Used Lathes, Milling machines.....

Hightower · 18 March 2008, 20:16

and any other workshop machines and supplies.

Has anyone got any ideas on where to buy? Auctions, trade sale or anything considered.

I'm looking at kitting out a machine shop.

Limey Linda · 18 March 2008, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

and any other workshop machines and supplies.

Has anyone got any ideas on where to buy? Auctions, trade sale or anything considered.

I'm looking at kitting out a machine shop.

I used to do a lot of procurement of used machine tools. ( ex-Mfg. Eng.)
The best place to start is with a reputable Millwright company. They know all the auctions, companies selling stuff etc. because it their business to move it and re-install. Watch out though, it can cost more than the cost of the machine to move it, transport and install. I once boaught a $30k CNC water jet profiling machine that cost $50k to move and install. My boss was not too pleased.
PS. machine tools are valued as much on the amount of tooling that comes with them as the machine itself. I am sure you know that.

MikeCC · 18 March 2008, 21:26

Take a look at www.goindustry.com.

They have lots of online auctions (but you can view for real as well).

Sign up for newsletter to get notice of forthcoming auctions. Professional outfit and seem to have quite a lot of industrial sales.

codprawn · 18 March 2008, 21:26

Ebay and

http://www.adtrader.co.uk/postcode_splash.php

I had my Colchester Triumph 2000 for £600 and a stunning Elliot univeral mill with vertical and slotting heads for almost nothing - I swopped it for a computer!!!

I have just purchased a very hefty metal cutting bandsaw for £300 - it's a year old and £1000 new............

This site is a brilliant guide to older machines

http://www.lathes.co.uk/

They do manuals for all sorts.

For smaller new stuff look at these

http://www.axminster.co.uk/

martini · 18 March 2008, 21:31

We've used these people before, they carry a large stock of used machines.

Limey Linda · 18 March 2008, 22:31

[QUOTE=codprawn;242272] Ebay and

http://www.adtrader.co.uk/postcode_splash.php

I had my Colchester Triumph 2000 for £600

Interesting. I did part of my apprenticship training on one of those for 6 months.
Excellent lathe. However, I have to admit that the challenge of turning a 1/2 inch dia. x 18 inch long acme thread, between centers, with a travelling steady, beat me twice before I got it right. Then I had to make the matching nut.

Hightower · 18 March 2008, 23:11

Yes guys, this is exactly what I want. Some terriffic sites there.

Anyone know what manufacturers of centre Lathes does one with a collet chuck as well as the 3 and 4 jaw ones? Or will I have to buy a Turret or Capstan machine to get collets.

Pete7 · 18 March 2008, 23:35

What does a collett chuck do that a 3 jaw doesn't ?

Pete

codprawn · 18 March 2008, 23:39

Collet chucks can be had for most centre lathes - they aren't cheap but you can often find one with a lathe.

I was so tempted the other day - the bloke who sold me the saw had a mint Elliot toolmakers lathe with collets and all sorts - he wanted £600 but I couldn't really justify yet another lathe. It's sold in 3 days.

My dream is a nice Dean Smith Grace or a Hardinge.

What many people don't realise is where most of the old British machinery has gone - China. They recognise the quality if we don't. Some powered ball screws etc and you have a CNC machine that will last another 30 years!!!

Hightower · 18 March 2008, 23:39

Well you don't have to fuff about with concentricity problems as they never arise with a collet system, great for small production jobs..

codprawn · 18 March 2008, 23:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

What does a collett chuck do that a 3 jaw doesn't ?

Pete

Ask a watch maker and he will tell you - accuracy and lack of marks!!!

Limey Linda · 18 March 2008, 23:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Well you don't have to fuff about with concentricity problems as they never arise with a collet system, great for small production jobs..

Yes, and you can bar feed them. A three jaw is for rough work. Collet or 4 jaw for the precision stuff.

Nasher · 19 March 2008, 00:38

Been trying to find a 4-Jaw for my big old Colchester for years.

Its an old 3-bolt Flange fitting.
the Machine itself should be in a museam as its an old belt driven jobbie that was powered from the factory roof, now converted to 1/2HP Single phase.

I'm looking to replace it with one of the better quality Lathe-Mill combinations when I've £3K to spare, partly because of space to store two machines.

Andy
Plans for the future coming forward a tad I presume?
Things not working out?

Nasher.

Nos4r2 · 19 March 2008, 01:13

There's a shop 200 yards from my house that deals in nothing but this kind of gear. I'll get you his phone number.

Hightower · 19 March 2008, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Andy
Plans for the future coming forward a tad I presume?
Things not working out?

Nasher.

No, things are starting to work out a little better, was my first day in a new job when I saw you guys and didn't have a very good first impression, coupled with the fact my body was still working shifts and I got stuck in traffic on the way home from work. I've spoken to the Production Manager and there is lots of flexibility to expand and "make it my own" workshop.

So lots happier

Hightower · 19 March 2008, 01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

There's a shop 200 yards from my house that deals in nothing but this kind of gear. I'll get you his phone number.

Thanks Matt.

yoyo · 19 March 2008, 02:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Well you don't have to fuff about with concentricity problems as they never arise with a collet system, great for small production jobs..

You can get as standard equipment “soft jaws” for most three jaw chucks which give you the option to bore them out to suit the exact work piece diameter thus ensuring precision concentricity. This also gives lots of contact area grip on the work-piece diameter and less chance of marking any high quality finish that is being griped.

Sets of collects can be found on smaller centre lathes, Harrison and super sevens to name two.

Hightower · 19 March 2008, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by yoyo

You can get as standard equipment “soft jaws” for most three jaw chucks which give you the option to bore them out to suit the exact work piece diameter thus ensuring precision concentricity. This also gives lots of contact area grip on the work-piece diameter and less chance of marking any high quality finish that is being griped.

Sets of collects can be found on smaller centre lathes, Harrison and super sevens to name two.

Yes, thank you. I am a fully indentured Fitter Turner by trade but only ever saw a collet chuck being used on a centre lathe once, much more common on Capstan and turret lathes or CNC ones normally fitted with bar feeds.

Rogue Wave · 21 March 2008, 23:00

esp auctions southamnpton edward symmonds and partners

Matt · 22 March 2008, 11:26

I read some reviews that claim the combo machines can suffer rigidity problems on the mill. Having said that I'll still probably end up getting one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

I'm looking to replace it with one of the better quality Lathe-Mill combinations when I've £3K to spare, partly because of space to store two machines.