When you need to work ceramic, wood or metal parts with a certain degree of precision, it is not easy without the right tools. Lathes can make this much simpler, but given their price, it is worth asking whether it pays to buy used lathes.
It is not an easy question to answer, as lathes are generally built to fairly high quality standards that can make them very durable.
However, this is not always the case, as there are different types of lathe on the market. Professional lathes are built to fairly high quality standards, but with basic lathes, the risk of making a bad investment is greater, with some exceptions.
What is a used lathe and what is it used for?
Before looking at whether investing in a used lathe pays off, it is important to be clear about what a lathe is. Put simply, it is a machine made up of different parts that work together to carry out tasks such as pressing, chiselling, cutting, drilling, shaping or forming different materials.One of its main characteristics is its great rigidity and power, which allows it to work efficiently with difficult materials without compromising precision. Lathes are therefore excellent for jobs that demand highly accurate cuts.
These characteristics apply both to used lathes and to brand-new machines.
Types of lathe
Lathes are so versatile that they can work with many different materials, which is also why there are so many different types. When considering buying a used lathe, you need to know what kind of work that particular machine is designed for. The types of lathe are as follows:Wood lathe
As the name suggests, this type of lathe has its power optimised for shaping, cutting and drilling wood. It is mostly used in carpentry.Metal lathe
These are the most powerful lathes on the market, as they are designed to work with the hardest metals. They can drill and cut metal parts without difficulty. However, this also means they have a higher cost, not only in the initial investment but also in maintenance, as they suffer more wear than other types of lathe.When investing in a used lathe for metalworking, the condition of the machine and each of its mechanisms must be checked more thoroughly. It is also advisable to choose lathes sold with some kind of warranty.
Ceramic lathe
These have moderate power but feature special coatings designed to prevent ceramic residue from getting into the lathe's mechanisms and damaging it.Drill lathe
This is a more versatile machine than other types of drill, as it is designed to drill parts made of many materials. As with metal lathes, they suffer more wear, so you need to be very thorough when buying one second-hand.Manual lathe
These are inexpensive and much simpler to operate. When choosing a used lathe, this type is the one with the lowest risk of being a bad investment.How to choose a used lathe
Lathes are complex because of the large number of mechanisms they contain. It is therefore only advisable to buy a lathe if you are sure you need to produce parts with a finish and precision that only a lathe can deliver.In addition, if you are thinking of buying a used lathe, you should consider how much it will be used. Used lathes have a shorter service life than new ones, so they are usually a better option when they will not be used over a long period.
Another recommendation is not to start with a professional lathe if it is your first time working with one, as they are harder to use. Basic lathes are simpler to operate and can be a good option to become familiar with this type of tool.
Conversely, if you already know how lathes work, buying a professional model is the best option, as you can be sure that you will make the most of its features.