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Need recommendations

R

Richard H Buckley

Joined
Dec 11, 2016
Messages
7
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1
Location
Billings, MT
Just sold my full size lathe in preparation for relocation. I turn bowls, primarily, and nothing more than 16". I have limited space and a budget of 850$. What would you recommend in the way of a variable speed lathe, headstock doesn't need to swivel?
 
16" and variable speed will be pushing the limit of your $850.00 budget.
For that kind of money you would be looking at a reeves system for "variable" speed.
If you want a VFD variable speed lathe along with the turning capacity a new unit will
most likely surpass your budget.
 
Mike Johnson said:
16" and variable speed will be pushing the limit of your $850.00 budget.
For that kind of money you would be looking at a reeves system for "variable" speed.
If you want a VFD variable speed lathe along with the turning capacity a new unit will
most likely surpass your budget.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. Let's just say I want what you're talking about, and I have the money, what are my choices?
 
You could look around and maybe find a used lathe with a VFD for that kind of money.
If you are looking at a new lathe in that price range you would be looking at an import
machine like Grizzly Tools or Shop Fox.
 
Thanks, Mike. Would you recommend either/both of these lathes as very good to excellent?
I'm not against spending the money for a good lathe, but don't want to just spend money for the sake of having a lathe. I'm not a professional turner; I enjoy turning and want to turn out a quality product but I don't think I need a Robust to do that. I sold my Nova 3000 yesterday because of an impending move. Will want to get another lathe once I get to Tulsa.
 
Look at the Vega bowl lathe. May be more than your budget however I haven't looked at the price in years. The Nova 2442 (if that's the correct number) will do the job and is an excellent lathe. It doesn't have variable speed however.
 
12-13" puts you into the range of the Jet 1221VS and its competitors, and meets your budget.

16" puts you into about 2x your budget. Some candidates: Jet 1642, Nova 1624 or Nova Galaxi, Woodtek 12" (has 16" outboard), Robust Scout (14", a bit shy of your 16" spec, but will definitely challenge your budget), Colt 14" midi (14", not 16, but is very close to your budget). I would feel comfortable with any of these lathes (I have seen instances of all of these).

On paper, the Grizzly specs look good, and are less expensive for a 16" than, say the Jet 1642 or Nova 1624. They exceed your budget (say 1.5x) I have not personally seen the Grizzly, so I could not speak to the fit and finish of the machine.
 
Hy Tran said:
On paper, the Grizzly specs look good, and are less expensive for a 16" than, say the Jet 1642 or Nova 1624. They exceed your budget (say 1.5x) I have not personally seen the Grizzly, so I could not speak to the fit and finish of the machine.
Click to expand...

The Grizzly lathes overstate the horsepower of the motors on their lathes sometimes by a factor of two. Jet seems to be honest about their horsepower statements.
 
Took a quick look at Craigslist for Tulsa. (I'm not advocating or recommending anything here, just providing some fodder for thought.)
There's a listing for a Jet 1442, which gets you variable speed via a Reeves drive, for $950.
Also a Vega lathe for $1000 OBO, but Vega's are special in some way, if I recall correctly.
And a Jet 1642, which would be an ideal lathe for you, for $1500, but it's near Kansas City and more than you planned to spend.
There's a Delta/Rockwell, which would be 12" and probably not variable speed but were the favorite lathe of Montana's most capable turner, in Wichita for $550.

I spent about 18 months keeping my eyes peeled and inquiring of regional clubs before I found just the right lathe at the right price (in Billings, ironically). If you gotta have what you want and have a firm limit on price, it will take time, but eventually you'll probably find the right one. If you liked the Nova 3000, a used DVR model would work well for you, though it might not make your price point.
 
For a 16" bowl you will need a lathe with a 18" swing. 16" is as big as I want to turn at this point. I bought the Laguna Revo 18-36 and I am very satisfied with it. Well over your budget for sure. I consider this a very good to excellent lathe. If I decide I want to turn larger I can add the bed extension that will allow a 32" swing. I have turned on a Powermatic 4224 and a Robust AB. Both are very nice lathes, but the Laguna is just as good IMO. One thing to keep in mine is ergonomics. I had a PM 90 that was initially a 12" swing and floor to spindle center was 42". When I raised it to a 18" swing that increased the floor to spindle height to 45". I am 5'9" and could tell the difference. It was not as comfortable to turn at 45" height. This was a key factor for me buying a new lathe. The Laguna is 41-1/2" floor to spindle center.
 
The Powermatic 3520B lathe is on sale for a great price right now. $3200 (usually $4000)......this is probably because a newer lathe will be in production shortly. This is probably more than you want to pay, Richard, but others reading this thread might be interested.

https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/216/2894/Powermatic-3520B-Lathe

-----odie-----
 
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