Leaning towards a PM-1030V as a first lathe, check my logic?

jung4g

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Here's some background of where I'm coming from and how I landed on the PM-1030v as a first machine to get:
While I can't afford to just buy a professional machine shop, I can see the value in paying more for good tools that will last a bit longer and be less likely to be outgrown very quickly.

As I suspect is typical for many people new to this hobby, I ended up looking at Grizzly's options and sorting by price, low to high. Honestly the micro lathe was tempting at first due to price, figuring since I would be working on some small stuff for the most part, but the lack of power made me quickly realize, a 7X was the bare minimum I should consider.

So from that, I looked at the G0765 from Grizzly. For $615, it seems a reasonable first machine. But after replacing the dumb bearings and plastic spindle gears, you're out a fair amount of time and even more money. Add on the needed 4 jaw, QCTP, and some essential tooling, and shipping, and you're at $1000 very quickly. Once you hit $1000, you can consider the basic bigger 8X and 9X Lathes from Grizzly that come with a 3 And 4 jaw, bigger motors, etc. I looked at every model and read every review I could find and the bigger options just seemed like a better value, especially when so many people just use a 7X as a stepping stone.

I read every review and comparison I can and watched many videos, loving Frank Hoose of Mini-Lathe.com's stuff and soaked up a bunch of his info.

After several weeks of reading/watching, I looked at the LMS5100/5200, which seemed nice, but I didn't see the value in spending so much for a 7X machine (especially after buying a 4 jaw for it) and had nearly talked myself into the G0752 10x22 Variable Speed option from Grizzly for $1795 when I stumbled upon Precision Matthews and the 10X options after watching Frank's review of his 1228.

The PM-1022V and 1030V seem like the best value, spec wise for a new machine that I can find, especially the 1030v.
It has:
8" more length than the G0752
includes a QCTP
and the power cross feed alone is worth the $200 upgrade.
A lower minimum rpm (50 vs 100) is nice as well.
In fact, the only thing I can find that seems to be a "downgrade" from the G0752 is a smaller 4 jaw on the PM (6.5" vs 5"), but 5" is still way nicer than the 3" or 4" on the 7x options, AND the PM was basically quick change chuck, something I know would have annoyed me on the 7x lathes after seeing how tight the clearance was on those bolts.

I'd love to jump again to the 1127 or 1228, but I'm already at $2500 tooled up for the 1030 after telling my wife "oh, around $1000", but that was a month ago when I figured starting with a cheap one would be fine. Jumping another $1k to go to the 1127 and 1228 would be pushing it, and I'd rather use that money towards a mill.

Ok, so PM-1030V as a good starter lathe that won't be outgrown within the first year or two? Maybe even put a CNC conversion on it down the road?

Is it worth almost double the money of an LMS 5100 for some 1.5" and under turning?


My plan was to put whatever I get on something like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-52-in-11-Drawer-Mobile-Workcenter-48-22-8552/300891919
That would match my tool chest and give ample storage for tooling, accessories, and some of the other tools I own without a home. I'd consider replacing or adding a steel plate to the top for additional rigidity if needed.
 
Allow yourself room for tooling, ie toolholders, cutting tools, dial gauges, mag bases, oils, brushes... even a very basic setup will add a good deal of money to your budget. If you are stretched now and pushing for the biggest, features, price/power ratio... you might be hurting yourself from doing anything.

I got a lathe for free some years back, my first, I had no money so it was a perfect fit... But I could not afford basic tooling so I really could not do anything, and the stuff I was finding on eBay and other cheap sources was junk... It took over 1 year of frustration before I slowly built up a decent set of tooling to use the lathe for anything of value... thank God for the mill:D:confused:
I don't know if that will pertain to you or not. I hope you find the best lathe in your price budget, it's a great hobby!!!

Hth
Rich
 
Some general thoughts:

I was able to do a lot with a Taig micro lathe. It's a well-build machine and can handle just about anything that fits inside its work envelope.

