If anyone has been wanting to get a new mini lathe, but was put off by the
freight charges from most of the dealers, check to see if you have a local
Tractor Supply Co (TSC) for the Clarke model BT1028 "Metalworker".
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/...g=true&cFlag=1

That looks like a really fuctup link, just search lathe at the TSC site
http://www.tractorsupply.com

In the last several years, the prices of small lathes have been steadily
increasing. About 5 years ago, the 7x10 mini could be found for less than
$400 from any of the dealers on a regular basis.
Then the 7x12 models started showing up, this one is stated as having 11.75"
between centers.

The TSC website shows that they were trying to sell these lathes for $540,
but the store near me (western PA) has them clearance priced at $383
(clearance sticker showing the previous price was $480).

OK, so the mini is not a fantastic machine, but the clearance price may be
the break some folks need to allow them to get started in light duty
metalworking and machining, instead of the method of using a file with the
workpiece chucked to a drill motor clamped to a bench/kitchen counter.

A few of the potentially surprising features are.. lever shift low/high
gears in the headstock, lever shift to reverse the leadscrew (no ****ing
around with a wrench), electronic variable speed control 0-1100 and 0-2500
RPM and reversible motor (no step pulleys/belt changes), E-stop switch,
inch-threads leadscrew and even a little threading dial.
The manual is decent and includes a complete list of parts and an exploded
illustration.

Several of these features are not commonly included on other small lathes..
the 9x20 lathe I got several years ago didn't have the above mentioned shift
levers, low/high gears or variable speed (although it does have a quick
change gearbox).

Yes, it's made in the factories of China, however, there are numerous online
dealers that supply lots of replacement and accessory parts for these mini
lathes.

So a few enthusiasts can get started and gain some basic experience using a
lathe, and some of those folks may one day have one of the really great
precision lathes (for which a single replacement part can cost more than
this machine).

This particular size is compact enough to move around and use almost
anywhere.

WB
..........
metalworking projects
www.kwagmire.com/metal_proj.html