C0 Micro Lathe

overall the lathe is set up in a WORKABLE CONDITION BUT IT DOES NEED WORK TO GET IT JST RIGHT. i knocked a star off as the spindle pulley wasnt tight and worked its way loose until the machine jammed and went into error mode during its run-in cycle. during a phone call to Axeminster Tools they offered suggestions and i spotted the problem and fixed it. the tailstock is not adjustable and was not on centre - enough to cause problems drilling. this was a complex fix which involved cutting it in 2 then rebuilding the entire tailstock with universal alignment adjustment. the saddle had tight spots in its travel (easily sorted out with a bit of scraping and de-burring and some shims on the keeper plates) also de-burring the entire machine. During the year ive had this tiny lathe ive installed thrust bearings to all axes and also the tailstock ram and machine balanced handwheels of a decent workable size to replace the horrible tiny wheels supplied. oiler buttons for all bearings and swarf guard bellows. several large toolposts that act as quick change - tools centred and the entire post locks down using lever-bolts. its now a superb little machine that is capable of working even semi-hard steels. its accuracy is very good. parts for the Unimat 3 are suitable tho u will have to fit them . faceplate, fixed steady, 4 jaw independent chuck, large live centre (made this using the lathe) and a little ER16 collet chuck (another lathe made part!) overall this is a splendid little cast iron machine with big capabilities - Axeminster Tools is a great, trustworthy company who get orders delivered without delay and are readily available to sort out any problems.

Arrived quickly, Just the job for the modeller, robust bit of kit which is small and handy for my needs. Be aware you have to purchase tools and chuck (for centre drilling) separately.

the manual is not at all explicit infact difficult to understand and not at all explained had to work it out

ESSENTIALLY THIS MACHINE IS BASED ON THE UNIMAT 3 UPGRADED WITH ALL CAST IRON CONSTRUCTION V BELT DRIVE AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL. IF YOU HAVE AN OLD UNIMAT 3 MOST OF THE TOOLING WILL FIT IE CHUCKS, TOP SLIDE. ASSUMING THE ELECTRONICS STAND THE TEST OF TIME IT SHOULD LAST FOR EVER. HAVING SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN ADD TO THE VERSATILITY LIKE SCREW CUTTING ALTHOUGH THERE IS PROVISION FOR A POWER FEED ITS NOT FITTED. A BASIC LITTLE LATHE AND A WORTHY UPGRADE FOR THE EMCO.