Good Lathe for a Brand New Repairman??

I would suggest doing some searches on this site, as I remember people saying this isn't the ummm ... best deal around.
 
I am literally brand new to this and really just want to kind of something inexpensive to mess around with. Will I be able to do as I stated earlier with this machine?? I saw the deal on the Taig one but $799 maybe a little steep on something Im not sure I will love. Whats some of the pros/cons to the ebay one? Thanks

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Honestly the most you will be able to do with that thing is clean shafts and install tips.

Cons:

- No Cross feed, cannot install ferrules, collars, etc. (despite what the ad says)
- No thru-hole spindle for working on joints/butt of cue.
- 3 roller tailstock is a joke.

In my opinion, I would spend the additional money on a setup from Chris, Basset, TSB, etc. There is a reason why they cost a bit more and that is because they were designed to do much more with greater accuracy. Diving into this hobby isn't cheap, however purchasing a reliable starter lathe is the way to go.

Worst case, if you discover the repair business ins't for you, most of the cost can be recovered. On the other hand, spending $250 on the glorified shaft spinner will pretty much be collecting dust.

Just my 2 cents,

Pip
 
ActionDan22 said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/POOL-CUE-RE...751?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item589559f177


Whats everyones thoughts on this lathe?? Just want to get something to mess around with, practice changing tips, cleaning shafts and possibly some wraps?? Any advice? Thanks

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Steer clear of it. See Hightower or Todd. Both make great stuff. Good machinery is not cheap. Don't look for cheap.

Cheap machinery is marginal in performance and has little or no resale value.

Chris Hightower has made several thousand large and small lathes. How many have you seen for resale???? not many?

Kim
 
I have one and it gives line on your cue. Foot pedal is hard to control. The 3 rollers are pressing against the cue. It messes my cue. Go for midsize hightower you 'll thank me for the rest of your life. Thats what I have right now.
 
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This is the first time I've seen you guys mince words when giving your opinion:grin:

HOW DO YOU REALLY FEEL ABOUT THIS MACHINE???
 
Great responses. Thanks. Is there any sites for the guy Hightower or someone else that you could point me to? Trying to stay somewhere in the $500 range. Im also not really sure about what pieces to ask for or add ons at all. Just have watched almost all the repair videos on youtube and definitely have the itch lol..

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ActionDan22 said:
Great responses. Thanks. Is there any sites for the guy Hightower or someone else that you could point me to? Trying to stay somewhere in the $500 range. Im also not really sure about what pieces to ask for or add ons at all. Just have watched almost all the repair videos on youtube and definitely have the itch lol..

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My site is www.cuesmith.com
You can go the $500 route, but you would be a lot happier if you saved up a little more and got more machine. Remember you are talking about starting a business/hobby that usually makes you $50 plus an hour when you have the work to do. Investing a $1000 or $2000 to start up that profitable of a hobby should not be thought out of line. Expecting to do it on $500 is really more like wishful thinking, but might be possible. You will have to buy much more than just a lathe. But get a decent repair lathe and a $100 worth of tips and ferrules and let the machine pay for the rest. There are lease purchase options if you want to do it right.
 
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