Subject: Questions about lathe strength

From: [email-masked] (JCarducci)
Date: 1 Nov 1995 22:43:09 -0500

I posted a couple ( and a couple of 'extra' as well) notes here a while
back
inquiring about the worth and suitability of a Clausing lathe. I want to
say 
I appreciate the time you who responded  took to help me. I've since 
discovered that the lathe is actually a 10x 36 and not a 12x 36 as I
originally
thought. I hadn't taken a measure to the headstock; silly me. 

Anyway I've decided to pass on this machine and continue looking for a
larger
older American machine or consider one of the imports. To this end I
called
MSC about their $2895 13x40 machine. I asked if a taper attachment was 
available.  Now the fellow there was very candid about this machine and
said
that it is made in China and doesn't have the robustness of their sturdier
13x40 made in Taiwan which will accept a taper attachment. In short they
don't offer a taper attachment for the 'lesser machine. He assured me and
I believed him, that he wasn't trying to sell me the more expensive
machine. (It's moot 'cause I can't pay $6,000 for a machine now anyway). 

The question is:  Wouldn't the 'lesser' machine be capable of using a
taper attachment using  light cuts?  Should I steer clear of import
machines
of similar construction which WERE made to use taper attachments?
Obviously I can't see the the 2 machines close up;  the second (more
expensive ) machine looks bigger with heavier components but the lesser
machine doesn't look THAT much different. There is almost 
900 pounds difference in weight. Perhaps the stand is heavier.
I realize different machines of the same capacity (swing) can make;
or shouldn't, the same cuts in steel for example. 

If any of you have insights into this I'd appreciate hearing from you.
Please 
don't misinterpret what I wrote here; I don't mean to imply that MSC was
trying to use tactics to get a bigger purchase; not at all, I was told
that 
the warranty is extensive and fully backed on both machines. The less 
expensive machine is still considered more appropriate for home shop use
as mine would be. And there is nothing preventing me from offsetting
that tailstock....... is there?

thanks 
jerry c 

Jerry Carducci
What abend, I didn't touch THAT routine! It's not my fault. I need another
cup of coffee!

---

From: [email-masked] (Jonathan M. Elson)
Date: 6 Nov 1995 05:08:52 GMT

JCarducci ([email-masked]) wrote:
<snip>
: Obviously I can't see the the 2 machines close up;  the second (more
: expensive ) machine looks bigger with heavier components but the lesser
: machine doesn't look THAT much different. There is almost 
: 900 pounds difference in weight. Perhaps the stand is heavier.

The real question is how sturdy the BED is.  Weight is not the entire
answer, putting the bulk where it will provide maximum stiffness against
both flexing and twisting, is.

: as mine would be. And there is nothing preventing me from offsetting
: that tailstock....... is there?

We got a Chinese 'three-in-one, mill/drill/lathe' machine from Enco at
work.  It has no way to offset the tailstock!  Not even to correct for
wear or machining tolerances.  I find it hard to believe that any real
dedicated lathe would omit this feature, but make sure to ask before
ordering.
I have a 50+ year old Atlas 10" at home, got it for $750 out of some
guy's basement.  It wasn't too bad compared to some of the horror stories
I've heard on this newsgroup.  I've added a quick-change box, and will
get a Timken-bearing headstock to replace the babbit bearing one.
I firmly believe that used US- (or British) made tools are your best
value.
:  
: Jerry Carducci
: What abend, I didn't touch THAT routine! It's not my fault. I need another
: cup of coffee!

When working in an IBM 360/370/etc shop, there is no Guten Abend!