Buying a Comm Lathe for the First Time

[scott_davis]

I REALLY need to buy a comm lathe - I currently have four motors that require skimming so its time to splash some cash!

Looking at the second hand comm lathes for sale they dont pose as much of a bargain in relation to the cost of brand new ones!!

So what should I be looking for in a new lathe? (poss 2nd hand if a bargain comes up) what tip? V blocks / grooves? How much? what make?

Can anyone advise?

Cheers

Scott

[MattW]

If you are buying new i would try and get diamond tip and "V" blocks. It isn't going to come cheap, but these things don't tend to!!!

There is nothing wrong with a Second hand Cobra of something like that. I have an old gold base Cobra that i have had about 7 years, and i got it 2nd hand!

[scott_davis]

Its trying to find a sensibly priced 2nd hand lathe thats the problem :'(