Rollo lathe opinions

Taylormade100 · Apr 11, 2022

Hi All

I have wanted a lathe so I could learn to use one for a very long time but space, money and priorities have stopped me from getting one. Anyway this Rollo elf has come up locally and I wondered what you guys with a lot more knowledge than me thught of it?. Would it be ok to learn to use a lathe on or would I be better to wait for something else to come along. Picture from lathes.co.uk below. Thanks.

Fastdruid · Apr 11, 2022

Well firstly any lathe is better than no lathe....

That particular one appears to either be a very anomalous spec or something different again to all the ones on lathes.co.uk, from that perspective alone I'd suggest it's worth a punt, particularly at that kind of price. Worst case is you do it up, it's not for you and sell it on again.

Bit hard to tell if that is merely a power feed or actually has the ability to cut threads. Might be missing some bits if it is as the lathes.co.uk one with the screwcutting has a plastic handle to operate the leadscrew dog clutch.

gaz1 · Apr 11, 2022

if you want a proper lathe wait

that has no power feed or able to cut threads

so a basic lathe at that

whilst saying that its still usable to a degree depending on what your lathing up and can be used for some other things

Pete. · Apr 11, 2022

That wont sell for 50 quid more like 150 and it ain't worth it.

Taylormade100 · Apr 12, 2022

Thanks all. I think I will give it a miss based on your opinions and keep looking.

minimutly · Apr 12, 2022

I had a Hayter lawnmower with the exact same knob on the raise/lower adjustment. Probably one of the best mowers I ever had, scrapped it because the b&s engine was boogad. Should have kept it and waited for another engine..

fizzy · Apr 12, 2022

Budget and space are the main considerations.
Also what you want to do with the lathe.
I started off with a hobbymat and hated it. Too small for anything.
Now I have some pretty big lathes I have become fascinated by the smaller stuff!