Laguna 1524 Outboard Turning Question

[Matthew Roundtree]

Hello,

I am looking at upgrading to the Laguna 1524 but the outboard turning feature seems a little off. I’m looking to expand so I can turn mostly medium size platters and hollow forms but I’d like to occasionally be able to do a larger platter. The outboard feature makes the 1524 appealing because 18” is the largest I would go but you can’t have a tailstock on the end so roughing an 18” blank with no tailstock seems risky. From what I understand the riser block for the 1836 outboard setup does not fit the 1524. Is there something I’m missing or should I just stick to the 1836 even though I don’t really need that much size? Hoping to avoid a bad purchase. Thank you for any insights.

 

[Vincent Vogel]

If you're considering doing bigger platters and bowls I would recommend the 18/36. I have a 15/24 with the bed extension. I turned on a friend's 18/36 and it has more power and it's nice to have the extra swing. You can do bigger items on the smaller lathe, but the larger one is nicer for bigger items.

 

[Bill Blasic]

You should take a look at the Nova Neptune lathe and get the outboard turning unit, 15" over the bed and 20" outboard. This is a sweet lathe with power to spare. Will be using the outboard unit soon.

 

[Matthew Roundtree]

You should take a look at the Nova Neptune lathe and get the outboard turning unit, 15" over the bed and 20" outboard. This is a sweet lathe with power to spare. Will be using the outboard unit soon.

I saw that one as well but still didn’t look like you could use a tail stock. Maybe I’m worrying too much about that

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

If you have it in your budget, get the 18". By going to the 18", all your concerns are mitigated. As others can and will say, you can turn small on a big lathe, but not the other way around.

 

[Russell Nugent]

I saw that one as well but still didn’t look like you could use a tail stock. Maybe I’m worrying too much about that

I would say if you're worried about tailstock support for turning outboard, the real answer is to get the bigger lathe. Sometimes your comfort with a process is worth the extra cost.

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I saw that one as well but still didn’t look like you could use a tail stock. Maybe I’m worrying too much about that

I don't have any experience with outboard turning specifically, but a faceplate with 6 or 8 screws should hold anything (within reason).

I have the Rikon 70-1824. The optional 16" bed extension and outboard turning kit was $250. I'll use the outboard kit eventually.

 

[Matthew Roundtree]

Thank you all for the responses. I would like the 18 but it’s a big jump in cost for something I don’t feel like I need since realistically 18-20” is the most I have the nerve for. I’m getting the 1.5hp either way since I can’t do 220v but people seem to be turning large wood with the 1.5hp no problem. I might just have to try a few bowls without the tail stock on my current setup and see how it feels. Thank you again for the guidance.

 

[Earl McLain]

If you have it in your budget, get the 18". By going to the 18", all your concerns are mitigated. As others can and will say, you can turn small on a big lathe, but not the other way around.

Unless it's a Sweet 16. I've only used that gap a few times, but i sure did appreciate it when i did.

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

Matthew, I have the smaller Laguna, a 12/16, and I have NOT been happy with Laguna's design for outboard turning on it. I had trouble with the spindle bearings with the 12/16 that you can read about here and you can read about my issues with their customer support here.

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

Unless I'm missing something you can't use the tailstock on the 15/24 or any of the laguna lathe when turning outboard.

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

Matthew, I have the smaller Laguna, a 12/16, and I have NOT been happy with Laguna's design for outboard turning on it. I had trouble with the spindle bearings with the 12/16 that you can read about here and you can read about my issues with their customer support here.

I just looked at the 15/24 design and you shouldn't have trouble with the bearings like I did on the 12/16.

 

[Matthew Roundtree]

Yeah the riser block that you can use on the 1836 does not fit the 1524, I’ve found videos of people turning 20+” bowls on the 1524 and haven’t found any info that it’s failed on anyone or people are having stuff flying off it

 

[Charles Cadenhead]

Yeah the riser block that you can use on the 1836 does not fit the 1524, I’ve found videos of people turning 20+” bowls on the 1524 and haven’t found any info that it’s failed on anyone or people are having stuff flying off it

If you chuck it well and pick quality wood you shouldn't have that problem. With that said I can understand wanting the tailstock for more support. Go bigger you won't be disappointed with choosing a larger lathe.