Im looking at one of the lathes pictured below, and wanted to get thoughts if anyone has experience with them. I know the older models of these were excellent lathes, but I cannot find much information on the new manufacture models. The particular machine I am looking at was made in 2012. It appears to be 100% brand new (cosmolene still on ways), the shop that is selling it said Clausing sold it to a school or something, it was leaking oil between the headstock and gearbox so they demanded a new unit. Clausing took it back, repaired it, and since Clausing wont sell used lathes directly this shop got it deeply discounted.
I am getting it with an Acurite 200S DRO installed by Acurite on it, a Pratt/Burnet 3jaw, hopefully a quality 4jaw also.... for $8500ish. I feel like Id be stupid to turn down that deal considering I see these lathes listed for $13-14k new.
My big question is this, I looked all over the machine though and could not find a country of manufacture. Ive read everywhere from China, to Taiwan, and back to England on these new machines so have no clue what the correct answer is, anybody know?
The machine feels very sturdy, at least compared to what I use now (think it is 1800lb). There is some backlash in the dials, but I think that can be adjusted out at least on the compound maybe not on the cross slide. With half nuts engaged its rock solid not much wiggle at all, maybe a few thou. I really like that it has a cover over the leadscrew to keep crap from getting all over it. Other nice thing is that its only 3hp, so I can run one of the Mitsubishi VFD that is made specifically to convert single to three phase, and is only $250.
I am getting it with an Acurite 200S DRO installed by Acurite on it, a Pratt/Burnet 3jaw, hopefully a quality 4jaw also.... for $8500ish. I feel like Id be stupid to turn down that deal considering I see these lathes listed for $13-14k new.
My big question is this, I looked all over the machine though and could not find a country of manufacture. Ive read everywhere from China, to Taiwan, and back to England on these new machines so have no clue what the correct answer is, anybody know?
The machine feels very sturdy, at least compared to what I use now (think it is 1800lb). There is some backlash in the dials, but I think that can be adjusted out at least on the compound maybe not on the cross slide. With half nuts engaged its rock solid not much wiggle at all, maybe a few thou. I really like that it has a cover over the leadscrew to keep crap from getting all over it. Other nice thing is that its only 3hp, so I can run one of the Mitsubishi VFD that is made specifically to convert single to three phase, and is only $250.
