Thoughts on the Craftex CT128?

[Brian_ToyGuy]

Brad..turning tools you can go to Woodchuckers in TO.
http://www.woodchuckers.com/

,,,, well in your case give him a call, and order some of the Benjamin Best. Not bad tools and are reasonable...
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/LX...cid=3364029720

For a chuck....... Oneway is the way to go, but they are a bit of money, so you might want to wait until the pocket is replenished a bit.
You will also need a a way to sharpen, so a grinder and a jig for sharpening like Oneway sells (wolverine)
http://www.oneway.ca/index.htm

[Pete in Welland]

Here's just about my limit on a 1"x8 spindle. Block of wet maple 15" square x 11" high so around 50 Lbs. The total cantilever from the outboard bearing to the end is 15". Way out of balance, I had to take the chainsaw to it a couple of times before I could get it up to 200rpm.
On the CT128 I could do this between centres, so no problem. Without the tail stock in use I wouldn't be very comfortable beyond this.

[Brad in Alberta]

Thanks for the input guys!

I guess thats the next step, start doing my homework on accessories! I did discover today that there is a local Wood Turning Guild near by. Up until this point I hadn't been able to find any in my area so I am excited to check that out!! Now all I need is a lathe!

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Originally Posted by Pete in Welland

Just my opinion
I think any fears on the strength of the spindle are really unjustified and as the owner of old iron with a 1"x8 spindle thread I am well aware of just how much abuse it will take without any dramatic failure.

That 1"X8tpi spindle of yours has a #2 MT opening in it Pete ??

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Originally Posted by Brad in Alberta

I've just been reading some of the older threads regarding the CT128, in particular threads that were mentioning the 1" spindle and the general feeling that I get on the subject is that the 1 1/4" spindle would be nice, but not neccessary.


As you mentioned there are other machines out there with an 18" swing that also have a 1" spindle and no one seems to be very concerned about those machines.

Which ones are original designed with 1"x8TPI headstock spindle ???

I am aware of a lathe that got risers added for a larger swing later in life, but was not designed for that swing.

The question remains as to why all these other lathe designers go for a 1¼" spindle on those size lathes, you think they have no good reason to do so ??
And I have seen too many shafts and other pieces break after prolonged stretching/bending.
If the lathe is used for less than the maximum possible I don't think it will be a problem, but I would feel better with a 1¼" end on that shaft.
However taking everything in consideration, yes that lathe is giving the best bang for the buck, compared to others in the same category.

[Brad in Alberta]

Leo,

According to Generals website, their 18" 160 series had 1 x 8TPI spindles.

There are people out there who just don't use their heads! They can wreck anything. No matter how heavy you build something they will abuse it until it finally breaks. I'm a farmer. I've seen it many times. Some one will buy a brand new $300,000 tractor and within a year it looks like a piece of junk! I am not that type of person. I don't abuse equipment of any kind, no matter the cost. If you're gonna push something past its capabilities you're asking for trouble. I can only speculate as to what actually happened to those shafts you've seen fail. But judging from past experience, I can make an educated guess. I'm not pointing fingers, I'm just saying......

[Leo Van Der Loo]

That's exactly the lathe I was referring to, designed as a 12" IIRC and a riser added later in life, and no I haven't heard of any problems with it, mind you I would trust the quality of the material of these lathes over the chinese ones.

Of course parts that break are undersized or over exerted, or else they would not break, but take new designs and you run into problems often enough for the simple reasons that the parts just don't stand up, in industry with specific designs the tendency to go faster or do more does make for breakage, simple misalignment or realignment will result in breaking shafts and couplings etc.
And yes thoughtful use of machinery goes a long way into the prevention of problems, however not everyone has what it takes to do that, I'm sorry to say.
Also if you think that every piece of equipment is designed properly, well I think you know that we will be disappointed to say the least.
Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

[Pete in Welland]

Originally Posted by Leo Van Der Loo

That 1"X8tpi spindle of yours has a #2 MT opening in it Pete ??

On the inboard only. Outboard it's a 3/8" hole for a knockout rod.
I think most are the same. I seem to remember the General 160 at work only at the MT on the inboard. But it had a bigger spindle I think 1-1/4"

[Mapleview]

Brad Maybe another option to check out
http://medicinehat.kijiji.ca/c-buy-a...AdIdZ167442469
No affiliation ,was just browsing.

[blade57]

Originally Posted by Brad in Alberta

No matter how many times I search the internet, or how many forums I read, or how many opinions I hear, I keep coming to the same conclusion; the CT128 is still the lathe that gives the best bang for the buck as far as features and capacity. The reason I was momentarily considering those smaller lathes was the lower cost. Then I gave my head a shake and remembered the philosophy I have lived by for a very long time; I am a firm believer in overkill! Build it bigger, better, stronger and faster. Also, you get what you pay for! Although I may not need the full capacity of the CT128 right now, as time goes on and my skills improve (hopefully) I know I will want to try bigger and more complicated projects. So buy the bigger, and hopefully better, machine and it will keep you happy for a very long time. Then again if it turns out I do want to step into a higher end model at some point, I should be able to sell the CT128 fairly easily as long as I take care of it and keep it in good shape. In theory anyway! I think my next step is to try and see if there is any truth to the rumor that the CT128 may be showing up with a 1 1/4" spindle in the near future as that is my only hang up at the moment. The other small problems that I've heard about up until now have been pretty minor and should be easy to deal with.

Thanks again for your comments and your help with my decision,

Brad

Hi Brad,

A buddy of mine in Calgary has a CT128 for sale. He loves the lathe but has outgrown it now and has just bought a honkin' great Vicmark. I used to work for Busy Bee Tools and we sold a ton of these lathes with little or no problems to speak of. It's a big lathe and that is the only reason my buddy is letting the lathe go. Drop me a PM if you want me to put you in contact with my pal.

Cheers

DaveD