PM 1236 opinions (lathe)

[JamesnTN]

I'm a phone call away of ordering this and it'll be delivered by next Friday. I'm seeking opinions on the lathe if it'll be accurate enough to do my own Precisin barrel work. I can get it delivered for 4K with the DRO and the preferred package.

 

[shortgrass]

I'm a phone call away of ordering this and it'll be delivered by next Friday. I'm seeking opinions on the lathe if it'll be accurate enough to do my own Precisin barrel work. I can get it delivered for 4K with the DRO and the preferred package.

"if its accurate enough to do my own Precisin barrel work." Ever heard the old saying, "its not the arrow, it's the Indian"? It depends on how much you know about machining and 'what kind of machinist' you are. No lathe will do it for you,,, not even a CNC.

 

[ridgeway]

For another K, check out the specs on the 1340GT from Precision Matthews.

 

[butchlambert]

I believe one of Mike Bryant's lathes is a PM.

 

[jkohler]

Butch don't mike have a Kent 1340TRL and a leblond regal.

 

[butchlambert]

Butch don't mike have a Kent 1340TRL and a leblond regal.

Yeah, you may be right.

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

I own a PM1340GT, great lathe and a great company(Precision Matthews) that stands behind their products. The 1236 is a good machine as well although if you can swing it go with the PM1340GT, it's well worth the extra money, the fit and finish on a 1340 is top notch. There is a noticeable difference in quality between the Chinese and Taiwan lathes. Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss further or ask questions.

 

[JamesnTN]

I own a PM1340GT, great lathe and a great company(Precision Matthews) that stands behind their products. The 1236 is a good machine as well although if you can swing it go with the PM1340GT, it's well worth the extra money, the fit and finish on a 1340 is top notch. There is a noticeable difference in quality between the Chinese and Taiwan lathes. Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss further or ask questions.

I wish I could put out the extra funds for the 1340GT at this point I can't. Maybe next year I'll buy a second lathe and have two, but for now this is what I have got funds for w/o getting into my taint day funds or emergency funds.
Main reason asking was make sure there wasn't another make or brand in price range that'll be as good or better

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

The PM1236 will be fine, they have the best warranty for a lathe in that price range. If the money is tight I would skip the DRO and spend that money on tooling.

 

[JamesnTN]

It's a done deal, I just got off the phone with Matt and orderd the 1236 I also upgraded the 4 jaw Chuck to a much better Chuck he said its same as a Bison quality wise without the cost. Guess we will see.

 

[Bamban]

James,

If Matt says the chuck is good, I would believe him. I got one of their R8 shank keyless drill chuck to replace the Albrecht I returned to Enco for refund, the one from Matt has less runout for half the price. Maybe the Albrecht I got was more of the aberration than the norm, but the numbers don't lie, the PM one was runs true.

 

[Riesel]

It's a done deal, I just got off the phone with Matt and orderd the 1236 I also upgraded the 4 jaw Chuck to a much better Chuck he said its same as a Bison quality wise without the cost. Guess we will see.

Now you can start pacing the floor. Be sure to get some delivery video or pics. You're gonna be proud.
I know I was with mine.

 

[hogpatrol]

There's a member here (CRT) that recently purchased a PM, not sure exactly the model but seems very pleased with it.
The thread, on another site, is:
http://smallcaliberclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=1584

 

[Dusty Stevens]

So is the 1340gt made in a different place than the 1236?

 

[ROCKJAG4]

So is the 1340gt made in a different place than the 1236?

YES, TIAWAN VS.CHINA

 

[ROCKJAG4]

It's a done deal, I just got off the phone with Matt and orderd the 1236 I also upgraded the 4 jaw Chuck to a much better Chuck he said its same as a Bison quality wise without the cost. Guess we will see.

WHEN U r ready to chamber barrels, I have your floating reamer holder ready for you.

 

[Keith Kilby]

I got a 1440BV back in the fall and love it. Matt will take care of you.

 

[bigngreen]

I have the PM 1340GT and it's an excellent lathe IMO, I was originally going with the 1236 but once I started discussing things with Matt he helped me get into the GT, three phase motor and VFD installed and set up as well as the DRO installed. I have had one warranty claim that was kind of odd but Matt walked me through trouble shooting and I had the part on my door step quickly. I have no doubt that the 1236 will make a real nice set up for a guy wanting to do his own work, good call on the chuck upgrade! Tooling is really not bad for gunsmithing, I think I run 5 tools, fewer quality tools are much better than a pile of tooling that is bottom shelf!!
My out board spider just extends through the cover so I can keep things clean looking and covered.

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

The PM 1340 GT is made in Taiwan and comes with a 5 year warranty. The PM1236 is Chinese and comes with a 2 year warranty.

So is the 1340gt made in a different place than the 1236?

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

I bought my floating reamer holder from you, it's a nice product and I highly recommend it to anyone looking.

WHEN U r ready to chamber barrels, I have your floating reamer holder ready for you.