The weight of a lathe / dedicated cue machine. How much is enough?

Newton

Newton

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have been investigating the "Lathe" topic now for to long and I guess the topic has been discussed to death up here.

However, I thought that this might be a different view/question on the topic:

Metal lathes would most likely be heavier than the dedicated cue machines which certainly are in use by many.

For those with a metal lathe, how do you feel the weight inflict the accuracy on you're work if at all?

I do of course understand that a large heavy 800Kg metal lathe would be good to use, but is this shooting birds with a canon? Where do you feel the breaking point is?

The reason for my question is related to the fact that many of the lathes I have looked at has weight in the 520kg range, and the top of the range ones is in the 800kg(prox 1762lb) where the price goes steeply for those extra Kg/lb. But if 1762lb lathe is a waist of money (it would have the same T.I.R and other accuracy measurements), well, then I put that last money in some wood or other things needed :smile:

All feedback would be highly appreciated.

Kent
 
many feel the heavier the machinery the better. i like the ability to move things around from time to time. i clamp my hightower deluxe down and it doesnt move at all.

the nice thing about the cuemaking lathes offered is they are turn key out of the box ready to go. to set up a metal lathe to do cues takes knowledge and $$$.
 
dave sutton said:
many feel the heavier the machinery the better. i like the ability to move things around from time to time. i clamp my hightower deluxe down and it doesnt move at all.

the nice thing about the cuemaking lathes offered is they are turn key out of the box ready to go. to set up a metal lathe to do cues takes knowledge and $$$.
Click to expand...
There's a problem there ? :)
Imo there is no sub for the 800+ pound gorillas.
 
Thanks for the feedback.

In respect of movability,my setup would be fixed and the reason
for looking at a metal lathe is that I would like to do other work as well,
not just Q's. This would be done in metal.
Chris H have helped me a lot and if it was'nt because I live at the other end of the world, a DeLux would most likely been arround long time ago.

I guess a 520Kg metal lathe would be more than good then Joey?

How heavy are you're lathes if any one would like to share?

Kent
 
The weight of the lathe does not mean it is accurate

But it helps to maintain whatever accuracy it has even if the workpiece may be slightly out of balance. Mass helps to absorb the vibrations. I have had three metal lathes these past ten years. A small 200 kg South Bend, A 400 kg JET, and a 500 kg Harbor Freight lathe. They are all accurate! I have done accurate work on all three, but if I want to cut a heavy, irregular shaped object that may not be well balanced while it is turning I would not choose the South Bend. Though with a little more careful setup any of the three can certainly do a good job. The bigger lathes usually have a larger chuck diameter as well, so one can hold a larger piece. More horsepower is also a plus when you want to cut faster. But hobbyists have produced amazing large projects with the humble little South Bend.
I also use my metal lathes for assorted metal projects, I would not even consider using my Unique, or Hightower lathes for those jobs. Though they do a commendable job on cues.
 
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Metal Lathes

If you gotta do all kind of stuff from scratch, can't beat a metal lathe..
The movements/versitility of the carriages and cross feeds, the tooling, rigidity and size all make it easier than a dedicated Aluminum Cue lathe.
Accuracy???
Metal lathes are more forgiving, although it's a "Attention to detail" kind of thing..

Granted, there are many cuemakers that do wonders on those Cue Lathes.. Pure Dedication and Talent..
Doing great work with what's available..
Can't argue with their results.. They speak for themselves..
 
Newton said:
Thanks for the feedback.

In respect of movability,my setup would be fixed and the reason
for looking at a metal lathe is that I would like to do other work as well,
not just Q's. This would be done in metal.
Chris H have helped me a lot and if it was'nt because I live at the other end of the world, a DeLux would most likely been arround long time ago.

I guess a 520Kg metal lathe would be more than good then Joey?

How heavy are you're lathes if any one would like to share?

Kent
Click to expand...
Any metal lathe with a long bed is going to weigh 400 kg's or more I think.
 
Thank you all for the feedback.

As mentioned, I'm not trying to discuss the dedicated machines and the metal lathe, which has been debated a lot here. I have full respect of Chris products (I have not been in contact with Unique) and they are great for what they are designed to do.

Even when I have made my choice and bought a potential Metal lathe, it need some small alterations to it but this is for me a nice way of learning the kit.

I guess Joey have a good point in my "quest" of figuring a break even point of weight, any 40" lathe would be in the 500?s + Kgs and for cue work this would be fine. Making pins, threaded sections and other stuff would also be fine, so I guess my conclusion would be to go for a "normal" 500-600Kg lathe and leave the 800Kg+ versions for those making truck parts and other heavy duty stuff :smile:

You're input has been very valuable for me and I would see if I can finally make my decision.

Regards
Kent
 
It seems that you want a machine to make cues on as well as other things.
It looks like you are wanting something with at least 40 inch between centers. Apart from the macines, over all weight, is to consider the bore through the headstock, and the diameter turned between centers.
Some lathes look to be raised up, and are not as stable as a more stout made machine. But ofcourse, it depends on the real accuracy that you are wanting to achieve. There is alot of machines in the market that can easily acieve 4/10000 inch accuracy. But if you are wanting 1 or 2 tenths , then you have to start spending alot more money.
For me, I would buy a metal lathe before getting a dedicated cue lathe.But that is because I make alot more than pool cues.I only wish my lathe had 40 inch between centers.
Neil
 
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