Curved head ENCO 12x36

[keys]

I've been in the market for a lathe upgrade from my 7x12 for a few months and am thinking about pulling the trigger on one of the new ENCO 12x36 lathes with the curved face on the head. I have not been able to find much on the new model of this lathe. Does any one here know of any experiences with it? The one post I have seen about it mentioned some issues with the quick change tool post and the 3 jaw check. It sounds like ENCO took care of the problem with the tool post.

I've also been thinking about a Precision Mathews 12x36. I've heard nothing but good things about that lathe. With the recent Enco promotions, I can get the Enco lathe with DRO for 500 less than the PM12x36.

 

[petertha]

Maybe you are already aware of this sub-forum, but just in case. These pros & cons & comparison questions get asked a lot. As you mentioned, PM seems to get pretty good scores.

http://www.****************.com/forums/precision-matthews.172/

<edit> crap, not letting me post a link directly for some strange reason. Anyway, go to The Hobby Machinist Site, then Precision Mathews sub-forum.

 

[Philipintexas]

Didn't notice the original post date! Probably of no interest now.


I've owned two Enco 12 X 36 Lathes. And currently have the Precision Matthews 12 X 36 with DRO. The Enco lathes were serviceable but sure lacking in Fit & finish which was my main reason for switching. My understanding is the Encos' come from China and the PM is made in Taiwan. Upon buying the Enco I disassembled as much as I could and found all manner of sand/metal chips throughout. The PM was much nicer finished and I found no problems. The feed Mechanism on the PM is different and took getting used to. It feeds toward the headstock and into the work on one setting whereas the Enco feed is toward the headstock and out in one setting. I bought the PM from Precision Machine tool although it was shipped from a company in CA. I encountered some problems over a long time period getting all the accessories I paid for, but I'm very happy with the lathe. I'd say it's worth the $$ difference over the Enco.

 

[keys]

Thanks for pointing me to the Hobby Machinist site petertha. I found the ENCO subforum and two members had recently posted about their experience with the new enco 12x36.

Thanks for sharing your experience Philipintexas. I've been patiently waiting and looking at craigslist every day hoping for a non import option. I'll probably keep saving for a PM1236, but If another 25% or 30% Enco sales comes along with free shipping, I may not be able to resist.

 

[Philipintexas]

Contact [email protected] and tell them what you're considering, and how much you're willing to pay. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to price. Good luck, and be sure you get quick-change gears and a cam-lock chuck system, whatever you buy. They are really time savers.