Which Lathe?

facs24dave

facs24dave

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I am really contemplating purchasing a lathe to learn to do minor repairs, replace tips, ferrules, etc. and eventually turn shaft down with, no cue building though. Any ideas on a "simple" to use lathe that can do minor things like this for a good price? any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
facs24dave said:
I am really contemplating purchasing a lathe to learn to do minor repairs, replace tips, ferrules, etc. and eventually turn shaft down with, no cue building though. Any ideas on a "simple" to use lathe that can do minor things like this for a good price? any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!
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There was a Unique Cue Companion posted on here for sale just a week or so ago. That would be exactly what you are describing.

Look to spend $1200 to $2500.
 
6 months ago I was exactly where you are now. I thought I could save money by doing it all myself, so I set out to cobble together a repair lathe. My first approach was a Cowboy lathe, but that didn't really do what I wanted, so I built my own "new and improved" Cowboy lathe. I still have it and it is great for tips and cleaning and sanding/smoothing shafts. But you can't turn a shaft on that device and you can't do much anything with a butt.

So then I set out to put together something that could. What I have ended up with (edit) something that looks like (/edit) a cross between a Hightower and a Brianna. I'm happy with it and I can now learn to start building a cue that I can eventually play with. (I know you said you don't want to build a cue, but if you can turn a shaft down, then you can build a basic cue.)

But did I save money? NO
Did I save time? NO
Did I "Do it myself" YES :)

But along the way I learned way more about DC motors and DC motor controllers, DPDT switches, leadscrews, bearings, chucks, ways, tenon dies, taps, etc than I ever thought I'd need to know. I am GLAD that I did, but it took a long time and now I'm finally starting to do some tips and ferrules and basic repairs. I'm working on my first shaft as well.

So, if you're in a hurry, don't do it my way.
If you want to save money, don't do it my way.

If you like to DYI, and get satisfaction out of that aspect of a project, then you might want to do it my way (I can perhaps give you some help.)

But most importantly, you've found the right place to ask questions because the guys (I don't think there's many gals) on here are the MOST HELPFUL BUNCH you will find. :)

My 2 cents,

Gary
 
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facs24dave said:
I am really contemplating purchasing a lathe to learn to do minor repairs, replace tips, ferrules, etc. and eventually turn shaft down with, no cue building though. Any ideas on a "simple" to use lathe that can do minor things like this for a good price? any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!
Click to expand...

Most of what you desire can be accomplished on small lathes or large ranging in price from around 300.00 to thousands. You will notice however that I said most, not all. When re-tapering a shaft is thrown into the equation, prices escalate very rapidly from those that can and those that can't. A machine just to do tapering can run over 4000.00 in itself although most are much cheaper than that. When checking machines and prices be sure to make sure it has that capability as most of the lower priced stuff can't.

Dick
 
Check with Shawn (FTGokie). He had a Porper model B for sale not that long ago. He may still have it.
IIRC, he was selling at a very good price.
That will do all you want and a bit more.
 
Thanks

Thank you guys for all your input so far, It's kinda hard to decide, especially because everyone is wanting the most out of their money. I am trying to stay as close to or under a 1000 if possible, since it'll be one of those spare time type things. No decision has been made yet though
 
Not trying to be snide or anything but sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Even if its just a hobby for yourself, think of the money you'll save doing your own tips and repairs. No matter what, once you get good at repairs, at the very least, your friends are going to be asking you to work on their cues too. Eventually you will be making a bit, at least covering your supplies plus more. No hobby is cheap these days. If you pass up on a good offer, it won't go away but it will go to somebody else. Don't be a day late and a dollar short like I usually do. If I didn't have a couple of irons in the fire right now, I'd be on that Mini Q like white on rice.
 
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