So while my Schaublin 102 is a fine and very accurate machine that works great within it's limitations I need another machine that will cut threads, run coolant and generally handle heavier tasks such as knurling, parting stainless etc. I don't want or have room for a much longer bed, just something stouter either as a replacement or addition. Looking around the European market of manual used machines they are all over 30 years old and if the seller is honest have significant wear on the ways.
the ideal machine would be a pristine 102VM with a W20 spindle to share tooling with my 102 but they are rare and serious money given their capabilities and likley need of a rebuild. I have a local contact with a couple W25 102VM that I will look into but my question is a bit more broad.
Rather than trying to find a lathe that has sat basically unused for the last 40 years is it better to find a good used machine from Schaublin, Weiler, Hardinge, Hembrug etc and have it reground/rebuilt. If I were to go that way who in Northern Europe should I have do the regrinding etc. I am willing to spend a fair bit of cash but can't go crazy. I spent about 10k Euro on my milling machine and could do that again if that is what is required to get a good machine but would rather not go quite that high.
Another option would be finding a new European made machine that might not be the equal of a carefully rebuilt Schaublin 135 but would certainly be better than a worn out one and cheaper as well. Weiler is probably out of budget but Klippfeld is within and I imagine there are some others?
thoughts?
thanks
Luke
the ideal machine would be a pristine 102VM with a W20 spindle to share tooling with my 102 but they are rare and serious money given their capabilities and likley need of a rebuild. I have a local contact with a couple W25 102VM that I will look into but my question is a bit more broad.
Rather than trying to find a lathe that has sat basically unused for the last 40 years is it better to find a good used machine from Schaublin, Weiler, Hardinge, Hembrug etc and have it reground/rebuilt. If I were to go that way who in Northern Europe should I have do the regrinding etc. I am willing to spend a fair bit of cash but can't go crazy. I spent about 10k Euro on my milling machine and could do that again if that is what is required to get a good machine but would rather not go quite that high.
Another option would be finding a new European made machine that might not be the equal of a carefully rebuilt Schaublin 135 but would certainly be better than a worn out one and cheaper as well. Weiler is probably out of budget but Klippfeld is within and I imagine there are some others?
thoughts?
thanks
Luke