Quote:
Originally Posted by Bendy
Hi steamy one.
has anybody on here had any time or knowledge about the quality of the dean and smith and grace lathes
James
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You don't have worry about the quality!!!!
Provided it hasn't been used by a monkey it will most likely be excellent.
Two points to look for:
1. Some models are prone to oil failure as most have the oil tank in the base of the bed and the lube pump is at the top of the headstock driven off the clutch shaft. If the machine has been left idle for a long time the gear pump will not self-prime and lube will fail. If you can, lift off the headstock lid and see if oil is everywhere - walk away if it isn't, as too much damage might already have been caused to the spindle bearings and the clutch. If this has happened you will immediately be hit with the smell of burnt oil.
2. The Matrix clutch is an oil bath clutch, but it sits out of the oil, so it relies on the pumped supply. No oil > worn/destroyed clutch !! Clutch plates are around £60 each and there are around 20 in each clutch - forward and reverse. If the machine is under power check the clutches are working by engaging a high gear and look/listen for slip. Mechanically the clutches are easy to adjust but many people over tighten them which leads to damage and premature wear. If the clutch needs changing you should walk away unless the price takes account of this.
I have repaired a few DSGs and all parts are available from DSG (regardless of who owns the company that year) - made to order. Prices are not cheap but quality is excellent. I changed two headstock gears and the brake on the 1609 in work and the parts came to £1200. Incidentally the damage was initially caused by a lube failure, but the real damage was done by the idiot who continued to use the lathe despite the screeching noise coming from the failing brake! Even this particular idiot should have realised something was wrong.
Cheers Carl.