Good beginning lathe.

[psycho_grizz]

Any good advice for a first time lathe? I know a guy who reclaims school lathes and will sell then to me. I'm guessing it'll need some tuning up on them seeing as they're old school lathes, so are they worth a gander or will I be better off buying a new one off Axminster or something?

 

[Phil Pascoe]

See what he's got. They may well be Graduates, but they may well be 3 phase . Anything you pick up will probably be be better quality than anything other than top class new stuff - with the bonus that when you wish to upgrade, you will be able to sell on for what you paid.

 

[woodpig]

As said the old school machines are good quality provided they haven't been abused. They may need a bearing replacement but that shouldn't be a problem. The biggest issue is the motor if it's three phase. There are several options but all will require varying amounts of money to be spent before you can use it on a home supply.