rcfreak24

how do you know which one to is better for you

John Fontaine

iTrader: (2)

V-guides provide a better supporting surface for a better cut. Bearings can go bad, so i would suggest getting V-guides.

John

rcfreak24

don't the v guides wear grooves in them though . the lathe i'm looking to purchase is a hudy executive comm lathe . is automatic good or manual do it yourself better

Trips

iTrader: (16)

I'd have to vote for the V-guides, In ten years I haven't seen any sign of wear on my Cobra lathes guides. Keep em lubed and don't run the O-ring too tight and they'll outlive you.

The Hudy Executive is one fine lathe... if I were buying a lathe now, that would be the one I'd buy.

rcfreak24

i figure i should get a pretty good one and i don't want to have to turn around and get a new one next year . i want something that's going to last a hudy builds quality products

John Fontaine

iTrader: (2)

That is right. So buy the hudy and get the V-blocks. I personally run carbide bits from McMaster Carr, but some perfer the diamond bits....they're pricy though @ $100.00 and you'll cry if you chip one by accident. You don't need the automatic version of the lathe.

Mr. Shookie

iTrader: (9)

I have that lathe and as long as you have someone who knows (and I mean not the kid who says he knows but a expert driver or really old guy who still races and has been for 10years) how to set it up...It does require you to make sure it perfectly square and measured for perfect fit. Make sure they show you how to use it properly and have them watch over you your first few times.Make sure there are no rattles or that it is making any bad noices...USE BUSHING OIL ON YOUR V GUILDS.....makes it much easier.
Also run yours off a charger that allows you to set the voltage if you have one.
Lots of guys use a four cell pack....that much voltage is not needed. I set my charge to put out 2Volts and thats it...Makes for perfectly polished comms.
Hope this helps.
Stephen <><

Mark Mixon

iTrader: (3)

V-blocks are the only way to go. Bearings each have 1000ths of play,some more, multiplied by four, it adds up. Cobra lathes have a round area for the shaft which wears out and results in play. Stick with the HUDY or a comparable model, the extra money is worth the precision and durability.

Mr. Shookie

iTrader: (9)

Oh yea there is a debate on which is better but IMHO Diamond bits are the best and last forever.
I have had no problems with my HUDY either...My old Cobra did give me soem trouble toward the end.
Stephen <><

Geppetto

iTrader: (35)

I bought the Integy/Xipp (after selling my Hudy), and I find that the Integy/Xipp works as well as the Hudy, however, I made the mistake of opting for bearings on the Integy. The bearings now bind (probably filled with copper shavings) and the process requires more babying.

I'd recommend "V" guides. I won't promote one brand over another though.

Matt Howard

iTrader: (6)

definitely V-guides. My twister is 15+ years old and it still cuts perfectly with the same diamond bit in it the whole time

Qwiglee

Coke or Pepsi?

jw92656

I agree with V guides. As long as you use oil on the guides, they will provide a better cut and last for ever. Go with McMaster Carr carbide bits, and a Diamond file. Ordered them on Monday morning, and got them Tuesday afternoon. Insane turn around..... One bit, and a file cost me $29.99 total.

jw92656

I agree with V guides. As long as you use oil on the guides, they will provide a better cut and last for ever. Go with McMaster Carr carbide bits, and a Diamond file. Ordered them on Monday morning, and got them Tuesday afternoon. Insane turn around..... One bit, and a file cost me $29.99 total.

asw7576

I have Hudy with V guide. V guide is okay, simple design with great results. One thing I don't like about Hudy lathe is the vertical plates that hold both end of the rotor. ( one plate is where the motor slave sit, and another plate for holding commutator ). I'm sure those plates are not 90 degree perfect to the side nor the bottom. I have to make correction and adjustment to ensure the rotor shaft are perfectly align to V guide If Hudy is a premium brand for precision and quality........ well, I don't see the precision for that particular lathe.