Emco Lathe Quick opinions

[sefali]

Hey guys. I need quick opinions on an Emco Compact 5 lathe. I'm going to pick this up in about 4 hours, and would like to know if there is anything I should look out for. Price is $100.




I know the pics are bad, but it's all I've got.
Thanks,
Sef

 

[Jim Smith]

BUY IT! That is an absolutely terrific price for that lathe. They are great little lathes that will give you excellent precision. I have one that had the milling attachment and it is a fantastic little metal lathe.

Jim Smith

 

[workinforwood]

I don't know much about it, but a $100 is surely worth it.

 

[sefali]

Just got back from picking up the Emco. It's got a little surface rust, but it runs. I didn't do much more than turn it on, forward and reverse, and make sure everything slid freely that was supposed to. So, now I've got another tool that I don't have the space for. Or the time to figure out. Or the money to accessorize properly. I am so so sad right now.

 

[workinforwood]

Looking at that pile on the floor, it looks like you probably have more than enough stuff to make a pen with it right now and you don't even realize it. Off to search through that bucket of bolts you go!

 

[bitshird]

Just make sure it wasn't hot. You got a steal on that machine.

 

[workinforwood]

Just make sure it wasn't hot. You got a steal on that machine.

Get some cooling oil..that will fix it if it's hot. :biggrin::wink:

 

[creativewriting]

Check out Little Machine Shop and the Minilathe.com. It will tell you everything you need to know about cleaning, tuning, and maintainance. You can also look at some of the replacement parts to upgrade the machine. I have a Grizzly (which I believe the Enco, HF, Griz, and a couple others mostly come from the same factory) that had several plastic gears. I replaced most of them with metal gears from LMS. That was a great deal!

 

[Paul in OKC]

Don't think those have power feed. Other than your hand turning the little crank on the end! BUt you can make some good little things on it, especially for that price.

 

[nava1uni]

If it makes you too sad you can send it to me to make yourself feel better. LOL

 

[DurocShark]

I'm jealous! I've been watching for a small metal lathe. I'm about ready to pull the trigger on the Grizz G8688. Cheap, and while limited, it'll fit in my small space. I'd rather have yours.