Looking for a decent mini lathe in EU

[SmithDoor]

Do they qualify as mini lathe? Or is that already "micro" lathe.
https://www.watch-tools.de/watchmaker-lathe-vector-165.php (quite a bit over the mentioned budget, but cute to look at)

O was told a long time ago under 8" is a mini lathe. A small lathe is 8 to 12". Then next watch maker lathe.
I seen to me the TAIG or a Sherline sould micro but in some circles could be mini.
I hope someone can clear this one up because could have change over the years.

Dave

 

[Niels Abildgaard]

I suppose that's true.

Well, anyway, my initial question still stands... Considering that these Chinese lathes start at ~500€, it should be possible to find one under 1500€ that has proper tapered bearings and other basic features I mentioned in my post. Waiting for some more suggestions

This is around 1400$ in Poland without tax
Numobams 240 with 38mm hole

 

[rosveld11]

The only problem I had with TAIG or a Sherline is the swing and spindle hole. I what at less 7" or 8" and 1¼"hole .
I have lathe with 8" swing and 21mm hole. To get a 1¼ almost triple the price .
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8x14 to face chuck 16"CC
View attachment 164603
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MY Firsy upgrade installed my good old Aloris
View attachment 164604

Dave

Have a look at www.marktplaats.nl, draaibanken

 

[SmithDoor]

Do they qualify as mini lathe? Or is that already "micro" lathe.
https://www.watch-tools.de/watchmaker-lathe-vector-165.php (quite a bit over the mentioned budget, but cute to look at)

Nice size
Most time I see watch lathe there is no gear cutting.
I would think gear cutting is big deal with watches. Watches just to small for me to build but looks fun .

Dave

 

[stanstocker]

Damn, that's a premium toolpost you got there. But you didn't replace the bearings? I was told with high confidence that Vevor lathes have plain bearings, not tapered. Lots of machinists told me to stay away from this brand, said it is most unreliable of all. I watched this review (different Vevor model, but close in spec) and it certainly discouraged me a lot. Did you experience any of the issues mentioned in this video?

I just looked at the Vevor 8.3 inch manual and the bearings listed are 30206's. These are tapered bearings. Heck of a spindle bore for a machine that size and price, only know one person who has one and they seems satisfied for the price. At 166 lbs it's a bit much to carry from room to room though.

 

[timo_gross]

Nice size
Most time I see watch lathe there is no gear cutting.
I would think gear cutting is big deal with watches. Watches just to small for me to build but looks fun .

Dave

Those watch machines have lots of attachments and extra options. Here it looks like he is having a dividing head stock "electronic" and a motorized milling spindle. Sometimes hard to tell, what is shop made and what can be bought.

stantocker: At 166 lbs it's a bit much to carry from room to room though.

Toyota fork lift model maybe 1/10 scale? (a bit of a chicken egg situation though!)