Lathe Talks - Three Years With The Warco WM 180 Lathe

Having now owned the Warco WM 180 for over 3 years, I thought it would be useful to talk about what I've learned. Also, what I think are the most important things to consider when using one of these mini lathes.

[markrowan]

Really useful, practical and sensible advice. I’m so lucky that there are so many Warco owners who share their knowledge

[Gazr]

I have the the WM240B 400 mm between centres, reversible AC induction motor, belt drive to alter speeds, no electronics to screw up. very happy with it for general and hobby machining.
Gaz UK.

[MkmeOrg]

This is super helpful for people like me just getting started with one of these. Brilliant.

[MrPlumber]

That’s a badass looking lathe !! For whatever reason when they are painted those earthy colors they are usually really well made .

[jezchazania]

Some great tips there, thank you for spending the time to share them with us 👍😊

[Xynudu]

Good useful video Alan. You covered a lot of important points. We tend to take this stuff for granted and not always offer basic information to newbies. Infinitely variable speed is nice, but for real grunt and torque, plus better cooling you can't beat mechanical gearing. The huge range of lathes available covers all needs and budgets these days. I rarely hear people banging on about bigger is better now, as I think most people understand it's horses for courses, same as for most things we buy. Thanks for the shout out. Cheers Rob

[nikondful]

Thanks for the video Alan. Great advice for the beginer. Keep safe and stay well.

[jeffelliott]

An excellent video, very helpful thanks.

[MrFactotum]

great info Alan for the beginners in this wonderful hobby we do, I've been machining all my working life but you've learned me something about those dc motors, i've never had one as i have a myford and a larger Harrison lathe, but I've put that Cooling fan trick in to my memory bank for anyone i know who has one of these lathes, especially in my model engineering club i attend frequently, Thanks for Sharing
Cheers
Mr f

[TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Alan,
Fabulous video... very helpful for the potential Warco/Mini Lathe owner...
Take care.
Paul, ,

[MattysWorkshop]

Gday Alan, yes they do have there limits but what can be achieved is amazing, you really can do precision work and keep to tight tolerances, Ade proves this all the time, Rob all so does amazing work on his machines, I’m thinking of getting an ER 40 collet chuck for my lathe, definitely worth it I think, great to here your thoughts mate, Cheers

[jamesmartinez]

Good video. I'm surprised you are working in your kitchen? I see the dishes and sink.

[melgross]

The burnout with these motors on these lathes is pretty common. Here in the States, and in some Asian countries, the same equipment is sold under the Precision Matthews label. So between those and the Warco owners I’ve seen on YouTube, four have had their motors blown out. That’s actually a lot, because for everyone you’ve seen, many more have had problems too. Both companies (or the actual Chinese manufacturer) are replacing the brushed motors with brushless ones in their new machines because of these problems. Those new motors are also more powerful.

[Tensquaremetreworkshop]

I too prefer 4way toolposts. I use inserts, so the height of the tool does not change. I spent time milling packing pieces for each toolholder, so it is simple to change tools and get the right height every time. Low speeds- looks like making a belt low speed drive might be a useful modification. More torque, too.

[benjaminc]

Great video - I was looking at getting a 180 but now more drawn to a 250V / 290V as the variable frequency inverter overcomes the low speed limitations of the DC models - only down side is the fact I’ll be spending 2-3 times more money on the lathe but I think it will pay off! Plus the extra weight will add stability I’m sure!!

[porkerthepig]

Really want one of those little lathes if I had room

[jinxycob]

Good advice on motor cooling am sure to follow

[LoremIpsum]

Did you not contemplate replacing the compound with a solid riser block? I've contemplated getting the WM180, mainly for its small-ish size. So, thanks for this video it's been very informative, and along with Ade's vids, I think I've decided it's better to extend the workshop a bit to fit a larger lathe rather than fit the lathe to the shop. I just have to save up the cash for a WM 250V, not too heavy and at twice the price it's still doable. 👍

[robespsquared]

Would be interested to see a more in-depth solution to the WM180 motor premature failure modification you made.

[CzKaa]

I like brushless DC motor in my Warco super mini lathe. :)