Comm Lathe

[ralliart]

I just found out how useful a comm lathe is, so I decided to buy one for myself. I don't know any company who makes Comm Lathes other then Hudy amd Team Cobra. I'm looking for a cheap comm lathe (if possible) if not then whats the seconds best and so on. The thing is that i don't want to spend like $300 CDN on a lathe. So if anyone knows of a good cheap lathe that includes or doesn't include a bit, it doesn't really matter. I'd appriciate it.

thanks

[TrickSpeed]

Trinity sells one, although i'm not able to give you a recommendation on lathes, but i thought i'd let you know of another option.

[highroller]

I own a Cobra for many years, for the cost and quality of use it was nice. They started making different models afterward that included a power base, drive unit, included diamond bit.

The others Hudy (expensive but worth it) stay with the hardened v groove unit. Eagle sold by Integy another good lathe, Fantom is a bit pricey similar to the eagle and Cobra. Corrally nice but not readily available in every area.
Trinity - the problem with it was early versions didn't stay aligned, or weren't aligned properly - you may get one that has no problems or one that you encounter problems.

Look for ones that have hardened v grooves, includes a diamond bit, includes a slave motor (you can use an old stock motor, install a stack armature in a modified can then adjust to zero degrees or buy a slave motor 30-55 turn), on/off switch is nice to have and whether you will be required to aligned the glides or they come already aligned.

[redheat8]

I've got the Cobra and have used the heck out of it, has the carbon blade and cuts just fine, purchased from Tower for about 150. one of the best investments I've made for my electric stuff, RED

[tylerbac]

I have got the mod lathe by integy and love it. You also do not need the expensive diamond bit. The diamond bit is a nice luxury to have but until you are used to using a lathe you will probably ruin the diamond bit. At least one of the best motor builders in the country prefer the cheaper hardened bit over the diamond one.

[Cain]

Big Jim I take it? yeah, he recommends the carbide bit too and I agree with him.

Just pick up some 200 grit or close diamond files, and you will be all set with your carbide bit. I got the Integy MOD Eagle lathe with the carbide V-Blocks and it works great. no complaints here. Got it for $90 bucks new.

[Danno]

I have th Integy also , $120 bucks a year ago , love it , I use a traxxas stinger motor and 3 cells , no complaints

[3xs]

The best deal going is the Cobra,I've owned both the cobra and now a hudy,and either one will work just fine.Go for the v-blocks and a diamond bit,Well worth it in the long run.If your cash strapped look on the swap and sell on hobbytalk in the accessories area,they have the largest and best RC swap and sell on the net.I've seen practically new equipment on there for pennies on the dollar,it's well worth it,you can get top of the line stuff for a fraction of the cost.

[redheat8]

does anyone no if the bits can be resharpened or would be smarter to just get a new one, RED

[3xs]

does anyone no if the bits can be resharpened or would be smarter to just get a new one, RED


If you've got a carbide bit it can and should be resharpened,this is why I always recommend the diamond bit,it cost a bit more but you don't have to worry about having it resharpened.

[redheat8]

Thanks , RED

[ralliart]

Hmm. Everyone seems to say to get a V-Block, I have an idea of what it might be but can someone explain it to me just to make sure, and whats so good about it that everyone says that you mucst get one with V-Blocks. I have never cut a Comm in my life so would it be wise to start off with a carbide blade so i don't accidenty ruin the diamond bit.

Thanks

[powerstroke01]

Cobra.... I love mine. Ive got the powerbase for it too. The one with the digi read out..

[highroller]

I bought both the Stock and Modified Cobra lathes (before rebuildable stock motors) both came with carbide bits problem was they weren't as sharp as I would have liked. I purchased the Diamond bit for both during the purchased but used the carbide bit to practice and get cutting height correct (used a sheet of lexan so bit was just above the center of comm). After that I switched to the diamond bit and only bought a replacement recently to have just in case. There is no difference in the surface between a carbide or diamond bit - carbide give fewer cuts needing to be resharpen while the diamond bit just gives more cuts and last a long time if used correctly. It could be cheaper to buy 3-4 extra carbide bits and just have them sharpened and on hand so when one gets dull you have one ready to go. I still kept 2 carbide bits in the box in case the diamond bit got chipped, until I decided to just purchase another diamond bit.

Mine was the 2000 over time I added a few items, bought the mod conversion for the stock so now I have an extra mod lathe (1 one for home use the other kept in with race stuff). Replace the stock motor with 55 turn slave motors, added switch, made a base to hold battery pack and found a container that works for transporting.

[3xs]

The deal with the V-blocks is they won't wear out like bearings do,also after bearings start to wear you won't get as accurate a cut due to the slop created in the bearings.

[redheat8]

I'm getting nice clean cuts with the v block as well, RED