Introduction And Considering A Pm1236

J

juhlich

Registered
Registered
Joined
Feb 12, 2016
Messages
3
Hello All,
I am new to the forum and thought I'd start out by asking your thoughts on a upgrade. I currently have a 1941 South Bend Heavy 10 that I am thinking about selling to upgrade to something bigger and newer. I have been eyeing the PM1236. What do you think, is it a good move? My South Bend is in good shape but the more I use it, I notice it's age and limitations. Thanks! Joey
 
Welcome! Thats a hard call. I'm of the school that newer quality small lathes are better, if for no other reason than the multitude of modern tooling that is available.

But then again, I don't have a good condition SB Heavy 10 in my possession either. That may make tracking down all the available tooling worthwhile.
 
Its an excellent option, imho.
Never seen a PM .. but lots of reports for a long time, that PM products are very good.

I have a heavy, light industrial type chicom 12x.
Very, very good.
Chester (uk) craftsman, 12x24, 350 kg.

Out of lots of anecdotal evidence, 12x (11x ?) and up asian lathes are generally very good.
More mass = better lathe.
Anything else is easily, and relatively cheaply, upgraded.

PM is a quality vendor, of good quality/price products, based on lots of reports over many years.
I have no relationship.
Next time I´m near (ie in USA), would hope to meet him.
 
Joey,
Other than bigger and newer, what are the limitations that are bothering you? This may help someone address if a PM 1236 will suit your needs.
BTW, I don't own one yet, been lurking until I have the room in the near future to get a lathe myself.

Rick
 
I think if your current lathe really is in good shape with good ways and all the gears and bearings in good shape you aren't gonna gain a lot except convenice. If your lathe has a lot of wear then by all means look at the 1236. I ended up buying one with the preferred equipment package. So far so good I have some mobility issues and haven't got it up and running yet but with a bum leg I have had to learn patience .
I will say this though from a lot of looking I think the PM1236 preferred package has the most bang for the buck.
 
Thanks everyone for the replies. I sold it over the weekend. It had worn ways and the bearings were good, shimmed as best as I could(Army model with cast iron bearings). It needed new cross and compound nuts as well, nothing that immediate. It served me well and I really enjoyed it, and it still performs well. I just wanted to step up to something more modern. The new owner will hopefully enjoy it as well, he's just learning the skill.

That being said, I just ordered my PM1236 preferred package today!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top