I am in need of a decent starter CNC lathe. I don't need power or size, I have a manual 12x36 lathe lathe has plenty of power and capacity for my needs.
I have found the
GMC 1330F
http://www.machinetoolonline.com/CNC1330F.html
and
Precision Matthews
http://www.machinetoolonline.com/PM-1330CNC.html
Both are in my price range, the GMC is on the upper end.
A big turn off is only 4 positions on the tool turrent. 6 is much more attractive, and I would prefer 8 or 10.
I need to do threading, need capability to accept 5C collets. I would like the capability to import a DXF and generate a program from that.
I don't need anything super accurate. My most critical thing is threading, and making threads that mesh together reliably and feel nice as they screw together is huge for me. Repeatability is more critical to me than accuracy. I can easily adjust the mating part if the parts are all .005" too big, but I can't deal with some that are .005" too big, some that are .005" too small, etc.
So I am looking for comments, positive, negative about both these machines, suggestions for other brands/models in the $15,000 or so market.
Thanks
Scott