Cowells Small Machine Tools Ltd

The Cowells lathes are fantastic little machines. Many a beautiful model or clock has been made on these, and the 90ME (Model Engineering) edition is perfectly capable of being used for clock making rather than being restricted to its namesake, model engineering. They are sufficiently light to be moved around as required, yet enough weight with the cast base to give a sense of stability. Colin has been very helpful in understanding the range and has not disappointed.
Mar 31st, 2020

I purchased a Cowells 90ME with a number of attachments in early 2018. I had a number of email communications with Colin who clarified everything for me as to options etc. We had several phone conversations before I finalized my order. Since this was being shipped to the US I made sure I purchased all the optional equipment so as to save on future shipping costs. It was a pleasure to deal with him. The order was delivered within his estimate and was very well packaged. All custom papers were handled well. I have used it for several model projects and it has exceeded my expectations. I waited many years to purchase this and should have done so much earlier, fine product and support. Bob
Jan 11th, 2020

From R.E of Shoreham -by-sea 03/08/2019 I have owned my Cowells 90ME lathe for nearly a year now and have not been disappointed. My hobby is Model Engineering but I am currently constructing two Congreve type clocks.I have owned a Myford 254S lathe fitted with DRO,s etc. for many years and also a Shereline of similar size and capability to the Cowells.I remove the headstock from the lathe bed and use this on the tool post of the Myford and this has proved very useful. I have for many years promised myself a Cowells lathe when funds permitted simply because of their quality and presence and more practical for small work than the larger machine. If you need a small lathe for business I would invest in the Cowells because of its capabilitys and available accessorys and if treated with respect and used within the constraints of a small machine it will last a lifetime and always have a resale value. If like myself you are an amateur that appreciates quality and old fashioned British engineering ,buy one they are a joy to own as it is a true miniature of its larger cousins. If you are on a budget (Cowells arent cheap) you will have to make do with one of many capable but inferior build quality imported machines and just dream ! You get what you pay for the Cowells does what it says on the tin but comes with a high initial price tag that is worth it in the long run for quality and longevity. I always think that any model or project is only as good as the weakest link and I always want that to be me the operator rather than crude tooling ! I have no connection with Cowells and would simply not have written this if I didnt believe in the product.I am an appreciative owner that is pleased Cowells are still available for the serious modeller and professional.
Nov 27th, 2019

I HAVE TRIED JUST ABOUT EVERY SMALL LATHE FROM MANY COUNRIES BOTH OLD AND NEW AND HAVE FOUNT THE COWELLS ME90 THAT I KNOW OWN TO BE THE MOST ACCURATE, WITH VERY SMOOTH OPERATION AND A GREAT PLEASURE TO USE. THE LATHES AND EXCELLENT RANGE OFACCESSORIES ARE EXPENSIVE PARTICULARLY COMPARED TO FAR EASTERN MACHINES (Unimat SL accessories are now almost as expensive) BUT YOU REALLY DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. TREATED WITH RESPECT AND THEY ARE VERY STURDY THOUGH I WOULD NOT ADVISE RESORTING TO HITTING THEM WITH A HAMMER IF SOMETHING GETS JAMMED UP - something I sometimes had to resort to with other brands. EVEN THE SMALLEST PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AS SPARES AND THE SERVICE FROM COWELLS IS EXCELLENT AND FAST. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - if you think you cannot afford one buy second hand as they really do last or save up for a bit longer. GRAHAM ALDEN, PERRANPORTH, CORNWALL.
Oct 31st, 2019

I bought a new Cowells 90ME after doing quite a bit of research into second hand ones. I decided to travel to Brightlingsea and view the place where these machines are made and speak to the bloke who makes them. I met Colin Childs and was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the machines being made. I already knew of the reputation of the Cowells but was also very impressed with Colin's skill, dedication and determination to produce a very accurate piece of kit, so much so that I ordered my own machine before leaving, along with a few little extras. I ordered in 2017 and it arrived roughly three months later. Communication was great and I almost knew to the minute when the carrier would knock at the door with my new acquisition. I have never regretted buying a Cowells. I could not have bought a more solid piece of equipment - it is in fact a miniature large lathe that punches well above its weight. Look at the photographs on the Cowells website to see what you get. Very good value for money - I wish I had bought one of these well before I did. Mick S.
Oct 5th, 2019