[saands]

Hi everyone,

I have had evening/weekend access to nice CNC lathes/mills at work for many years, but as "my" tools are becoming increasingly utilized for real work, I am finding myself in the market for a lathe of my own. I realize that I will not have (essentially) unlimited size and horsepower (160 inches between centers and 50HP won't fit in my garage or my budget) and that is fine. I am also pretty sure that I would rather spend the CNC money on the mill than on the lathe, so a manual lathe is also what I am expecting.

This is a hobby tool, not a livelihood tool. I was wondering if there are some general thoughts people could share on brands that I should seek-out or avoid-like-the-plague.

I would also like to solicit some input on what I am considering as a minimum configuration.

Swing over bed > 6"
Swing over cross-slide > 4"
Distance between centers > 20"
Steady rest required, follower rest a plus
Spindle bore > 1.25"
Tailstock travel > 1"
there is a list of standard stuff like threading, etc.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

By the way, I can't spend more than $5k on the lathe ... a LOT less would, of course, be preferable.

Saands