53 Sikorsky - 1:48 - Revell - Completed Licorne - 1755 from Hahn Plans (Scratch) Version 2.0 (Abandoned) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mau Posted December 28, 2013 Share #23 Posted December 28, 2013 Hi Brian, I'm interested in this lathe too. I have a lot of PROXXON tools and they work pretty well. I think you could extend the bed to turning masts as Jack Tar did with the DB-250. I will follow your new topic. Mauricio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probablynot Posted December 28, 2013 Author Share #24 Posted December 28, 2013 OK Mark - when it arrives I'll open a new thread as suggested. Mauricio - good idea re the bed extension. I've already got a Proxxon DB250, so now I'll have to try & find Jack Tar's posting(s) on the subject. I'm getting excited already. Oh, the exquisite agony of waiting for a new toy to be delivered! WackoWolf 1 Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkay11 Posted December 28, 2013 Share #25 Posted December 28, 2013 Brian, you'll find Jack Tar's discussion of how to extend the DB250 at http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/2765-proxxon-mini-lathe-db-250-opinionsassessmentsrecommendations/?p=100438. Tony probablynot and riverboat 2 Quote === First build: Caldercraft HM Cutter Sherbourne 1763 FINISHED 2nd build: Triton cross-section COMPLETED 3rd build: La Chaloupe Armée / 42ft Armed Longboat of 1834 by tkay11 – scale 1:36, plans by M. Delacroix COMPLETED 4th build: Allège d’Arles 1833 (Ancre) POB by tkay11 – scale 1:100, plans by F. Fissore COMPLETED Working on La Jacinthe 1:96 POB (ANCRE publications) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probablynot Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share #26 Posted December 31, 2013 Yippee, it's arrived! As suggested, I've opened a new thread. http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/4925-proxxon-fd150e-metal-lathe-review/ So far it's just the un-boxing pics. I'll add more as I go on ... Quote Brian Apologies everyone - I’ve accepted that I’m OLD. I’ve put down my tools and immersed myself in activities that don’t require me to work in a cold, outdoor workshop! I now do other things, but I do still look in to MSW. And sometimes I comment! When I die, I’ll let you all know! Abandoned build: - Occre's "Spirit of Mississippi" riverboat. Previous builds - La Petite Nella (aka AL's Mare Nostrum); Anastasia (1:12 scratch-built sailing kayak); USS Enterprise (Constructo); Half Moon (Corel); Lt Bligh's Bounty Launch (Model Shipways); Silhouet (1893 Dutch Barge)(Constructo); Mephisto (aka Constructo's 'Le Camaret' lobster boat) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkay11 Posted December 31, 2013 Share #27 Posted December 31, 2013 Yup! Been to the new site and will follow with interest. Thanks Tony Quote === First build: Caldercraft HM Cutter Sherbourne 1763 FINISHED 2nd build: Triton cross-section COMPLETED 3rd build: La Chaloupe Armée / 42ft Armed Longboat of 1834 by tkay11 – scale 1:36, plans by M. Delacroix COMPLETED 4th build: Allège d’Arles 1833 (Ancre) POB by tkay11 – scale 1:100, plans by F. Fissore COMPLETED Working on La Jacinthe 1:96 POB (ANCRE publications) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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