andsetinn

Oscar Jansen recomends that you start with Carbite and then replace it with Diamond when you've learnt the basics.

Doug T

iTrader: (106)

Oscar- Excellent point. If this is your first lathe, use the carbide bit first to learn how to cut and use an older arm. Then move up to the diamond bit. Be very careful with the diamond bit and it will last you a very long time.

stegger

Thanks guys for the input. I have never used a lathe so i will take your points on board....

Poppa Ray

I haven't heard anyone mention the orion lathe. I haven't used one yet but I've heard from those who have that it is very nice and nicely priced.

KDagh1

I have the Hudy Tech Lathe with bearings and the adjustable slides. The adjustable slides are awesome as they allow you to tighten the blocks up against the armature along the direction of the shaft (i.e. you do not have to shim).

This is easily the best lathe that I have ever used. One more thing, if you do get the adjustable slides, make sure to use shims in between the armature and the slides. The spinning armature WILL WEAR a giant hole through the blocks, if you do not use a teflon shim.

fatdoggy

Shimming... I just stick a pinion on the arm once it's on the lathe with a teflon shim on each side of the block so nothing is damaged. Keeps it very secure.(eagle lathe)

evaa

iTrader: (7)

i noticed that no one mentioned the eagle lathe, any inputs?

fatdoggy

On my eagle lathe the depth adjustment isn't as fine as I'd like, but as long as you take your time you can get around it easily enough. Other then that I'm very happy with mine, gives awsome cuts and was much cheaper then anything else out there.

evaa

iTrader: (7)

fatdoggy: tanx for the input. was considering one since a hudy lathe costs an arm and a leg out here

R/C Anonymous

iTrader: (1)

the local track owner had the Eagle lathe and disliked it so much had me cutting his comms for him...he sold it soon after for 30 bucks with only a couple uses

ive also had an Eagle lathe awhile back and traded it for a Cobra...havent looked back since

marvi

iTrader: (82)

evaa: i suggest getting the eagle with v-guides, if available. last december, i was desperately looking for a lathe but our lhs only had hudys available so i just shut my eyes and forked over the $$$ but my first choice would have been the eagle because its a lot cheaper.

on the subject of shimming the lathe ...
i put a pinion gear on the armature and a couple of washers to sandwich one v-guide - this way, i dont have to shim both sides of the armature. when looking at the armature from the side, it goes like this ...

pinion + washer + v-guide + washer + armature + v-guide

not very clear but i hope you get the picture

newracer

I have the Orion lathe, it is great. It is very easy to setup, you do not need to put a pinion on the shaft, it has set screws on either end to hold the shaft in place. That makes it very easy to change the setup between different arms. It also comes with a slave motor, switch, wires, and of course a bit. All you need is a power source. Good price too, I got mine from my LHS for $130.

P2

iTrader: (15)

I used to use a pinion but now I use a short piece of fuel tubing to keep the arm from moving. It works great and saves some time.

ICEMAN

iTrader: (1)

I have the INTEGY and it works great, my 2 cents

ovalnator

iTrader: (43)

I use a trinity...but LRP makes a lathe that is HOT!!!