"Ecnerwal" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"John Stout" wrote:

I can ask a newby question without too much flack. What is the best
lathe
for under 1,000.00 to start with? I've looked at jet and delta and read
some

A used one, IMHO. Depends what you can find. Old used North American
cast iron is usually a better long-term bet, and often less out of
pocket than new imported stuff. Sometimes you might need a new motor, or
new bearings, or a VFD to run a 3-phase unit if you don't happen to have
3-phase at home, but you can often do those things and still come out
ahead, $ wise and lathe wise.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by


I couldnt agree more,
Go to school auctions and check out the old Iron they are getting rid of.
I got a Rockwell/Delta 46-450 (12" swing 14" over gap 36" between centers
500+ lbs.) for $25.00. I did some minor cleaning and bought a used VFD and
I have a great heavy lathe under $200.00.
Worst case scenario, I may have had to buy some bearings, 1 phase motor and
I would still have been ahead.
As for parts, it appears that I can get everything for it except the 7/16"
tail stock spindle clamp.(SO I make one out of a $2.00 piece of allthread.)