Originally posted by Dragonfire
I got an orion lathe for $450. it does its job well but does seem to allow the arm to vibrate a bit while workin. I sharpen the carbide bit at work on a grinder (very fine) and get approx 10 arms before it starts to lose performance...
If I were to buy a new lathe, I wouldn't be fused about a diamond blade but I would want bearing guides to eliminate the vibration, and a dual belt...
Thats my exp.. hope it helps...
On my comm lathe I have a carbon/carbide bit.
It does cut as well as a diamond bit in my opinion. I get it sharpened professionally by an engineering place around the corner from me. I have struck a deal and they only charge 5 Bucks a hit and they do it immediately.
The only time I ever had the comm bounce around was when I first got the lathe and I did not have the bit shimmed right. I now have it set up perfectly with absolutely no vibration what so ever.
For me, having the bit sharpened when necessary is no problem. If I was a professional racer who skimmed my comm after every race or every few races then it might be a problem.
In the end, I think it comes down to how well your lathe is set up and how you use it.
Steevo
