Which Mini Lathe?????

poolhustler

poolhustler

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I want to buy a "Starter" lathe to do tips, ferrules, sneaky's, clean shafts, etc...

I am looking at a used Porper lathe.

Is this a good unit to start with?

Any negatives with this unit?

Is there a better one that I should be looking at?

Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me!!

Thanks,

Russ....
 
I myself don't use them so I can't give a recommendation as to which is best but few on this forum can. Everyone on here who uses them are very partial to the machine that they are used to and feel none other could be better. Some use Porpers, some Uniques and some Hightowers all of whom rave that their's is the best. They all can't be right. I don't know of anyone who has all three and are used to them to give an accurate synopsis. I first seen Uniques machine at the trade show in Minnesota around 1996 and I talked two people into getting one. I also saw a Hightower in the early 90's at a league playoff. I also talked a fellow into getting a Porper repair lathe, not one of the building lathes, around 1997. I have always used full size lathes, myself, but on each of these occasions I got to try putting on a few tips and polishes. I'll tell you now that after using them I wouldn't have carried any of them home if you had give them to me. Now I'm sure these machines will work just fine but the thing is I was used to something different. If I would have used them for awhile and tuned them a little more to my liking, chances are I would have felt different. Same with most of the users on this forum. They usually have one or multiples of the same brand. That is what they are used to and they feel who ever is using something different are not as knowledgeable and are losing out. Just my opinion.

Dick
 
I think that I am going to hold off on a mini lathe and focus on a larger one such as a Logan.

I don't want to out grow a small lathe and be stuck with it.

Thanks for all the PM's and info guys!!!

Russ......
 
Russ, don't dick around or you'll be sorry. Find a good used Porper Model B or pony up for a new one. They're great for cue maintenance, cue repairs, and simple builds. You'll thank me later. If your focus is to build cues, etc., then by all means look for a good used Logan, Clausing or similar. Be prepared to spend MAJOR jack on tooling.

Martin



poolhustler said:
I want to buy a "Starter" lathe to do tips, ferrules, sneaky's, clean shafts, etc...

I am looking at a used Porper lathe.

Is this a good unit to start with?

Any negatives with this unit?

Is there a better one that I should be looking at?

Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me!!

Thanks,

Russ....
Click to expand...
 
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I've got a big lathe, multiple Unique products, a couple of cnc's that I made myself and various and sundry other machines that make it very difficult for me to move around in my shop. Dick's advice is sound. I like every machine I've got. The ones I didn't like... are gone.

Knowing what I know now, I believe that the quickest route to making cues for the beginner is Hightower's deluxe. If I had chosen that one in the first place, I might still have the mix of machines I have today, but I'd have been making good cues sooner. It's not that portable though, so it's not the best choice for repairs. For that I use Unique's Cue Companion, but Hightower's mid size would be a good choice.
 
lmini lathes

You cant go wrong with an out of the box ready cue lathe..
Plus, they are easier to move around and dont take up as much room in the shop..A full size lathe needs modifying to make cues..I am very happy with all the equipment i have purchased from high tower..Parts availability and customer service is second to none..
I also own a porper mini Q lathe...All i can say about it is i only use it to my finish work on cues..Pretty expensive finish lathe to i might add..I nicked named it my BOBO 2000.
Good Luck
 
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