I am considering buying a new lathe, possibly. For yrs I had an American made SB Heavy 10 from the 70's with collet closer, taper attachment, and 52" bed. It was fine, but I no longer have it. Looking at previously owned American lathes now, particularly south bend, prices are ridiculous. Considering how I used my lathe, mostly making tools, threading, and home shop stuff, I seldom turned anything further than 12-15 inches beyond the chuck and most of the work was within 1" to 8". I used the taper attachment maybe 5 times in 15 yr. I used the collets a lot, as well as the 3 jaw and 4 jaw independent chucks. So that is the background.
I am older now and want something to use, but probably not daily, and my hand strenth is poor, back is bad etc. I have considered mini lathes but the change gear situation and plastic gears are not appealing. I really like the looks of the PM-1228VF-LB , I have also looked at the PM1236LB. For me, other than the price advantage to the 1236 with the pep, and the cast iron stand, I think I still like the 1228 better. I don't have any of my old equipment so it would be like starting over. I don't anticipate dealing with anything that needs a 36" bed. I think the 1228 would be better for threading because slow speed is less rpm than with the 1236. The only thread that I would need to change gears for is 1/2-13, but I am pretty sure you have to change gears on both lathes to cut that thread. I can't justify the cost of the PM 1236-T, even though it looks very nice.
My only hesitation is the reverse direction function with the 1228, you have to open the cover and move gears, there is no lever or banjo for that. My request is this, please: would anyone that has the 1228VF-LB respond and let me know if they are happy with their choice, if there are any problems they have encountered, or if they are not happy with the lathe, why? Thanks. Jim
I am older now and want something to use, but probably not daily, and my hand strenth is poor, back is bad etc. I have considered mini lathes but the change gear situation and plastic gears are not appealing. I really like the looks of the PM-1228VF-LB , I have also looked at the PM1236LB. For me, other than the price advantage to the 1236 with the pep, and the cast iron stand, I think I still like the 1228 better. I don't have any of my old equipment so it would be like starting over. I don't anticipate dealing with anything that needs a 36" bed. I think the 1228 would be better for threading because slow speed is less rpm than with the 1236. The only thread that I would need to change gears for is 1/2-13, but I am pretty sure you have to change gears on both lathes to cut that thread. I can't justify the cost of the PM 1236-T, even though it looks very nice.
My only hesitation is the reverse direction function with the 1228, you have to open the cover and move gears, there is no lever or banjo for that. My request is this, please: would anyone that has the 1228VF-LB respond and let me know if they are happy with their choice, if there are any problems they have encountered, or if they are not happy with the lathe, why? Thanks. Jim