On Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:01:24 -0500, the infamous "Wild_Bill"
scrawled the following:

I recently bought a new 7x12 Clarke (Sieg) minilathe, because it was
available locally (no shipping) and it was a reasonable price: $383US plus
local sales tax 6%.

That's an excellent price, WB.


The Taig accessories are fairly expensive, and as accessories go, the user
will generally want or need another, and another.

Taig is (over)charging folks for their "famous" name.


Accessories for the minilathes are somewhat more commonly available, and
usually more generic.
Parts and accessories for the 7x models are available from numerous sources,
although the prices vary considerably for certain items.

http://www.mini-lathe.com/

Great site.


http://www.varmintal.com/alath.htm

His is an EXTREMELY interesting work history, isn't it?


http://www.cartertools.com/jose02.html
http://littlemachineshop.com/Products/product_new.php

Something I discovered while looking at minilathe accessories is that a MT3
to 3C adapter and drawtubes are available for using 3C collets with the 7x
models instead of using Morse Taper 3 collets.
These adapters are for use in any machine that has a MT3 spindle with a 3/4"
(.750") thru hole. This includes 7x models, South Bend and the 9x20 series
lathes.
The 3C collets are self-releasing, so they don't need to be driven/tapped
out like the locking MT collets do.
Additionally, the 3C collets allow the material to pass thru the collet,
which MT collets don't. This allows longer lengths of material to be fed
thru the headstock.

There are several suppliers of 3C collets in round, hex and square sizes.

Thanks for an interesting post. I'm still looking for a mini-mill,
then a mini-lathe.

--
It is pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness;
poverty and wealth have both failed.
-- Kin Hubbard