Turret Lathe?

I've got a possible deal on a Turret Lathe but I'm wondering if it is worth it? I've only ever worked with Engine lathes, does anyone have any information regarding these? Advantages? Disadvantages? Thanks very much you guys.

 

Anyone please?

 

There is a lot of info at this site, I did a search for "Turret Lathe"
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=turret+lathe+site%3Apracticalmachinist.com&btnG=Search
The benifit of a turret is you can repeat many different operations without changing tools. What brand lathe, what size, what do you want to do with it, & how much $?

 

Perhaps here's a start.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turret_lathe

If you plan to do a number of boring or offset type cuts, then it may be more helpful.

 

Turret lathe is a production machine. There is no tailstock so long work between centers can't be done. It will have six stations on the turret for drills, taps, etc. Tool post for turning, facing, and parting.

It would have to be a super deal before I would buy one due to the lack of tailstock.

 

Not much use in a home shop. Like has already be said, they have no tail stock and are not user friendly for turning in my opinion. Most used ones I have seen are really worn out from repeaded production work. Also a lot of them have two speed motors that cannot be changed for voltage. If it has a collet setup instead of a chuck, even worse for non production type work. Look for an engine lathe, you will be glad you did.

 

Can the turret be replaced with a tail stock? Could you not put a live center in the turret for doing work between centers?

 

You can put a live center on one of the blocks, as well as a stock stop, etc. I used to run A Warner/Swasey #5, but you need a lot of tooling to make it worth your while. If for Home, I'd say skip it...

 

Some of the smaller lathes have bed turrets that can be removed such as Logan and Clausing but if not it is strictly a production machine as already stated.

 

You can put a live center in one of the stations and use that,or use a steady rest and no center.steady rest is the most under used tool in the shop

 

This one has the ability to switch the turret to a tailstock. I think I made a worthy purchase it came in great condition and he threw in a bandsaw missing a bushing all for 350. It's an Acme Drive-All, I'll get some pictures up when I can. It should come to good use. I have plans for it. Thank you all for the feedback.