Re: Wanted: Used professional desktop lathes? Any Canadian on-line resources?

thanks for replying everybody so far.

>       I have no problems cutting steel with a Taig.  More features 
> would be nice, of course, including power feed and threading. The major 
> thing is having properly sharpened bits rigidly mounted.  The tolerances 
> are also up to you as a user. 

the main reason why i'm looking for a premium desktop lathe isn't only for the 
listed reasons, but also because i NEED a 2nd machine for a 2nd location.  i 
figured that i'd pay the extra money to make an investement to be able to cut 
with less tinkering and with more available features, as well as a 'out of the 
package' more accurate machine.  my taig is cutting nicely, but i'm also 
attracted to certain convieniences that these premium lathes offer  ...i have 
yet to test out the taig with anything harder than ebony and hard plastics. 

 
> >my first choice has been an emco compact 5, followed by either a compact 8 
or  
> >a prazi masterturn 5x12.  can anybody help me out?   
>  
>       I've got a Compact-5/CNC, and like it -- once the carriage gibs 
> are backed up with some metal (the plastic gibs wear too fast near the 
> tightening screws, and not at all over the rest.  I made some backing 
> plates of aluminum, with counterbores for the screw heads, and it has 
> made all the difference in the world. 
>  
>       I've not used (or even touched) a manual version of the 
> Compact-5. 
>  
>       A Compact-8 would be better, of course, in that larger is more 
> rigid and will handle larger workpieces. 
>  
> >also, if anybody else knows of any resouces at ALL for any USED or CHEAP 
emco  
> >accessories, 
>  
>       They don't seem to exist.  Even on eBay, they normally command 
> premium prices. 
>  
> >             i'd be extremely appreciative.  ...i'm also looking for an 
emco 4- 
> >jaw chuck, or any fitting alternatives.   
>  
>       For which size lathe?  I finally found one for my Compact-5/CNC 
> on eBay, but it took a long time. 

i am specifically interested in a 4-jaw chuck for the emco compact 5.  i've 
found one resource who's selling their manual compact 5 for a reasonable 
price, but not a GREAT one w/o a 4-jaw chuck and live center, which i need.  
i'd rather not have to go shopping after i've made such an investement (by my 
flimsy standards).

i've tried ebay for about a month now and have come very close to finding a 
few great deals, but all sellers are from the states, making s&h and customs 
adding about 20-25% increase in price, thus eliminating the deal.  any 
canadian sellers would be awesome.