Shop FoxM1015 6-Inch By 10-Inch Micro Lathe

I received this lathe a few days ago. I have to admit the packaging leaves something to be desired, the wooden crate was pretty banged up and the parts were sliding around inside, still nothing was damaged. Given some of the other reviews before I finished removing it from the crate I tested it to make sure it was in working order, which it was, no issues, but I think the manufacturer could do themselves a favor by having this shipped in a strong cardboard box with foam inserts; besides that I am happy and impressed with the lathe. To be clear I am not an inspiring master machinist (that was my grandfather). I wanted something to play around with and I think this lathe is perfect for that. I have used some of the other micro lathes like the Central Machine, and I feel this one is a better option. I have done some test cutting with it using both HSS cutters and carbide insert cutters, and am satisfied with the results.

very good

I have half the mind to take these people to court for the complete fabrication that is this advertisement.ZERO of the specifications of this machine are valid. The centerline of the spindle (i.e. the swing) is NOT 6 inches.In fact, there IS NOT a SINGLE imperial fastener on the machine I recieved. The lead screw is NOT 16TPI as indicated by all labels and reference material.It's a complete joke, by far the worst thing I've bought from Amazon. Bar NONE.PREVIOUS REVIEW:Honestly, it pains me to write this review. To sit here and document the attrocious build quality does not make me happy. I sincerely hope it is a quality control issue, and not all of the lathes they sell are built to such a low level.First of all, the spindle on the unit I recieved was so botched up, it cooked the bearings within 2 months. and I mean _cooked_. Oh, and its CROOKED. Literally, there is a *bend* in the spindle. The bearings honestly had no hope. What's the point of using tapered roller bearings if you're going to take what looks like two pieces of a shaft, and weld them together and hope no-one notices it.Secondly, the 3/8" spindle bore - it's intentionally reduced. The spindle shaft itself is >20mm, and most of the spindle bore is at least 1/2" in diameter, if not 5/8". At this point I'm too annoyed to actually measure it, but suffice it to say, there is zero reason whatsoever for it to not have at east a 1/2" through hole bore.As you can see in one of my photos, the actual spindle nose is chowdered up. To hell with a finish pass I guess, just let the chatter be. I get that I'm not paying for some world class machine here, but I've yet to see other machines in this price range with such low quality.The dovetail ways would have been a nice touch if the gibs had been machined well, or at least to some sane tolerance. Both ends of both the Z and Y gibs were out at least 0.010", which made actually using the machine quite a task.On top of ~all~ of that, the actual speed control circuit and motor used is quite literally a joke. You basically get a dremel motor, with stupider speed control. Literally. The motor in mine is a 110V DC, brushed, motor. You read that right - DC. And the circuit used to actually control it is the product of what I can only assume is a bipolar electrical engineer.Do yourself a favor, wait a few extra days, and get any other machine. Seriously, I wish I had.

This mini lathe is just what my small shop needed. Many tools and jigs for the luthier / woodworker are quite expensive. But, with the DIY know how and right equipment, alot of money can be saved and business can be earned. This Shop Fox m1015 mini lathe is made of quality materials. Don't let bad reviews mislead you. This machine is accurate, mills as it should and gets parts done. Upgraded the m1015 with the Shop Fox Steady Rest and Milling Vertical Slide. Now it can get both cylindrical and vertical milling jobs done perfectly. Thanks Shop Fox!

Lead Screw Clutch control dial was broken on delivery, otherwise functioning properly.