I'm shopping around for my first lathe. I've done all my research, compared models and feel like I know all the features of every lathe from 7x12 mini to 11x24 Logan's. The problem is I'm not sure how much lathe I need for what I need to do... can y'all help?
This will be my first lathe and prototyping LED flashlights and bike lights. I want turn aluminum mainly, not much bigger than 2"x3"x6"long. The catch is I plan on turning off center and cutting internal tapers. I will also be doing interrupted cuts, and cutting fine threads internal and external up to 3" diameter.
I feel like a 7x12 lathe would fit all my needs, but I'm worried about the off-center turning on such a light lathe.
My budget is about 1k and size will be limed to 500lbs. I'm in Oregon so second hand lathes are hard to find, especially Logan and South bend, although Craftsman 6" seem to be abundant.
So, what do you think I need?
This will be my first lathe and prototyping LED flashlights and bike lights. I want turn aluminum mainly, not much bigger than 2"x3"x6"long. The catch is I plan on turning off center and cutting internal tapers. I will also be doing interrupted cuts, and cutting fine threads internal and external up to 3" diameter.
I feel like a 7x12 lathe would fit all my needs, but I'm worried about the off-center turning on such a light lathe.
My budget is about 1k and size will be limed to 500lbs. I'm in Oregon so second hand lathes are hard to find, especially Logan and South bend, although Craftsman 6" seem to be abundant.
So, what do you think I need?