A lathe with indexing that won't break the bank?

[coreymsnow]

Hi folks,

I'm doing some homework on getting a watchmaker's lathe, and it's clear I have a lot to learn. But I know one goal: I want to be able to fabricate wheels, which would require an indexing capability.

I know how to use large lathes- like, giant metal lathes- but my experience is a few decades old now (but you never forget the smell of the metal cutting oil).

So I'm looking to learn anew, and have a goal to get to a point where I can fabricate some basic watch parts. I also have no specific timeframe and want to do this right, so I'll be patient and learn what I need to before spending the money.

I know I'm not going to get anything for a pittance, but I'm also not really able to put together the scratch for a $5-$10k lathe. What's out there for a hobbyist that can either handle some fabrication out of the box or can be relatively easily made to do so?

Thanks!

 

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