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Looking for a small lathe

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JHovel:
Hi all.
more pairs of eyes looking is always etter than just one pair....
I'm looking for a very small and simple lathe for my two grandchildren.
They are forever watching and 'helping' me "peeling metal" on my lathe.
I'd love to let them have a go - other than just turning some handles here and there, but it's just too dangerous on a larger lathe.
They are very mechanically adept and use hand-tools, as well as compressed air and battery powered tools very expertly and safely.
Something the size of a Unimat 3, an Adapt or the samllest Sieg (or equivalent) would be fine. I would also like it to be protable, so they can take it to their own workshop when I'm convinced they are safe enough to use it under the supervision of their (woodworker) father.
There are modern tiny lathes on eBay with an envelope of 55mm swing and 115mm centre distance. I had a look at them, but they are a nasty quality toy with lots of plastic components. I just wouldn't entertain one of those....
I'd rather restore a 70 year old cast iron mini lathe for them.
Oh, budget is not great either..... just thought I mention that.....

Cheers,
Joe

DMIOM:
Joe, it might help possible responses if you could indicate what part of the world you're in.

Dave

trapper:
Couple of Warco,s both very good condition on Gumtree lathes,one being sold due to bereavement ,that one is  a mini lathe looks hardly used @£200-the other one is its big brother at £350-you saying a mini lathe these one,s are decent machines ideal for a beginner-which you can sell on when time comes

gerritv:
3rd time trying to post a response


I can highly recommend a Taig/Peatol. Small, portable, accurate, lots of reasonably priced add ons available.

http://hobbies.psgv.ca/machining/taig-my-new-lathe/

Fergus OMore:
I've MJ-189 , Unimat 3 or 4 clone with little use and a number of accessories. I'd bought it for retirement etc.
It was up for £250 which is what I paid someone who went into a home.

No one will put their hand into their pocket at that price and have wanted it for free. I've got. my ford lathe tray and the would be- take it off your hands person wanted it for free-after I'd cleaned and gift wrapped it.

I suspect that both will go to the tip.

Rather bitterly

Norman

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