Sorry in advance for the novel. Just when I think I have my mind made up I start to over-analyze again. Seems to be a recurring theme around here
I have read every thread many times between the different 1440's, China vs. Taiwan, 1340 vs .... and fully understand that Taiwan is better quality. That being said, I prefer an enclosed gear box and as a recent newbie to all of this, I believe a foot brake is almost mandatory (maybe I am overthinking that part, but it seems like a really good idea).
The 1440GT is more than I want to spend so it isn't a considertaion. I have done the calculations a 100 times and just can't justify 10k for what I do, which is my personal gunsmithing on rimfires.
I know the fit and finish of the Chinese lathes is much less, but I also believe they will easily do what I need them to plus much more. I do like quality and am confident I would like the 1340 the best from a build perspective (it's obvious to anyone who reads these threads), but I am hung up on not having a foot brake and somewhat the enclosed gear box, not to mention another $1400 that could go to tooling.
There are pro's and cons for each of the other 1440's. Very similar specs overall, with a few significant ones which unfortunately don't make it easy for me to decide. The 1440's are almost exactly the same price (within $100) with DRO's, 3 Jaw Chuck, and 4 Jaw Chuck. The 1340GT is $1400 more than the other two similarly equipped.
So my question is what would those of you that have more experience than me put the most value in for what I will be using it for.
The 1340GT is clearly the highest quality, but lacking at least one feature I think I need. I would do 3 phase with a VFD with a POT and braking addition.
Both 1440's show to have hardened gears, shafts, and ways. Both come with QCTP (even if it isn't great). Both have D1-5 Camlock. Both have a 2" bore which is nice, and both have cast iron base's.
This lathe will probably get used a few times a month, not much more (at least to start). That keeps me going back to "Chinese will do everything I need it to". I want to be practical (read value) without being cheap. I am not taking on outside jobs so this isn't going to turn into a business but I do want to do quality work.
At this point, I am leaning towards one of the 1440's simply due to the fact I think it is the best value for my intended use. As I see it.
1440GS Pro's and cons
Better (less change gears) gear box
3HP motor, but only single phase (con on the single phase part)
NSK Spindle Bearings (doesn't say on the BV, will ask Matt)
Only 8 Speeds, some seem a bit far apart. Lowest 60 RPM
Has a Spider (but I can easily build one for the BV)
BV Pro's and cons
Variable Speed with Built in VFD
Only 2 HP
Lowest RPM is 40
More Change Gears
So, am I going to be kicking myself if I don't go with the 1340? If not, which 1440 would you choose. I guess it comes down to Variable Speed vs. less change gears. Sometimes I wish I had less options. I even go back to thinking I should just get a 1236.
I don't need a long response as I know most of this has been covered before, but if you could simply say which machine you think would be best for my intended purpose, that would be helpful.
Thanks.
I have read every thread many times between the different 1440's, China vs. Taiwan, 1340 vs .... and fully understand that Taiwan is better quality. That being said, I prefer an enclosed gear box and as a recent newbie to all of this, I believe a foot brake is almost mandatory (maybe I am overthinking that part, but it seems like a really good idea).
The 1440GT is more than I want to spend so it isn't a considertaion. I have done the calculations a 100 times and just can't justify 10k for what I do, which is my personal gunsmithing on rimfires.
I know the fit and finish of the Chinese lathes is much less, but I also believe they will easily do what I need them to plus much more. I do like quality and am confident I would like the 1340 the best from a build perspective (it's obvious to anyone who reads these threads), but I am hung up on not having a foot brake and somewhat the enclosed gear box, not to mention another $1400 that could go to tooling.
There are pro's and cons for each of the other 1440's. Very similar specs overall, with a few significant ones which unfortunately don't make it easy for me to decide. The 1440's are almost exactly the same price (within $100) with DRO's, 3 Jaw Chuck, and 4 Jaw Chuck. The 1340GT is $1400 more than the other two similarly equipped.
So my question is what would those of you that have more experience than me put the most value in for what I will be using it for.
The 1340GT is clearly the highest quality, but lacking at least one feature I think I need. I would do 3 phase with a VFD with a POT and braking addition.
Both 1440's show to have hardened gears, shafts, and ways. Both come with QCTP (even if it isn't great). Both have D1-5 Camlock. Both have a 2" bore which is nice, and both have cast iron base's.
This lathe will probably get used a few times a month, not much more (at least to start). That keeps me going back to "Chinese will do everything I need it to". I want to be practical (read value) without being cheap. I am not taking on outside jobs so this isn't going to turn into a business but I do want to do quality work.
At this point, I am leaning towards one of the 1440's simply due to the fact I think it is the best value for my intended use. As I see it.
1440GS Pro's and cons
Better (less change gears) gear box
3HP motor, but only single phase (con on the single phase part)
NSK Spindle Bearings (doesn't say on the BV, will ask Matt)
Only 8 Speeds, some seem a bit far apart. Lowest 60 RPM
Has a Spider (but I can easily build one for the BV)
BV Pro's and cons
Variable Speed with Built in VFD
Only 2 HP
Lowest RPM is 40
More Change Gears
So, am I going to be kicking myself if I don't go with the 1340? If not, which 1440 would you choose. I guess it comes down to Variable Speed vs. less change gears. Sometimes I wish I had less options. I even go back to thinking I should just get a 1236.
I don't need a long response as I know most of this has been covered before, but if you could simply say which machine you think would be best for my intended purpose, that would be helpful.
Thanks.
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