Our R&D shop needs a lathe. the budget is under $2,000. Of course it will be small and import at that price. Any suggestions for something reliable?
I did a little bit of research in that area a few months ago. I didn’t buy anything, because what I found in that price range wasn’t able to cut much. If you’re cutting plastic or brass, no problem. But aluminum required light cuts and don’t even ask about steel.
Mostly plastic.
Maybe a little drilling and tapping Al.
See if this has any value. (I didn’t watch the video, but this guy does incredible work.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOT9grqMDvY&t=82s
Good video
He seems happy with the Sherline and that would do what I need at a great cost.
One question is have you looked at secondhand. A dealer might have something smallish and decent quality that they will give warranty on and it will probably be worth as much as you buy it for now if you sell it later.
There is always the mini-lathe…
[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05vUCdzhoe4[/media]
This Old’s got a few videos on this, upgrades some key parts, lots of bad jokes.
He’s a blast if you haven’t seen his stuff.
If it is a mini-lathe you are looking for, Joe Pie has you covered. (No camera tricks here. 1/12th scale functional lathe.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlcNR215TFY