Wich lathe for case work

[manodeoro]

I have a boley flume watchmakers lathe, 8mm.
I bought some jaw chucks and some hardened cutters and now I'm able to cut back a stainless steel caseback or do some mild case work, but that's it.
Would love a CNC machine but I don't have the skill to work it.


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The only Boley F53 I've seen in sale is Niels' ... 3K€ !!!

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[ado213]

A very interesting topic here with lots of good advice from members.

I could ramble on for hours on this subject. However my best advice is to buy the largest most solid lathe you can squeeze in your work area, " What will do a lot will do a little"

If your modding cases, this definitely applies

 

[manodeoro]

The Microlux is $720 and $350 for the rotary table. Plus tooling, clamps, etc. you're probably looking at $1300-$1500.

Check this comparison out. The Harbor Freight mini-mill is lacking in power compared to others and you def want an R8 taper so that if you move up to a bigger machine later all your tools will still work.

http://littlemachineshop.com/info/minimill_compare.php

A very interesting topic here with lots of good advice from members.

I could ramble on for hours on this subject. However my best advice is to buy the largest most solid lathe you can squeeze in your work area, " What will do a lot will do a little"

If your modding cases, this definitely applies

I cant quote everybody so thanks to all you guys @Tickleshoes, @ado213, @trailboss99, @tomtom2, @SteveA1973, @tripdog, etc ...

If I finally buy a lathe I'll try to stay 1500$ max and I really need one a small as possible.
Reason is that even if I decide to use a part of my garage to install a worshop it will definitely be a small part (I'm a "City Dweller" so it's not a very large garage and my better half park her car there ... what a weird idea aint it ? :hehehe

So I think I'll definitely explore the Microlux way or try to find something equivalent directly in EU.

In the meantime I'll try to get some skills while working some hours with a friend who is happy enough to have access to a professionnal CNC lathe.
I will let you know in September ... and probably ask for more advices.

 

[Natas78]

Happy guy [emoji6]
The only Boley F53 I've seen in sale is Niels' ... 3K€ !!!

Sent from the RWI App

Hi,
I got it off ebay, but incomplete and the motor has no speed lever anymore - so got it for a reasonable price, but it works and pretty well too