Lathe SIZE question

[Dave79]

Hi guys,

I'm not building karts just yet but I am going to get into it this year. I'm buying a lathe right now for other hobbies and want it to be helpful with karting later.

So my questions is what size swing, distance between centres and bore would be considered a minimum for a lathe for kart work?

I mean regular karts, something that could fit on a trailer.

Thanks
-Dave.

 

[Bubba_Z]

Mines 2 1/4" Bore 8 x 36
But that's a question only you can answer.
you can also get one of these : http://boltontool.com/Lathes/cnc-ma...8-7sXAqcMKivxLzeZiU9afPV9pNLh48Ft3hoCP3zw_wcB

 

[B.M.800]

Get a big one. If you dont, sooner or later you will wish you had a few more inches...

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

I have a 16 inch leblonde with a 20" swing and a 6 foot bed. I have a 3 jaw 10" chuck that I put in the big one for smaller work. I really like it, but i'm going to be relocating soon and i'm planning on selling it. Bigger really is better with lathes. I learned on an 8" southbend and was amazed with what I could do with the 16" once I bought it.