Hi This channel is about me self-learning metalworking and fabrication, electronics, worksop projects etc. Each video I try to show a process or build and hopefully inspire you to try - Like I said I'm no expert. I will always try and answer any comment good or bad and listen to advice from other RU-vidrs. Thank you for watching - Lie & subscribe please. Darren
Hi.. How have you found the accuracy and reliability especially at high speed turning.. I am looking at this very Chester lathe and the Cormak Tytan 330 and to be honest both companies are not the best on customer service when it comes to asking pre purchase questions.. I wish to turn large pieces from mild steel and billet size is 150mm circum x 200mm length to turn down.. Can't get a definite answer if any of the two machines will cope...any thoughts.. I currently own and use an old willson slant bed lathe from the 60's
Hi The Chester lathe is Chinese built (as most are). I found accuracy good the run out was very low but I can't remember he figure. The castings where on the poor side and I did have an issue with the gear selector casting inside the gearbox breaking (replaced FOC by Chester but I did diagnose and repair myself). For the money the Chester Craftsmen is ok for medium turning but heavy cuts may present problems - that goes for any lathe I guess. I suppose it's a case of knowing the machine limits. Thanks Darren
Micrometer overhaul my foot. Simple polish and turn rubbish. NO work on the barrel. No how to calibrate or lubricate. Just basic time wasting simple stuff.
Hiya, just came across your video, informative as I've just picked up an exact replica here in Aus. Made in 2004 and marketed by Hare and Forbes Machinery as the AL300. Very happy with it and a good fit between the little lathe/mill and the big beast in the shed. I did make a decent stand using 50mm SHS (3mm wall) as those little cupboards where a a bit flakey and couldn't accommodate the coolant/chip collector. The quality of these machines can vary a little, but with a careful going over, refinements will eliminate issues before the swearing starts. Keep up the videos, interested to see what you are machining. Have a look at CEE for some serious machining... learnt a lot from that channel (as well as Abom79)
why are the lathes so much cheaper in the uk then in the netherlands ? If I could buy this lathe for 2500 to 3000 euros, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. 90 cm between the centers AND a norton box with 40 choices, it's unbelievable for that money? the only thing i would change is a 3 phase motor with a vfd, then the lathe is totally top of the bill! do you know if they sold these kind of lathes in the netherlands ? greetings, ben.
Hi The lathe is a Chinese copy of an American lathe. I found the cast iron parts a little weak and had to replace a couple of them under warranty. The VFD would be an upgrade I may have made but again it may have over stressed the bearing castings.. The turning quality was very good with very little runout. Not sure if Chester supply the Netherlands. Thanks for the comment.
Man I feel your pain when it comes to centering, I cut threads on tubing and casing for the rigs and that is the slowest part of the job sometimes, but because I cut threads I use a slip on gauge to centre but still a pain in the ass.
While turning hardened steel is possible with the correct inserts, most of the time people just grind this kind of job. If you're not directly in contact with an industrial supplier, finding the correct inserts to do this is not easy. I've happened to find some carbide inserts (not CBN or PCD) that I've tested up to HRC 60-62 bearing steel and that worked surprisingly well. They are the Seco TH1000 grade inserts available in many shapes and sizes. Just make sure they are actually specified for hardened materials.
very nice video,, how long it took you? i want to polish some gage blocks,, what i did not see the last polishing compounds you used, nut it was good video..
xst... you could have bought 3 granite tiles from a bome goods store and lapped them with each other to achieve a better surface than what you did in these 3 videos.
I have run one these lathes since the mid eighties and have had no problems what so ever! Now looking to convert it to VFD and new 3 phase motor along with a dro system
I’m about to try making a surface plate from part of a large cast iron table saw. Based on your hard work, I think I will begin by strapping my plate on my mill and use a fly cutter to bring it down to where the divots are gone. Then I’ll determine a course of action. I new surface plate is probably the way to go but like you, the learning is half the fun
