What does a hydraulic follower accessory do & what are they worth

[TorontoBuilder]

Hey I see a lathe for sale, about 3500 more than a similar lathe, but the lathe in question comes with a hydraulic follower.

I have no idea how they work, and am only guessing what they do. Can someone explain and give me a typical value? It's comes with a colchester Master 2500 13x40 lathe.

 

[Hacker]

I have a tracer on my lathe and use it occasionally. Where I find it handy is making multiple parts. For one offs too much time spent on setup or making the pattern. As far as the price I can't help you there as there are different levels of tracers. Mine was installed from the factory and works well. If this is an add on, they can have the power unit taking up some premium space in your shop. Personally I think that a 3500 premium is too much.

 

[TorontoBuilder]

I have a tracer on my lathe and use it occasionally. Where I find it handy is making multiple parts. For one offs too much time spent on setup or making the pattern. As far as the price I can't help you there as there are different levels of tracers. Mine was installed from the factory and works well. If this is an add on, they can have the power unit taking up some premium space in your shop. Personally I think that a 3500 premium is too much.

Thanks for the feedback. That was my impression as well. It does have a separate power unit too

 

[cuslog]

Kind of like a taper attachment but will follow irregular lines (candle stick maybe ?) Hydraulic stylus Follows a pattern, reproduces it on workpiece. One was advertised on Calgary Kijiji a couple years ago, 3 phase motor, pump, tank, stylus, hoses, all in, asking $400. I almost bit but didn't, kind of regret it now.

 

[thestelster]

I believe the most popular was the MIMIK from the US. I had one, or at least most of one, but never got around to using it. And its disappeared over the years and several moves.

 

[ducdon]

Keith Fenner Turn Wright Machine Works on You Tube has one and has posted videos using it if you want to see one in action. It would be great for profiling rifle barrels.

 

[ducdon]

For pricing purposes I think it should be in a class with a Turret Lathe. A small production machine that's not currently used much in industry so not much in demand.