Need advice;Carba-tec 4SE lathe collecting dust

[johnnycnc]

Hi,all
I'm looking for thoughts on what to do with this Carba-tec
lathe.Here is my situation;I bought this late 2005,
with the starter kit from PSI,to get started.
It is now collecting dust since mid 2006 when a Jet mini non-VS
took over.The MT1 accesories are limited for the Carba-tec,
and the Jet has won the favored turning spot for many reasons.
Sooooo,
I am consideringfrom large to small cash outlay,not a big factor)
A.) selling it and getting a mini metal lathe.mmmm..possibilities.
B.) selling it and getting another Jet,VS this time.
C.) getting 60° live and dead centers (40.00 or so)
and making a better tool rest,then use for finish
work between centers,etc. (I turn 1 half at a time).
(spindle-to-bed clearance still somewhat smaller than Jet,
read= less hand room when sanding/finishing)

I have mulled over this,and just can't come to a conclusion.
I feel bad letting the carba-tec sit unused,but as-is,just
prefer to use the Jet.
So I would like to hear what you all might do/suggest doing.
Thanks in advance!

 

[great12b4ever]

Well that is a problem and it is one that you will probably have to decide for yourself. There are a lot of MT-1 tools and adapters, 1-8tpi, or 3/4" 16 tpi, whichever it is. You might pick-up a $30.00 Drill chuck for the tail stock, and a 4 jaw chuck for the headstock and turn it into your drilling station for true center drilling, and you can always put a buffing attachment, (Beall for instance) in it when you are not drilling. I don't know how you are drilling your blanks now, but a lathe set-up is the truest way. Or you could sell it and buy whatever you want. I know this doesn't help, but here is my thoughts anyway.

Rob

 

[Dario]

Talk to EddieCar

http://www.penturners.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27736

Maybe you two can help each other.

 

[Randy_]

For me it would depend upon how much cash I could expect to get for the lathe. If I could get 75%, I would sell it. If I could only get 50%, I'd keep it and turn it into a buffing station/finishing station.