Step up Lathe

[Kennith Gosnell]

After getting started on the cheapest Vevor lathe i could find, i am ready to step up a notch. Noticed the other day that my headstock and tailstock no longer line up. Thought about stepping up to a mid point lathe for a while then moving up to my "Forever Lathe". I have been looking at mid size variable lathes, such as Bauer and Wen for my next step up. I really like the looks and functions of the Harvey TURBO T-60S for my ultimate lathe (Linked below). Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these or opinions on if it is better to step up or just go ahead and get the forever lathe.

TURBO T-60S 24"X48" Wood Lathe With Servo Motor

In Stock Based on Harvey's demanding product requirements, this Turbo Series lathe has a powerful motor, heavy-duty premium castings, and a well-designed operating system. All of which adds up to a machine that can satisfy the creative imaginations of woodturners. Built for woodworkers who love...

www.harveywoodworking.com

 

[Doug Freeman]

Some think you need to buy your last lathe first - I don’t know how that is accomplished. There are so many different ways to process various types of work, it takes a while to figure out what you prefer. This early in the game you may not have developed those preferences, and whether you do more spindle or x-grain work.

IMO I lucked out. My 1st lathe was the old HF large lathe with pivoting HS and reeves drive. I learned a lot about what I wanted (pivot HS) and did not want or needed major improvement (long list). I won’t own a lathe without a pivot HS, but that’s me and how I prefer to do things. I turn a lot of hollow forms and bowls. If I turned more spindle stuff a pivot HS would not be that important.

As for size, lathes larger than 16” swing have limited use. Some just like to make big things, but overall there just isn’t much market (gifting or selling) for items over ~14” finished OD, unless you want to do architectural stuff. I have a 16” that can go to 29” outboard if I want (Nova Galaxi). I made a few large items, but stick with less than ~14” for 99% of what I make. Go around your house and measure things, 14” is a good size platter or bowl.

If there is a turning club within a couple hours drive, join. Turners love to show off their equipment and goods. You can get a lot of input about different lathe types, sizes, brands, processes, etc.

Look around the used market in your area. It wont be difficult to get a better lathe than your 1st one!

 

[Rick Moreton]

I have been using the Bauer lathe at home for the last 1.5 years and only have some small complaints. Before that I had the smaller HF lathe for 5 years or so. I also have access to Oneways at the local community college.
It is easier to stall the motor on the Bauer but that usually happens when I need to sharpen/get too aggressive. There is a little slop in the tailstock but not usually enough to matter for what I do, it's better than my older HF lathe. There's some wiggle room when using the indexer too, I haven't tried troubleshooting that since I mostly use it for getting the chuck off.
I love the speed control, so much better than changing belts. Reverse is nice to have too. I waited until I got a coupon so it was also 100 off or so. Overall I would recommend it, just keep in mind it's limitations.

 

[R Henrickson]

I would second that choosing a forever lathe at your stage might be crap shoot. Your turning interests may well evolve or move in a radically different direction over time. Mine certainly have. I used to turn lots of bowls and hollow forms, but few in recent years. Much of what I do now is multiaxis and spindle work, some quite large. I have never come near challenging the limits of my current lathe, but there is the truism that "you can make small things on a big lathe but..." It is worth keeping in mind that in particular the supposed maximum lengths for a turning on a lathe are overstated. I was hard-put to turn a 30" bat on a 3520 -- in fact I may have had to turn it on a Jet 1642 instead. It would be impossible to turn the back posts for the Windsor armchairs I've made (at least without a bed extension). A crucial consideration if you do spindlework -- irrelevant if you stick to bowls and such.

How much you are willing to spend is a crucial consideration. I would suggest that you look at the more standard brands -- the usual names. If nothing else they tend to have greater resale value, especially if you are thinking of a 'next' rather than 'forever'. Harvey seems to be be well-liked by people who have them. I've never used one.

That said, definitely contact nearby clubs if there are any. You may be able to get a good used lathe that way, or at least try out some lathes. You might even be able to get your 'forever' and save.