Metal Lathe

[terrymiller]

I know there is a lot of threads on metal lathes but I have a slightly different question. Mine is about the weight of the lathe. I live in Germany but want a 110 volt lathe so I can still use it when I return to the US. My problem is that the lathe has to weigh less than 70 pounds to ship here. I know the Taig lathe is light just worried about the ability of the lathe. So can anyone tell me of other lathes that have a shipping weight under the maximum 70 pound USPS shipping weight. I have access to DHL, FEDEX and UPS but looking at the shipping cost of international shipping with those makes it to expensive.

Thank you in advance

 

[randyrls]

Maybe you want to purchase a lathe there and sell it on return to the states. Remember, it is not just the weight of the lathe, you need to include the crate's weight. You can always "breakdown" the lathe into two or three components. Tailstock, motor, lathe.

 

[mredburn]

SHerline lathes weigh less than 70 lbs. I have had Unimat, Taig, Sherline and lots of bigger lathes. THe 4400 or the metric version 4401(?) would be a great lathe. Sherline accessories cost more than Taig ones but there is an abundance of them.

 

[mredburn]

THe Taig is capable of doing a lot of things but the Sherline accessories make it easier to do than on a Taig. The Sherline lead screw set up is much better than the Taigs for ease of precision.

 

[KenV]

Depends on what you plan to do.

Taig resellers are located in the UK, and that provides a level of support.

Farmer would be glad to sell a large bore Taig.

Sherline is a bit less rigid, but sells lots of add on gear.

Both Taig and Sherline are limited on size.

There are some european brands too. I looked at a Swiss lathe some back, but cash flow was a problem.

 

[darrin1200]

Is the weight problem with shipping it to germany, back to the States or both.

If weight is not a problem coming back, then I would look around a pick up a good used machine there. Skiprat can probably give good pointers. I am pretty sure that you can change out the motor when you get back Stateside.

If weight is a problem coming back, you are still probably getting a machine there and selling it on return. The accumulated shipping both directions, would eat up any benifit in returning the lathe to the States. Esspecially with all the added bits you will buy after you get the lathe.