I recently bought a new 7x12 Clarke (Sieg) minilathe, because it was
available locally (no shipping) and it was a reasonable price: $380US plus
local sales tax 6%.
The differences you may find by looking at various vendors, is that certain
features vary, and the number of included accessories vary.
Other than these differences, almost all 7x10 to 7x14 models will
essentially be the same except for the length of the bed/between centers
dimension (and paint colors).
The Busy Bee B1979C shows a 2 year warranty. Vendor support may be a
determining factor due to the location of the buyer.
Some models may have all plastic gears. On one model I saw, the internal
headstock gear was steel/iron but the external change gears were plastic.
Some accessory packages include the steady and traveling rests and a
faceplate, or an additional chuck, so prices will vary.
The Taig accessories are fairly expensive, and as accessories go, the user
will generally want or need another, and another.
Accessories for the minilathes are somewhat more commonly available, and
usually more generic.
--
WB
..........
metalworking projects
www.kwagmire.com/metal_proj.html
"Michael Koblic" wrote in message
...
The continuing saga of a miser looking for a "wonderlathe":
1)
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...330,50260&ap=1
I have a motor and lots of 1/4" tools of uncertain provenance. Would need
a chuck for the headstock and probably compound slide from this selection:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...330,50260&ap=1
I have heard good things about this. It would take care of small parts
(steel, 3/4" diameter). I am not sure how specialized and therefore
obtainable the parts are.
2) http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/picture10?NTITEM=B1979C
The apparent cost is over double of the Taig, but it comes with a motor, a
compound, 3-jaw chuck etc. which closes the dollar gap considerably. Lower
speeds, therefore almost three times the diameter can be handled, screw
cutting, auto feed etc.
The nearest mini is $200 more. Why, oh why, the short distance between
centres?
All in all, it seems that No.2 will do everything the No.1 will and much
more for a slightly greater sum. Does this make sense?
--
Michael Koblic,
Campbell River, BC