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Looking at a Stubby 750…. Questions

Tim Tucker

Tim Tucker

Joined
Nov 4, 2018
Messages
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Location
Penrose, NC
So, … the first time and only time I was within touching distance of a Stubby was when I was so new to turning - that me trying to grasp how it worked and what made it different was like trying to teach algebra to a monkey…
Since, and mostly by the influence of Emiliano…. I now want one.
Can anyone contribute to my knowledge base as to the good, the bad and the ugly as I work thru this “itch I need to scratch”?
What to look for in terms of excessive wear? I think because of all the articulation this lathe offers….It adds a needed level of investigative knowledge.
Thanks in advance for any responses
T
 
Unless the lathe has been used in extremely high production, the sliding parts just don't get much wear. The only issue I know of is the spindle doesn't lend itself to a standard vacuum chuck setup. You have to buy a vacuum adapter that has a tube all the way through the shaft. If you're looking at one, BUY IT NOW! I won't be available for long.
 
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I have a stubby 750 and the vacuum is built into the spindle, so I'm not sure how true Richard's statement about the vacuum is. There is a port on the back of the headstock you have to screw a standard pipe fitting into and you can plug the hole in the hand wheel with a stopper. I have really enjoyed turning on my Stubby, The only draw back is sometimes when working on small spindle pieces, it is difficult to adjust the tool rest when it is it close to the turning axis. The reason for this is the balance of the tool rest extends over the backside of the ways. But I wouldn't trade it for any other lathe--I turn mostly bowls, the overall footprint is relatively small, and the thing is so heavy I've never had a problem with vibrations. I agree with Richard about buying it now. I don't think you'd regret it.
 
Thanks Brian. I think the vacuum thru the spindle is dependant on the age of the machine. I have read that both ways were standard on the S750…. And it appears to corelate to when the machine was made. So it is safe to assume that when vacuum systems became more common, then thru-spindle vacuum became more common from the manufacturer. And… probably something that could be added if needed…?
Thanks for the input. As a Stubby owner you have insight that I need.
Thanks again-
T
 
Bob Brown said:
Bearing aren't that hard to replace. The set screws in the pulleys are double stacked.
Click to expand...
Is this something that may have changed with revisions in the model? I ask because I know someone that owned a Stubby and he loved it, but had a helluva time changing the bearings.
And because he is an incredibly talented person with all things mechanical…..I have ask about the bearings. Thanks
 
I got mine around 2000 from Jordan. I got bearings from Bill R. around 2015. I had problems and Bill informed me about screws and I had no problems. I still have it but I also have a robust ab. I bought it when Bill died. He was a super guy. I really like the Stubby.
 
If you were ordering it new, I would say go for the 1000. For just a little extra money, you get a lot more. But the 750 is a solid machine. I have turned in just about every lathe available in the USA. When I had to buy a second lathe, I bought a Stubby. Money wasn't an object. The integrated vacuum port leaks a little on my 750 but works well on the 1000. Stubby's hold their value incredibly well. One reason is that they hardly ever come up for sale. We have 2 new ones arriving from Australia this Friday. one 750 and one 1000.
 
This is it.

Stubby Lathe Review Including Prices, Woodworking, 750 and 1000 Models -

The Basics A lathe is a piece of machinery onto which a work-piece is mounted and rotates allowing the user to mold the work-piece according to his desires using additional tools. It is used in woodworking to mold and shape furniture and wooden items such as bowls and even baseball bats. The...
toptooltips.com toptooltips.com
 
I read the article that Rusty linked, and it struck me that it read like it might be pre-pandemic. It’s been a while since I’ve read anything about new machine imports that didn’t reference delays or accessibility. Nothing wrong otherwise, but that may impact the pricing mentions.
 
Thanks Earl - it occurred to me as well. I have an agreement in Prince with the seller. And I hope that the deal goes thru. Will have to be patient and see.He is selling his home and there is a chance that his son and an investor will buy it- in that case the lathe will stay there for perhaps a year....Should know soon.
T
 
I have a 750, one of the first that Jordan imported (before his name was cast into them). I bought it from the original owner a few years ago, who couldn't turn any more (wood allergies). It's a great lathe. The built in vacuum port doesn't seem to work - I've got a frugal vacuum chuck setup so it's a non issue, though. What else? A couple of the switches have needed to be replaced. The VFD is pretty inconveniently placed (especially since I have a non standard stand, which makes it especially difficult to get to). Rod Caddaye is very accessible and knowledgeable (AMP Engineering owner, now manufacturer of Stubby, son of the original manufacturer). He reminds me a little of Brent English in that you can just contact the man if you need to. It's not quite a dedicated bowl lathe, like a Vega - you can stand off the end, but it's a bit of a reach. The supplemental beds and tool rest are really versatile. I haven't needed them often, but I've been really glad to have them. The small footprint is really important for me in my space, but I can turn decent sized spindles if I need to when I extend the bed. And no way have I maxed out the swing, but it's been incredibly useful to be able to enlarge it at times. Original bearings seem to be doing fine, and I've given it a workout at times.
I got mine for a ridiculously good price - I asked the owner why he was selling it for so little, and he said that he had tried to sell it before for $2500 with no takers (and this was 5 years ago). Call it a fluke of timing - I lucked into it for less than $2k. That is NOT a representative price. Depending on condition, I would think you'd be looking at $3000 or more.
PS the Stubby Owners group on facebook just got contacted by someone looking to sell a Stubby. It's a good potential source for info and referrals.
 
Steven - thanks a bunch for taking the time to relate your experience with your Stubby. Used prices are up - I suppose because new prices are......

Emiliano- thank you as well - I just found and joined the stubby owners group. And I am curious about new prices....I sent you a PM.....
Thanks
T
 
:rolleyes::D:p:oops:
HOW in the HECK did I type "MONKEY"?
No Way Bird GIF
Oh well......I hope I can avoid the Monkey Pox......But I go pick up the Stubby tomorrow!
 
Tim Tucker said:
Not a pot stir felt here... I hope someone buys it that will post on this forum. FL would be 1 day each way....I got this one for "at least as good" a price:)....and it was less than 15 minutes form my shop. How often does THAT happen in life?
Click to expand...
Congrats!! Looks good in the shop!!
And, I got my Sweet 16 well under 15 minutes away…and they brought it to me with a skid loader to unload it.
earl
 
Emiliano - the mat came from U-LINE. They are an on-line vender of all kinds of safety supplies as a well as plastic wares - buckets, etc...Kind of a supplier manufacturers and business, but they will sell to anyone. I cut the matting on 45 s on.the corners to match it up. The yello edge is molded into the mat. I also used the toughest black duct tape I could find to hold in down. It is tapered down on the edges, but did not want a trip hazard. Then you dee the black duct tape.
 
Rusty Nesmith said:
I just read an article that said a used S750 should go between $4,000 and $5,500 depending on age and condition.
Click to expand...
If you can find one, down here they are a rather rare commodity, rarely advertised but sell quickly through the buddy system
 
I ran across a 750 in Huntsville, Alabama today. Probably an early one but it looked almost new. The current owner inherited it from his father in about 2014 and has never used it. He wants to sell, message me for his contact information if interested. I’d have bought it if I didn’t already have one on order.
 
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