Unfortunately, it spoiled me to a certain extent and when I got an Atlas/Craftsman 12", I was really disappointed in the performance of the machine. I would up getting an ERL-1340 from Matt, and it's an outstanding machine and a joy to work with.

So, I would look for quality (fit, tightness) first and rigidity a close second. I think both PM and LMS are good dealers and would steer you to a good machine.

Getting a used Logan might also be an option. Logan is still in business and can supply posts. South Bends tend to price high and Grizzly, who bought the brand name, doesn't manufacture anything for the old US-made machines.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
 
The PM1030V looks like a very nice lathe 1" bore, power cross feed, threading, included AxA tool post... You can't go wrong with that for a starter lathe!
 
I'm looking at one as well, for similar reasons. I was planning to also pick up some basic tooling and a DRO from PM with the lathe. I'd like to see some thoughts on tooling to pick up, and possibly avoid. My current thoughts are..

From PM with the lathe..

Lathe stand
1/32-1/2 High Precision Keyless Drill Chuck, For Tailstock, with MT2 Shank
AXA Master Turning/Boring Tool Set
1/2 Internal/External Threading Tool Set
DRO - self install
Maybe some extra tool holders for the QTCP


From elsewhere...

Parting tool, doesn't seem the kits above come with one
A couple dial gauges and mag bases
Center drills
Cutting oil
Marking fluid
HSS tool blanks


I already have a couple micrometers, and other misc tools like drill bit sets that should be useful.
 
Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I'm well aware of the tooling needs to get going.

My plan was to buy the same AXA Master Turning/Boring Tool Set and Chuck mentioned above to start. I already own dial indicator with magnetic base, drills, micrometer, caliper, etc. Beyond that, I'd need a parting tool, but I'm fine getting more tools and gauges as I go, just need to make the initial plunge.

For ttabbal and myself, looking to get into this. Are the carbide tool bits in the turning/thread kits from PM worth jumping into right away?
Threading: http://www.precisionmatthews.com/shop/12-internalexternal-threading-tool-set/
Turning/Boring: http://www.precisionmatthews.com/sh...ool-set-sized-for-axa-quick-change-tool-post/

The DRO thing seems more and more intriguing as I look into it. But that could be an addition down the road, maybe after I get a mill.
 
Personal experience, dro on the lathe is not that important, I fell into that one also. It works, and can have some nice input, but the dials work better for me right now. Get it down the road unless they offer it in a package and the price is too good.

The ccmt and toolholders on a 1440 lathe have been a nice investment, not sure if they would be that much of a help to you on a smaller lathe.

The threading ones may be worth it though... I'd wait for someone with first hand experience. Ar Warner has nice hss inserts that fit into the holders, so if you are not looking to grind your own bits, that might be a nice feature.

If you do go with pm tooling, the full kit might not be the best investment, the 90 kit gives the right hand and left hand bits and some boring bars. That might be enough for you...


As always, ymmv
Hth
Rich
 
Jung4g,
It's not my intent to degrade PM or Grizzlys, etc. However, I've got a clean tricked out 1947 10" Powermatic / Logan with a rebuilt headstock which I could price right.
NW Hennepin County.

Regardless, let me know if there is something with which you'd like a assist.

Daryl
MN
 
Are the carbide tool bits in the turning/thread kits from PM worth jumping into right away?
The DRO thing seems more and more intriguing as I look into it. But that could be an addition down the road, maybe after I get a mill.

Carbide insert tooling is great and those sets look fine to start. However, you may also consider learning to use High Speed Steel tools, as well. They are much cheaper, resharpenable, give excellent surface finishes and can be ground into any shape of tool you need. It's really not that hard to learn and the only additional machine you need is a common bench grinder.

Waiting on the DRO is a good strategy. IMHO it is better to learn the machine without it, then add it once you have mastered the dials, that way you will throughly know your machine and appreciate the added features of the DRO.
 
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