Metalworking lathe

[Johnboy]

I am looking into buying a metalworking lathe mainly for turning small items for jigs etc. I don't have room to bench mount a Myford ML7 or similar so am looking for a small lathe that can be kept under a bench and lifted onto the bench when needed. A web search found this http://www.chesteruk.net/Conquest Lathe Specification.htm.

Anyone seen one of these or know anything about the quality etc.

TIA John

 

[Chris Knight]

John,

For several years I had a Cowells mini lathe - sadly no longer made and it proved a surprisingly useful machine. I don't know the conquest but this site seems to http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Ve ... her_7x.htm

Evidently the same as a couple of other imports going by different names.

 

[Alf]

John,

I looked into this a while back (came to nothing ) and found the uk.rec.models.engineering archive very informative. I looked at the Chester stuff, but IIRC correctly was rather put off by reports about their customer service. Axminster don't tend to get much of a mention, but engineering stuff is really their passion, and they'd understand that you were coming from a woodworking perspective, so it might be worth talking to them too.

Cheers, Alf

 

[woodshavings]

Chester do have a varied reputation for service but Warrens
http://www.warco-tools.com/
seem to be better.
I bought a lathe from them a couple of years ago for the same reason as you, jigs fittings etc, and found them very helpful.
I think they import the same lathes as Chester so should have the mini lathe you are after.

 

[Johnboy]

Chris, thanks for the link. It seems that as you say the same lathe has been sold under a few different brand names. I read the review of the Homier 7x12 which seems to be identical and it was rated very highly for the price.

Alf, I thought of Axminster but they don't do (at least not in the old catalogue, haven't got the new one yet) a small lathe like the conquest. It only weighs 35kg or so so I would be able to lift on and off the bench OK.

I have looked at the Machine Mart (£422) and the Warco (£399) and they look identical. I think I will go with the Chester at £355 inc VAT and Del and take a chance on the customer service.

I will try and do a review after using it for a while.

Thanks John