[Hamzter]

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting a small benchtop lathe for a variety of tasks, I've narrowed it down to either a Warco WM 280V or a Toolco 1130GV, I need your help to make a final choice though. They're the same lathe except for a few details, the Warco has a more powerful motor with greater speed range (1.5kW, 30-2500rpm vs 1.1kW, 50-1800rpm for the Toolco), but the Toolco has a larger through spindle bore (38mm vs 25mm). Price is the same too so cost isn't a deciding factor.

This is going to a be a general purpose lathe with no specific jobs in mind, anyone got an opinion which feature would be preferable?

Thanks for any help

[mhackney]

It really depends. There is nothing more frustrating than not having a large enough bore. But then again, there is nothing more frustrating than not having enough power.

Consider this: you can replace a motor/drive train for more power but you can't easily enlarge the bore.

[gd.marsh]

+1 for larger bore on a general purpose machine ..

[TOTALLYRC]

Bigger bore. You can always upgrade the motor.

[109jb]

Another vote for larger bore.

[GreatNorthGnome]

I agree with all the above posts. I loved my 7x12 mini lathe but quickly got tired of the tiny bore.

[Hamzter]

Then it's settled, bigger bore it is. Thanks guys

[mhackney]

That's so booorrriiinnngggg!

[digits]

Then it's settled, bigger bore it is. Thanks guys

How about the Warco WM290V - it is more pricey, but seems to have both a 38mm bore and a 1.5kW motor...

[Hamzter]

How about the Warco WM290V - it is more pricey, but seems to have both a 38mm bore and a 1.5kW motor...

Now that you mention it, once you add on a stand and DRO, it's pretty much the same price as a 280V, would make sense to get the 290V then, best of both worlds