LMS 3540 8.5X20 or LMS 5100

[1shootist]

I'm ready to make the purchase, now the tailstock on my older micromark 7x14 (i thought all this time it was 7x16) has problems.

I have been looking at the LMS 5100 hiTorque, its definitely an upgrade on what I have now. But I made the mistake and looked at the LMS 3540 hiTorque 8.5 x 20. This thing even has powered cross feed.

I know the little Seig 7x12 thru 7x16 are great little lathes. But I cant seem to find very much detailed on the LMS 5100 8.5 x 20 other than its a Seig SC4 .

Does anyone have experience with the 8.5 x 20 that you could offer your opinion about it. Its nearly $1000 bucks more than the LMS 5100 ..but if its worth it I'll buy it.

I've seen a lot of writeups here on the forum on 7x12-16 but cant remember one on 8.5x20.

Thanks for reading and any opinion you could offer is appreciated .
Russ

 

[jalbert]

I have it. I like it. The power feed is quite nice on it. Gears are metal, which is nice, and gear changes are easy. My only issue with it has been the tailstock sometimes gets out of alignment with the center, but adjustments are pretty simple to make. I've done a lot on it that I would not want to attempt on my 7" mini lathe.

 

[1shootist]

I have it. I like it. The power feed is quite nice on it. Gears are metal, which is nice, and gear changes are easy. My only issue with it has been the tailstock sometimes gets out of alignment with the center, but adjustments are pretty simple to make. I've done a lot on it that I would not want to attempt on my 7" mini lathe.

Great ! Thank you.

 

[1shootist]

I have it. I like it. The power feed is quite nice on it. Gears are metal, which is nice, and gear changes are easy. My only issue with it has been the tailstock sometimes gets out of alignment with the center, but adjustments are pretty simple to make. I've done a lot on it that I would not want to attempt on my 7" mini lathe.

Do you have a QCTP on yours ?
I already have 2 sets of 000 series from Shar tools..they look the same as LMS's. Did they mount straight up for you..if you went with one.

 

[jalbert]

I have an AXA qctp on mine. It requires a replacement compound top.

Compound Rest Top, Bench Lathe for AXA QCTP 4914

8.5x20 Lathe (C4/SC4) Accessories 4914 Bench lathe compound rest to hold a AXA QCTP; Threaded 9/16-18 for AXA quick change tool post; Fits SIEG C4, SC...

littlemachineshop.com

 

[1shootist]

Thanks John !

My pocket is much lighter now, ordered the 8.5 x 20..they had the bolt needed to use the ooo QCTP so have that coming too.

Easy folks to deal with at lms.

 

[magpens]

Congratulations, Russ !!! . Super nice machine !!!

You'll be the envy of quite a few !!!

 

[1shootist]

Congratulations, Russ !!! . Super nice machine !!!

You'll be the envy of quite a few !!!

Thanks Mal.

Looking for its arrival in the next couple of weeks .

 

[RobS]

You are going to love it. I have one, love it. I also run it with the er32 adapter, that allows you to fit a dead center in the MT3 with the ER32 nut removed, so you can turn between centers using a lathe dog.

Collet Chuck, ER-32, 4" Diameter 4231

ER Collets & Collet Chucks 4231 ER-32 4" collet chuck; Mounts on 4" spindle flange or adapter; Shorter than standard 3-jaw chuck; Allows 25/32" stock ...

littlemachineshop.com

Lathe Dog Set | Lathe Dogs for Sale | LittleMachineShop

This set comes with 5 lathe dogs suitable for material of up to 1.5"and includes driver pins for lathes with either an 80 or 100 mm spindle flange. Order today.

littlemachineshop.com

 

[1shootist]

You are going to love it. I have one, love it. I also run it with the er32 adapter, that allows you to fit a dead center in the MT3 with the ER32 nut removed, so you can turn between centers using a lathe dog.

Collet Chuck, ER-32, 4" Diameter 4231

ER Collets & Collet Chucks 4231 ER-32 4" collet chuck; Mounts on 4" spindle flange or adapter; Shorter than standard 3-jaw chuck; Allows 25/32" stock ...

littlemachineshop.com

Lathe Dog Set | Lathe Dogs for Sale | LittleMachineShop

This set comes with 5 lathe dogs suitable for material of up to 1.5"and includes driver pins for lathes with either an 80 or 100 mm spindle flange. Order today.

littlemachineshop.com

Glad to hear that !

I like that er32 chuck, how it mounts via bolts..i may get one of those. I use er32 collets now but my chuck is a mt3 that uses a drawbar. It works fine, if I want to change it out for something else though its a time consuming process.

Thanks!

 

[RobS]

It mounts via 3 bolts. The same Three for the 3 jaw chuck it comes with. I'll send pictures later

 

[1shootist]

It mounts via 3 bolts. The same Three for the 3 jaw chuck it comes with. I'll send pictures later

Ok thanks.

 

[RobS]

Found some pictures on the phone. Here are examples of using the lathe dog to turn between centers round to square.

 

[RobS]

Better pictures.

 

[1shootist]

Better pictures.

I like that.
I was wondering how the dead center was staying centered on the headstock...now i see , perfect fit.

Thanks !

 

[1shootist]

Better pictures.

You have the nice one with all the bells and whistles

I bought the cheap one, I dont think it even comes with a drip pan, but thats fine..I have a good size sheet metal oil change pan used for cars that I planned on using .

 

[Curly]

Rob I wonder why you wouldn't use a Steb type centre and skip the knuckle dusting lathe dog altogether? Or doesn't it fit inside the chuck?

 

[RobS]

Rob I wonder why you wouldn't use a Steb type centre and skip the knuckle dusting lathe dog altogether? Or doesn't it fit inside the chuck?

Ah the classic debate.

I have tried the steb type center, but it kept slipping, especially when cutting hybrid materials whose densities/hardness changes.

The lathe Dog, has a solid contact, and allows you drive a heavy or light cut with no issue (no slip). Also note, that my hands never go near the lathe dog, given I control everything from the dials and autofeed.

Also, you really only need the bolt and 2 sizes or you can just run the 30mm, for $10.

$2 https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4477&category=
$8 30mm https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4474&category=
$7 20mm https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=4473&category=