Tom G

I'll admit it up front; I haven't always prescribed to the "buy it once" theory. Meaning, I usually got equipment I could afford. The longer I stay in RC, the more I regret thinking or "settling" this way.

Figured since I'll be looking into getting a lathe, look for opinions on Integy, Cobra and other brands.

I'll also admit that Hudy seems to have a good product line [not just lathes] and their re-sale value is almost worth the initial expense and investment.

Tidbits on tips & tricks, cutters, accessories and associated items would be helpful too!

So, let's hear what you have to say.

rcguy2477

iTrader: (4)

I recently purchased the Integy mod fashion motor lathe and it works great for the price. When I was looking for lathes about a month ago, this one was the cheapest i could find. It comes with v-blocks, and can take both kinds of cutters (has slot for cutter on both sides. I bought it for slighly under $90. It also comes with a carbon bit, motor spacers, a hex wrench to adjust the armature width, cutter spacers, and two belts. I havnt noticed any difference compared to the other racers lathes.

picco007

iTrader: (99)

Tom,

Sorry for the long reply, but here it goes. First I had a twister lathe then sold it to buy a Hudy lathe (advanced) and loved it. The diamond bit was great but my lathe had ball bearing guides. After some time, I had heard that the ball bearing guides would wear and would result in poor cut's to the comm. So I looked around and found cobras, xipp, trinity tru-lathe, orion. Now I have a Fantom lathe and it is great. It is expensive but i've had it since they first came out. All of the lathes mention are great lathes. I've personally used the twister, hudy tech and advanced lathe and now the fantom and they have all been fine. I think in the lathe arena, the price really isn't as important in showing if it is better than the other. Just ask around where you race and see what others think.

Hope this helped

Tom G

Thanks to both of you for your responses.

baih

if you go with the hudy get the tech lathe with v-blocks. the integy Zipp lathe looks the same. just a little cheaper.
i have both with diamond bits.
i prefer a diamond bit just because i get frustrated trying to shapen a carbide tip.
either lathe buy make sure you get a drive motor also.
the dual axis lathes run a regular rotation motor. the single axis uses a reverse turn motor. trinity is the only single axis that uses a regular rotation motor because they mounted it on the other side of the lathe.