Man these threads make my head hurt. The go bigger comments are making me think about going to a larger lathe than I had planned. Lots of great points on this forum, love the positive vibe here.
I started out thinking I wanted a Grizzly 12x36 like most folks that don't know much, then I got to researching what was big enough for making mostly small punch dies and ammunition reloading stuff. I figure my minimum probably should be the PM-1127VF-LB size lathe, thread cutting is not a priority for me. At $3,098 I'm tempted to just wait on one of those. I mostly use a max diameter 2" round bar of A2 and bore holes to 1" max, mostly under 1/2". But, that PM-1236 is rattling around my head. Its so tempting for $550 more than what I think I really need to cover my scale of work. The foot brake is the main attraction, never used one before.
Any comments on the preferred package? Is the accessories all usable, I see it even includes a clutch on the feed screw like the industrial lathes. I doubt I would use the coolant pump, but the value of the package seems excellent. Is the drill chuck decent? The built in VFD on the smaller lathes appeals to me, never had one of those either, always used old iron. I'm putting in another 200 amp main service soon, my lights have been dimming in the home shop when my 80 gallon 2 stage air compressor cycles. My home service is barely adequate with the shop machines. So, I will have the power for more 220 machines if needed. I'm looking forward to adding another Air Conditioner!
I guess I'm trying to convince myself I need a 1,2000 lbs lathe after wanting to get something easy to install. That PM-1127VF-LB is listed at 575 lbs though, it seems heavy for its size anyway and I think the wait will be longer on one.
Any thoughts on the 1 hp AC inverter drive verses the 1228 DC set up at 2 hp? I compare the 1127 and the 1228 and they seem so close, just more threading range and the 2 hp DC motor I guess is the plus on the 12". I like the idea of the lower weights, easier to move in and I have to travel a dirt road with a small tractor. I gotta bring it in via 40 hp farm tractor and 2 ton shop hoist. Have to unload big trucks out on the asphalt road, they can't make it down my chert rock path.
These threads have given me lots to think about.
I started out thinking I wanted a Grizzly 12x36 like most folks that don't know much, then I got to researching what was big enough for making mostly small punch dies and ammunition reloading stuff. I figure my minimum probably should be the PM-1127VF-LB size lathe, thread cutting is not a priority for me. At $3,098 I'm tempted to just wait on one of those. I mostly use a max diameter 2" round bar of A2 and bore holes to 1" max, mostly under 1/2". But, that PM-1236 is rattling around my head. Its so tempting for $550 more than what I think I really need to cover my scale of work. The foot brake is the main attraction, never used one before.
Any comments on the preferred package? Is the accessories all usable, I see it even includes a clutch on the feed screw like the industrial lathes. I doubt I would use the coolant pump, but the value of the package seems excellent. Is the drill chuck decent? The built in VFD on the smaller lathes appeals to me, never had one of those either, always used old iron. I'm putting in another 200 amp main service soon, my lights have been dimming in the home shop when my 80 gallon 2 stage air compressor cycles. My home service is barely adequate with the shop machines. So, I will have the power for more 220 machines if needed. I'm looking forward to adding another Air Conditioner!
I guess I'm trying to convince myself I need a 1,2000 lbs lathe after wanting to get something easy to install. That PM-1127VF-LB is listed at 575 lbs though, it seems heavy for its size anyway and I think the wait will be longer on one.
Any thoughts on the 1 hp AC inverter drive verses the 1228 DC set up at 2 hp? I compare the 1127 and the 1228 and they seem so close, just more threading range and the 2 hp DC motor I guess is the plus on the 12". I like the idea of the lower weights, easier to move in and I have to travel a dirt road with a small tractor. I gotta bring it in via 40 hp farm tractor and 2 ton shop hoist. Have to unload big trucks out on the asphalt road, they can't make it down my chert rock path.
These threads have given me lots to think about.