For many men, the garden shed or working garage is their retreat, a safe haven away from all the stresses and its a good bet that in a high proportion of them there will be a lathe for a bit of DIY, or maybe just to play a little.* I am certainly no exception, my garage has never seen a car, it is packed full of equipment and sitting proudly amongst them is my new lathe purchased from top branded Warco.* Their WM-240 caught my eye in a free publication I read a few months back, and I couldn't resist following it up.*
It is an absolute beauty of a machine; there is a 2-speed band, the lower of which still allows for torque and it is hardened to ensure stability.* Its precision spindle works brilliantly, as does its reversible motor.** The quill, on the tail-stock, is engraved with both metric and imperial markings, so you get the best of both worlds.*
This lathe has already shown its durability with some substantial effort being placed on it to produce large and bulky items and has not, as yet, needed any maintenance, other than the usual tidying up.* It is totally reliable and is rapidly becoming one of my best friends!*
Included upon purchase was a dirt tray, a rear splash guard, 3-jaw center chuck and fixed and traveling steady's.* I also received a comprehensive test report, which showed a thorough examination of the product had been carried out prior to it being made available for sale, which I was very impressed with.* I bought the lathe for pounds sterling at just £780, which is around the $1,200 mark.*
By comparison, the other leading name in the lathe manufacturing business, that of Sealey; produces a model which, granted is also of a high standard; but is very close to double the cost. I'll stick with my Warco WM-240, I'm content to pass my evenings in its company.