Comm Lathe Q&A

[JoeTheShmoe]

Ok, i think that i may posible could want a comm lathe, but i gotta few questions first. If I get on, I get a "modifyed" comm lathe, because i have speedgems series motors, which i can take apart????
Next what else do i need to make it work. In my towerhobbies book thingy it says that i need a stock motor (what kind?? Just an motor???) and then a 4 or 6 cell pack (do i make one, or use a good one, or wut??) and then what kind of "bit" do i get, and what is the best comm lathe fo around 100 bucks?

[DerekB]

Depending on what the lathe comes with you will require:

A 4-cell pack-quality doesn't really matter.

A stock motor which will spin the comm, again the cheapest will do.

A bit-Carbide is the cheapest, but a diamond tip will provide a better cut and cost much more.

Your call on the best for $100

[This message has been edited by DerekB (edited 03-01-2001).]

[dwatier00]

i would go with a hudy mod lathe they have a reduction in them so they cut real nice. the cobra and eagle lathes don't cut real good with out setup work on them. i have an eagle and a friend of mine had to move all of the tools closer to get a good cut. diamond bits are good but if you aren't careful you can chip them and then they are no good. a carbide you can sharpen is you chip them and they last quite a while mine has been in for two months and i cut motors after every round. i must have 50 cuts or more on mine and it still cuts fine. i hope this helps you.

[JoeTheShmoe]

well, i think im gonna go with the cobra lathe, because i cant find the hudy one on towerhobbies, and the cobra is the only one that has info on it. Now, what kind of stock motor do i get?? I have an old 20t stinger i took out of a boat, does that work??? And i have a 7 cell battery that doesnt work, so can i just tkae 3 of the cells off of it to make it a 4 cell pack? What else do i need to make everything work rihgt?

Thanks again.

[XXXER]

the Stinger would work fine, that is what my LHS uses, and it does a dandy job.
You could do that, with the battery i guess.

[JoeTheShmoe]

do i need anything else to make it work? I think it says it comes with a caride bit (i know it comes with a bit anyway.....)

[kid racer]

hey dud look at the dudy advanced comm lathe
its the coolest lathe out their i have 1 and i love it

[FilthyPierre]

Joe, try Stormer Hobbies for the Hudy lathes (bugger it, they're currently out of stock, typical). I'm in the same boat, trying to decide which lathe to buy - the Hudy Tech is at the top of my list (similar to the Advanced, but more features). The Trinity TruLathe 3 is also up there - this one comes with a snazzy case, cutting fluid, shims etc AND a carbide bit, but no motor or power switch. It apparently has both v-steel and bearing guides.
The Hudy comes with a case, power switch and motor (by the look of it) but no bit - also you have to choose which type of guides you want too, either bearing or v-steel.

Prices (at Stormer):
Hudy Advanced: $150 USD
Hudy Tech: $160 USD
Hudy Diamond Bit: $95 USD
Trinity TruLathe 3: $150 USD
Trinity Diamond bit: $80 USD

When you buy, let us know what you bought and what you think of it. I'm interested to know....