Yeah, the under-$400 sticker price was easier to justify than the
almost-or-over-$500 prices elsewhere, and eliminating shipping charges made
it even easier.

Spending $500 or more for the 7x didn't suit me, since I only paid $600
delivered IIRC, for my 9x20 (bought new also, but that was maybe 7 years
ago). The next machine after that was $700 for a used 12x20 3in1.
So having those 2 prices to compare to, a $500+ mini seemed a bit out of
line.

I guess you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for a deal, although I think
you'd be better off considering any sizes of machines that are affordable,
not just minis.
If you can get a bigger machine, the space needed for a bigger machine will
magically appear.
WTF, you can wash the dishes in the shower, or better yet, use paper (but be
damned sure to recycle).
Then put the microwave oven beside the couch where it belongs, and half of
your kitchen is already free space.

Glad you found something interesting.
BTW, dumb looks are still free.

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


"Larry Jaques" wrote in message
news
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