A new lathe

[Oscar98]

Hi there

I am looking to get my first lathe and was thinking to get the Record Power DML305. But I have seen a restored Myford ML8 for sale. Bearings have been changed and repainted so it is basically like new. Comes with a new chuck. What should I get? I am a bit worried by its age though.

[Wood spinner]

My opinion would be avoid the ML8 , When you turn the shaving clog up the machined channel in the single bar and make moving the tool reas and tail stock difficult

The Dml305 is a more modern lathe but does not have vairable speed ( Electronic ) so you need to keep moving the drive belt on the top and bottom pully to adjust the speed

[Sandy]

Good lathe for sale on this forum's For Sale page now - but looks like you're perhaps too late for it

Might be a few for sale after Christmas?

[Philip Green]

The DML305 is a very good lathe, especially for the price.

I've had mine for nearly ten years. At that time, it had was MT1 and a 3/4" thread but current ones are MT2 with an M33 thread.

I converted it to variable speed about six years ago and it is a lot better.

[Gregmcateer]

If you're undecided, go to your local group, (I know that's pretty much impossible right now), or failing that, get in touch with them or a local pro/tutor and talk through what you THINK you are going to want to make, (I say THINK, because it WILL change, betcha!)