I currently have a Chester Conquest lathe which is adequete for small work.However as I am now building a 2 inch scale Clayton wagon it really is a little too small and light in construction.Also the build quality is not wonderful. However after a little tweaking it has been improved. I am concidering "burning my boats" and disposing of the Conquest and getting it's "big brother" the DB7V. I am unable to tell from the pictures if it significantly more robust in design.From the dimensions given it would appear to be marginally bigger in capacity. Is it constructed to a higher standard? (I appreciate these are cheap hobby machines and not built to tool room grade.) I would be most appreciative if anybody out there who has had experiance of the DB7V ,could give me the benefit of their advice? The weight of 60 Kgs is about the most I can handle physically (With help!) and my hut floor probably will be at its limit.I thus really cannot go to a larger lump. Thanks
Changing lathes?
Dec 17, 2006
6 Replies
I wouldn't worry too much about the weight. I recently bought a BV20 lathe (105kg) and Mini Mill (55kg). I couldn't lift either into position so took bits off until I could lift what was left, actually then very easy.
With 'hobby' machinery like this it is a very good idea to take them to bits to clean and adjust, so it's not really any additional hardship.
Pat
He also said:-
"and my hut floor probably will be at its limit."
:-)
Michael
"Michael" wrote in message news:h2fhh.17858$ snipped-for-privacy@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
Well, yes. My point was that the intrinsic liftability shouldn't be too much of a problem.
The message on here and elsewhere is always "get bigger than you think you need", which is pretty good advice.
As far as the hut floor goes, try and figure out how many people would get into the hut before it collapses. Even one more person could be 100kg. Of course, some weight distribution may be needed but no more worries about the hut blowing away in the wind!
Pat
The problem of the floor is solvable as I already have spreaders in place.The problem is to get the lathe down the garden and up steps to the hut.Then to get it up on the bench.You can only strip equipment down so far. The MOST important question is ,if anybody out there has experiance of the DB7V?? I need to decide if the above lathe outclasses my Conquest? Thanks
I used a Chester comet lathe (Sieg C6) with the mini mill bolted to the back of the bed. I would do any thing possible not to use a combined manchine. Also after swapping over to a Boxford I found it so much more pleasing to use, smooth silky feel to it.
Mike Cole
ote
Firstly I have to say that I have not had a good look at the specific lathe you mention. However, what strikes me is that it does look more capable than your present machine but does not appear to be a huge step up. If you can solve the floor problem with adequate spreaders why not give someone else the problem of positioning it for you. Have a look at :
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For just about =A3150 more (including free delivery) you could get a 920 style lathe which although an older design has been an excellent starting point for many Model Engineers. It does lack variable speed but is fitted with a thread cutting gearbox. It is nearly twice the weight and 30% more capacity than the DB7V so will still be OK as your models get larger. The last time I spoke to this guy the delivery he included was to bring it and set it up on your bench. You will need to confirm that is still the case wherever you are located. I have no connection with them other than to have bought a few small items with no problem whatsoever.
Just another thought really as for that price you seem to be making only a small step forward. I also have to declare that although I think the 920 is astounding value for money I did make a few "improvements" to mine over the years I had it. I wouldn't for a second claim that it is the best lathe about but would claim that at the price it takes some real beating. For some idea of the machine and it's capabilities have a look at
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As I said just another idea to consider, if in reality you fancy the DB7V then go for it and enjoy using it.
Best regards
Keith
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