Cain

iTrader: (294)

I am considering getting a Comm lathe, but I am not sure which way to go. I don't need something super high dollar, just something that will cut the comm.

I am looking at the integy brand of comm lathes, in particular the eagle model, but I am not sure if it comes with a motor.

Also, I have heard of elite brand of lathes but I can't find them on the web, any ideas?

Thanks.

etzkev

The best lathe out currently for the money is the Integy/Eagle Racing Mod fashion lathe. I have it, and I love it. It does stock and mod arms, and it comes in two versions (carbide v-blocks and ball-bearing blocks). They both just come with a carbide bit, but neither come with any source of power or any motor.

Let me know if you have any quesitons,
etzkev

Cain

iTrader: (294)

know who has the best price for it online?

I see it for 79.99 from integy direct.

Also, if you run a beatup stock motor, will it work ok on 4 cells?

Finally, what all exactly comes in the box?

Cain

iTrader: (294)

when should you use the cutting fluid?

Cain

iTrader: (294)

What do you think of the trinity True-lathe Pro 3?

etzkev

I'd say getting it from integy directly is your best bet. You won't get it any cheaper online (to my best of knowledge). You can use 4 cells to run it with any stock motor, beat up or new. You will get two allen wrenches, the assembled lathe, shims, two o-rings, spacers, and the carbide bit.

I never use the cutting fluid. It really isn't needed in my opinion.

The trinity lathe is good, and I have dealt with them, but in my opinion the Mod Fashion is better.

-etzkev

Roger

iTrader: (10)

Regardless if you buy a low or high price lathe, you're going to have to buy a diamond bit. Diamond bits usually go for $70 and up. If you can find a lathe weather its new or used, make sure it has a diamond bit. The carbide bits will only last for a few good cuts. Goodluck.

Cain

iTrader: (294)

Thanks for all the info.

What are your experiences with the stock bit on the eagle lathe?

I don't race really competitively to care too much about the diamond bit right now. How long will you say it will last if I do cuts say once a week on one armature?

etzkev

You will get about 6 to 8 cuts on the stock bit. This is dependant on how much you cut each pass on the lathe. If you are taking big cuts each time, then it will last shorter.

Roger

iTrader: (10)

Thats true about getting 6-8 cuts on your motors. But, before you start cutting, you may want to practice on some older armitures before you go cutting that $50 dollar reedy, trinity, etc... mod motor. By the time you figured out how to cut a stock or mod armiture by using thin cuts, the carbide bit will be weared down before you can cut your good motors . Thats what happened to me when I got my first lathe. I ended buying a diamond bit and til' this day, I still have the same diamond bit in my lathe now. Hope this helps.

Cain

iTrader: (294)

wow. Thats crazy how fast they go.

Are any of the other eagle lathes good ( I am looking at one that is anonized red ). ?

I have cut comms before on the shop lathe, they may be selling it too. It work well, I always get power out of my motors really well after cutting with there lathe. Not sure what model though.

Roger

iTrader: (10)

If they are selling it, then definately buy it cause it probably has a diamond bit since it belongs to the hobbyshop

Cain

iTrader: (294)

The eagle lathe I am looking at is anodized red . Which model is that?

I probably will call the hobby shop tommorrow and see if they are going to sell it and what model it is to find out if its any good. Seems to work good enough.

ritchie

your bits will last a whole lot longer if you only cut in one direction, don't back cut the arm, and don't "grind" it into the segments where the comm stops. i'm not going to get into the which is better thing.

Cain

iTrader: (294)

Hey guys, thanks for all the info. For my needs and budget I picked up the integy Eagle MOD lathe with the carbide V-Blocks new.