Overview
This compact lathe of very modern design has many convenient facilities ideal for the enthusiastic model engineer for small component manufacturer. A very rigid induction hardened cast iron bed with ground slideways gives a high level of precision turning. The lathe capacity is 550mm between the centres and 250mm swing over the bed. This model has a 1200W DC high power motor providing smooth running. A standard feature is the full electronic speed control dial with digital read-out display for the spindle speed.
https://www.machineryhouse.co.nz/L689 – $ 2,771.50
Other very useful features included are longitudinal power feed, quick lock tailstock and both metric and imperial thread cutting, ranging from 8-56 TPI or 0.2-4mm. Also included are a 4-way indexing tool post with 12mm tool shank capacity, fine adjustment on the tailstock for taper turning and the rear splash guard. A 125mm 3-jaw chuck with reverse jaws is also supplied, the headstock spindle being through bored to 26mm diameter. There are many additional options available including a milling head (BF-16AV) or (BF-20AV) to turn this machine into a very capable all round machining centre.
Features
- Electronic infinitely variable speed 150-2500rpm
- Easy to read digital readout speed display
- Ribbed prism bed made of grey cast iron
- Inductively hardened and ground bed guideways
- Spindle nose accuracy 0.009mm
- 3 Jaw chuck running accuracy 0.04mm
- Forward & reverse spindle direction switch
- Automatic longitudinal feed
- Metric & Imperial thread cutting
- Enclosed feed and threading gearbox
- Cross slide & bed length are designed to fit Optimum DRO scales
Includes
- Change gears for metric & Imperial thread cutting
- Chuck guard
- Toolpost guard
- Dead Centre
- 3-jaw chuck with reversible jaws
- Swarf tray
- Rear splash guard
Purchased 14 July 2021
I was going to purchase the smaller model, however a friend of mine has this lathe exact model of lathe and really likes it, not too big, but big enough to do some decent jobs, so I decided to follow suite… And, it is not me keeping up with the Jones as such. The main reason for me was the the power of the motor this model comes with a Motor Power (kW / hp) 1.2 / 1.6 motor where as the smaller model is about Motor Power (kW / hp) 0.60 / 0.8 and I can see me stalling that and or burning it out as I am a rough bugger at times. That and the extra bed size, spindle bore size, and swing over the bed made me upgrade to the bigger machine.
Of course this now means that my wood turning lathe has to be moved, and it is not going to be sitting on the bench behind my main bench that I cleared, however I have been thinking of selling, donating or getting rid of my wood turning lathe anyway as I do not do a lot of wood turning.
The reason I want the model engineers lathe is 2 to 3 fold, I want to be able turn small metal parts for when I am making steampunk projects, I found it frustrating when I wanted two parts to go together but couldn’t make them fit and hold together because of the size difference. I also want to add a few metal parts to my wood working projects, and finally I can still do minor wood turning on this lathe. That being said I do still currently have my wood turn lathe at this stage.
Having this type of lathe opens up opportunities and more things I can make and while most of my projects will be made of wood as I am primarily a wood worker, that being said I do say and have always said on my Youtube & website About page “My goal is simply to inspire others, by making easy projects with wood, plastic, metal, fabric, cardboard & anything else. Most projects are made purely off the cuff and only have a general idea how it will turn out.”
You might see this lathe turn up in a video every so often, but I won’t be in every video, unless it required for the current project/s. Also I am not an engineer so I won’t be saying this is how should be done. So don’t be to worried about me doing or showing more engineering on the lathe on the channel… Wacky Wood Works is primarily Wood Working channel but I will throw in other material if the project calls for it. Example of some of the projects you may see it more often in is when I am doing a steam punk project etc.
