- Joined
- May 4, 2018
- Messages
- 143
Hi Everyone!
Newbie to the forum although not new to metal cutting.
I'm looking for a new lathe and my search led me to Precision Matthews and then to this forum.
Initially I was looking for something like the PM-1127 or PM-1228 as those sizes would be fine for my projects. But, then I discovered that the "Ultra Precision" machines were made in Taiwan and that has changed my thinking. So, now I'm contemplating the PM-1236-T machine.
But, I'm freaking out over the lowest spindle speed being 90 RPM. I do single point threading from time to time and also some boring and 90 RPM just seems crazy fast for such operations. So, my questions for anyone using either of the Ultra Precision machines are have you cut threads to a shoulder? If so, are you still alive to tell the tale?
Secondary question -- what speed does the stock motor turn at? 1800? 3600?
I see that some of you have converted to 3-phase using a VFD and I think that's great but I'm not really looking for a project but, rather, a lathe I can use after cleaning and setting up. Also, the PM-1236-T with stand and shipping puts me right at the top of my budget so another $500~ish for a 3-phase conversion isn't terribly appealing -- at least not right now.. (Got all the other tooling I need from prior lathes.)
Thank you and best regards,
Meta Key
Newbie to the forum although not new to metal cutting.
I'm looking for a new lathe and my search led me to Precision Matthews and then to this forum.
Initially I was looking for something like the PM-1127 or PM-1228 as those sizes would be fine for my projects. But, then I discovered that the "Ultra Precision" machines were made in Taiwan and that has changed my thinking. So, now I'm contemplating the PM-1236-T machine.
But, I'm freaking out over the lowest spindle speed being 90 RPM. I do single point threading from time to time and also some boring and 90 RPM just seems crazy fast for such operations. So, my questions for anyone using either of the Ultra Precision machines are have you cut threads to a shoulder? If so, are you still alive to tell the tale?
Secondary question -- what speed does the stock motor turn at? 1800? 3600?
I see that some of you have converted to 3-phase using a VFD and I think that's great but I'm not really looking for a project but, rather, a lathe I can use after cleaning and setting up. Also, the PM-1236-T with stand and shipping puts me right at the top of my budget so another $500~ish for a 3-phase conversion isn't terribly appealing -- at least not right now.. (Got all the other tooling I need from prior lathes.)
Thank you and best regards,
Meta Key