Why isn’t my machine listed in your replacement parts or compatibility charts?

Littlemachineshop.com prides itself on our knowledge and customer service. For over 20 years we’ve been a resource for bench top machinists and a source for replacement parts and know-how to fix their machines.

Despite common misconceptions, not all Chinese lathes are made in the same factory and the differences in design and construction make a big deal when replacing a part. We don’t make a distinction between make or model, but manufacturers need to support the ability to provide replacement parts. In some cases, we just can’t support and "guarantee" replacement parts with reasonable certainty.

• Lack of machine diagrams and replacement parts lists – Some machine brands simply don’t support replacement parts. They don’t offer the parts. They don’t provide parts diagrams or specifications. They don’t guarantee the parts. Large companies with diverse products (restaurant equipment, patio furniture, industrial supplies, etc.) simply don’t have the knowledge or interest. Their focus is a sale and a 30-day return window, then it’s the customer’s problem. Many online brands are shipped directly from overseas and don’t have much interest in long-term customer relationships.
• A large and complicated list of machines and models - The large number of machine brands and models, particularly through the online marketplaces, make it difficult to support replacement parts. These sellers also regularly re-release machines with a different name/model to re-set their online "ratings" score. These factors create a complicated landscape of machines with many similarities, but also many small differences and little documentation to ensure replacement part compatibility.
• Generally poor original machine quality – Certain makes and models of machines have a reputation for generally poor quality and modifications which makes replacement part efforts tricky. A simple repair becomes difficult when the machine has poor castings, inconsistent mounting holes, poor threads, modified mounting brackets, poor working surface grind, bad machine alignment, low quality electronics, etc.

We’re here to help if we can. Although we don’t include every machine in our replacement parts and compatibility lists, we have helped many customers in the past find solutions. Some general guidelines to consider.

• Industry standards still apply - If the part you are looking to replace, or the accessory you are looking to add, conforms to the same industry specifications as your machine, it should work. Standard tooling (arbors, centers, chucks, etc.) that conforms to industry standard of measurement (spindle bore, taper, spindle flange, etc.) should fit fine. The same applies to industry standard belts, bearings, screws and fasteners, electronics, etc.
• Machine specific replacement parts are difficult - Control boards, castings, plastic covers, etc. are generally specific to a machine and are not parts we can guarantee will fit if used on different machines. Electronic components require exact replacements and without wiring diagrams and component specifications, can result in additional issues. Castings often have variations in the prismatic ways, mounting surfaces, tapped holes, or simple geometry and alignment. Best to find these parts off a scrapped our parted-out similar machines online.
• Some parts can work with a little effort and machining. A quick-change tool post can be added or quickly modified to fit properly. Tailstocks and steady rests often require some machining re-work and re-alignment to fit on different prismatic ways. Change gears are good candidates if attention is paid to number of teeth, gear diameter, thickness, bore diameter, and keyway. Parts like these are NOT a guaranteed fit, but they will often work with a little research and effort.

Feel free to reach out to us: Info@littlemachineshop.com and we’ll try to help.