Frequently asked questions
Metalworking lathes, milling machines, drills, metal forming machines and small tools for the model engineer, for education and for industry - a comprehensive range all available at competitive prices from Warco.
1. What do prices include?
Prices include VAT. Delivery to UK mainland addresses is included for all orders over £20, a £3.50 surcharge will be added to all orders under £20.
2. When is payment taken?
Our policy is to process payment just before delivery. Cheques and credit or debit card details are held on file awaiting clearance from the warehouse for despatch, at that point payment is processed for delivery to take place. At exhibitions we usually have a swipe machine. Payment is taken only for machines which are in stock, otherwise we take a small deposit or a card number for reference. Full payment is not due until the stock is available.
3. Will the lathe or milling machine which is delivered be of the same high standard displayed at an exhibition?
Exhibition machines never receive any special preparation, they are standard stock taken from our showroom. Delivered machine tools are of exactly the same quality and finish.
4. How do I fit the vertical slide to a Mini Lathe
Wind back the top slide of the Mini Lathe to reveal two allen screws.
Undo the allen screws to remove the compound slide. The vertical slide is secured to the top slide by the same two allen screws.
5. My recently delivered milling machine will operate only when the start button is pressed. When the start button is released the milling machine will stop.
There is an open circuit on the milling machine not allowing the contactors to 'make', this is a result of an open switch to the chuck guard or belt cover.
6. How do I choose between a belt drive or gear head lathe or mill?
This really is a matter of personal choice. Changing speeds on a fully enclosed gear headstock is easy, just move the appropriate levers. Changing belts is a little more tedious. Some customers prefer the idea of a belt drive on the basis that the belts will slip should the machine become overloaded for any reason. Gear head stock machines are more expensive.
7. How can I decide between a metric or imperial metalworking lathe or milling machine?
Most customers have a preference, they are familiar with one system, in which case stay with whichever is comfortable to use.
8. Do I get a discount for ordering machines on-line?
Only tooling is subject to a 5% discount, if ordering on-line.
9. The backplate will not fit lathe collet chuck.
Backplates are supplied machined to fit to the appropriate lathe spindle. We offer various types of lathe collet chucks or alternative lathe chucks. To ensure absolute accuracy it is necessary to machine a suitable spigot on the backplate to match the register in the back of the chuck. Due to the various chuck p.c.d.'s it is also necessary to drill and possibly tap the backplate to accept whichever chuck is being mounted.
10. What are the main differences between the WMT300/1 and WMT300/2?
The difference between the two machines is mainly related to the saddle. The 300/2 has a much longer milling table, nearly twice the length of the 300/1 therefore if milling is to feature the 300/2 should be considered. The 300/2 has a conventional rack and pinion feed which is faster to hand traverse than the leadscrew feed featured on the 300/1. A leadscreww hand feed is also fitted to the 300/2 for fine milling feeds, engaged through the half nuts. the 300/2 leadscrew can be reversed for left hand threading, this facility is not available on the 300/1. Both machines feature longitudinal power feed to the saddle. In all other respects, bed, headstock and milling head remain the same.
11. Why are 2 prices currently shown for machines on the web site?
We are now putting the finishing touches to the new brochures. When this is complete, the old data sheets will be taken down from the web and the new pages published. In the meantime, it is helpful for customers to have more data available for the machines. The correct up to date price is the price shown in the "Buy On Line" area. If in any doubt, please phone 01428 682929 Extension 206.
12. What are the main differences between the Major GH milling machine and the GH Universal Milling machine?
Both machines share the same base. The GH Universal mill has a dovetail column which ensures datum during elevation and descent. The GH Universal has power feed to the quill.
If you have any further questions, please contact us