05-01-2014, 08:46 PM
David/Alan,
In this instance I agree with both of you in this instance.
With the Unimat, these really aren't worth the fees that are being sought for them as in real sense they really are a 'hobby' lathe.Some may even call them a toy.
The name Unimat is derived from Universal Machine Tool, being a machine that could be used for turning, milling, sawing, drilling, grinding etc. etc. I suppose it could be considered a bigger 'Dremel' of its day.
A few years ago they were very cheap to buy but rarity value has forced the prices up. Who would pay well over a £100 for a Unimat travel steady BUT that is what they sell for because they are so rare.
So therefor this begs the question are these just to be collected or used?? (I believe that there were in the order of 400 add ons so a complete pack in its wooden case fetch well over £1000). If they are to be used (as they should) then I think that I wouldn't pay vastly inflated prices for parts (such as a travel steady) that can be made by the user. I'd rather make my own and have the satisfaction in doing so too.
With older lathes such as the Myford ML1's to 4's, the parts just don't exist so rarity rather than collectability rules the day. However, having said that, parts do become available. I bought (and with great thanks to Kev Hoyland) an old heavy duty lathe stand for my ML3 which I really did not think I would ever find and for modest price too.
In addition, I bought a complete headstock with spindle for the same lathe for £20!
I think its really a case of make do and mend with older lathes to keep them going.
Regards
Rob
In this instance I agree with both of you in this instance.
With the Unimat, these really aren't worth the fees that are being sought for them as in real sense they really are a 'hobby' lathe.Some may even call them a toy.
The name Unimat is derived from Universal Machine Tool, being a machine that could be used for turning, milling, sawing, drilling, grinding etc. etc. I suppose it could be considered a bigger 'Dremel' of its day.
A few years ago they were very cheap to buy but rarity value has forced the prices up. Who would pay well over a £100 for a Unimat travel steady BUT that is what they sell for because they are so rare.
So therefor this begs the question are these just to be collected or used?? (I believe that there were in the order of 400 add ons so a complete pack in its wooden case fetch well over £1000). If they are to be used (as they should) then I think that I wouldn't pay vastly inflated prices for parts (such as a travel steady) that can be made by the user. I'd rather make my own and have the satisfaction in doing so too.
With older lathes such as the Myford ML1's to 4's, the parts just don't exist so rarity rather than collectability rules the day. However, having said that, parts do become available. I bought (and with great thanks to Kev Hoyland) an old heavy duty lathe stand for my ML3 which I really did not think I would ever find and for modest price too.
In addition, I bought a complete headstock with spindle for the same lathe for £20!
I think its really a case of make do and mend with older lathes to keep them going.
Regards
Rob
if all else fails...read the instructions!
