On 2010-05-03, Bob La Londe wrote:
I've got an HF 7 x 10 mini lathe and its actually done ok. Quite often it
exceeds the workability of the materials, but I found it to be just a tad
under powered yesterday when I was roughing an injector nozzle out of
aluminum. It could also stand a more rigid tool post / cross slide
assembly. I don't plan to get rid of it as its very handy for some small
work. In fact I plan to get the 14" bed for it from The Little Machine
Shop, and if I can figure out a way to improve the rigidity of the tool post
and cross slide I will.

Unless the bed is a heavier casting it will probably flex more
than the 10" one.

However, I am looking for something a little better and a little bit bigger
also. I'm not made of money and I was kinda wondering what a nice middle
range machine would be without going to one of those names that is priced as
much by name recognition as by quality.

You might look for a used Clausing. I'm quite happy with my
12x24" one and it doesn't have the hobby market name attraction of the
South Bend, so you can probably find a much more affordable one, with
patience.

One thing to check when you find one is the bore through the
spindle. If it is 1-3/8", you can fit it with 5C collets and a closer.
If it is smaller, the collets which can be fitted to it will be smaller
as well, and much more expensive. 5C is common enough so there are
lots of makers, and thus some brands are quite affordable.

Enjoy,
DoN.

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