Vicmarc VL300CS...where to get one?

[Jay Coulson]

Hi all. Well, I know that I will probably being opening a can of worms but, I have pretty well decided on a Vicmarc 300 series variable speed as my new lathe. Now the problem is, where do I buy this beast and, how do I get prices and so forth for accessories? I have contacted Craft supplies, Packard , Vicmarc and Trent Bosch. So far, nobody has come back to me. I considered the Robust, the One way 2436 and the Stubbys. Even talked to Serious tool in the PNW. So far, some people have tried to talk me out of the vicmarc, in favor of the One Way. I want a cast iron machine with all the bells and whistles which, I will either buy now or, add on at a later time.
Either way, I need to get all of the info. on pricing, shipping, options, availability etc.
I don't want to start a lathe preference thread. Just want to get a new
vicmarc as soon as possible. I figure that the money I will save on the lathe itself as opposed to some of the alternatives will go a long way to loading me up with additional chucks etc.
Besides, there must be a pretty good reason why Richard Raffan and, Mike Mahoney use the Vicmarc as their lathe of choice.
Tks,
J

 

[bob elliott]

Jay,

Check out Woodworkers Emporium in Las Vegas, NV. They have a "billboard" on the internet: http://www.woodworkersemporium.com/closed.htm. That site is not interactive and has remained that way for 2+ years that I know of, but at least you can get their contact info.
They frequently have the head of Vicmarc in their booth to answer questions and educate the public at the AAW Symposium.

 

[Gordon Seto]

I am sure that is a fine machine. May be just me. If I am having trouble getting a quote on price, I may have to take a deeper look into parts and service. It may be so well built that you will never need that, but just in case. Air freight from Australia won't be inexpensive.

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

There are two versions of Vicmarc 300's sold in the US.

The "CS" version is from Craft Supply. Craft Supply buys the basic machine (bed, headstock, banjo and tailstock) and adds their own base, motor and controls. Roger Durst is the fellow to speak with at Craft Supply.

The "authentic" Vicmarc, as completely assembled in Australia by Vicmarc, can be purchased from Woodworkers Emporium in Las Vegas. Christian is the guy to talk to and there is a link in one of the previous posts that will get you their contact info. He normally has machines in stock.

The main difference between the machines is that the "authentic" version has an emergency stop bar that runs the length of the machine. Some people really like that feature.

Either machine will give you years of great service, and both suppliers will treat you fair.

Good Luck.

Brent at Robust Tools

 

[Dave Ogren]

Vicmarc

Jay,

I was told that John Jordan the well known turner from just south of Nashville, Tenn. was going to be an importer of the Vicmarc lathes.

Good luck and happy turning.

Dave

 

[Odie]

Besides, there must be a pretty good reason why Richard Raffan and, Mike Mahoney use the Vicmarc as their lathe of choice.

The Vicmarc 300 is what I'd get, if I were in the market for a new lathe. My Australian made Woodfast is made very similar, but not quite the capacity as the Vic.

I'm going to make a guess as to why so many very good turners choose the Vic......both well known, and not so well known.

It's because the Vicmarc is a "no frills" lathe, all cast iron, basic and solidly built......just like my Woodfast. It can't be stressed how important "all cast iron" is to a big piece of machinery like that......no flexing with temp changes, like steel does. On the Vicmarc, there are no special gizmos, like sliding heads, steel tube bedways, sliding bedways.....just a basic lathe, built like it should be built.

Some of you with the Stubbys, Robusts, Oneway, Powermatic, etc., probably think I'm full of it......but, that's my opinion why some of the well known turners you all know well.....use the Vic.

The Vicmarc and older Australian Woodfast are made in the "old school" way of thinking about what a lathe should be.......and, I'd darn sure buy an Australian Woodfast again! They are no longer being produced for the American market in Australia, so.......I'd go for the Vicmarc if I were looking around!

ooc

 

[Tom Lewis]

I got mine from Craft Supply and love it. I wouldn't trade it for any other machine. Craft Supply was easy to deal with. I would recomend you call them and ask to speak with Roger Durst I think he could help you out.

 

[Dave Schell]

I bought my Vicmarc VL300 from Roger at Craft Supplies as well. It was an easy and quick transaction and shipped to me in short order. If you want a really fun project and save some cash at the same time, just buy the barebones lathe from them and make your own cabinet, adding the motor and VFD of your choice. The Vicmarc line is the only lathes I know of where this is even an option and the savings could be $1k or more.

 

[Jay Coulson]

Vicmarc 300

Hi Gordon,
I've got all of the info. that I need on the VL 300. Christian at the woodworkers emporium is fixing me up with an Australian version. The CS is marketed by the good guys at Craft Supplies ergo the CS at the end of the name of the machine. The Australian version I am getting has the front knee brake, a fuji invector and, an ABB motor. It develops a full 200% torque at lo speeds. I want a cast iron machine...just my preference. I'm pretty sure that it's the last lathe that I will ever buy. If it's good enough for Richard Raffan and Mike Mahoney, it will most certainly be adequate for me. I wouldn't have anything but a vicmarc chuck and, I am sure that the machine will be first class thru and thru.
take care,
J

I am sure that is a fine machine. May be just me. If I am having trouble getting a quote on price, I may have to take a deeper look into parts and service. It may be so well built that you will never need that, but just in case. Air freight from Australia won't be inexpensive.

 

[bob elliott]

Jay,
Now all you need is a Vicmarc 140 chuck!
Christian is a great guy!

If it's good enough for Richard Raffan and Mike Mahoney, it will most certainly be adequate for me. I wouldn't have anything but a vicmarc chuck and, I am sure that the machine will be first class thru and thru.
take care,
J

 

[Jay Coulson]

vl 300

Right with you Odie. I'll be placing my order by the end of the week for a 300. Think I'm going for the short-bed with the tail stock swinger. I almost fell into the steel-trap you mentioned. Was going to buy the big "tube" with all the bells and whistles. A bunch of stuff that I really just don't need...do most people need all of that? Really, I had to sit down and ask myself just how many 48"(or larger) diameter wall hangings am I going to turn? Do I really want a #3 MT in the tailstock when, all of my centers are #2? Nope, and I can buy a bunch of chucks with the bucks that I am going to save buying the vic...there are Vicmarc chucks and then, there are the rest of them.
Yeah Odie, I'm right with you...a solid cast iron machine to let you "let the wood come to the tool".
All the best,
J

The Vicmarc 300 is what I'd get, if I were in the market for a new lathe. My Australian made Woodfast is made very similar, but not quite the capacity as the Vic.

I'm going to make a guess as to why so many very good turners choose the Vic......both well known, and not so well known.

It's because the Vicmarc is a "no frills" lathe, all cast iron, basic and solidly built......just like my Woodfast. It can't be stressed how important "all cast iron" is to a big piece of machinery like that......no flexing with temp changes, like steel does. On the Vicmarc, there are no special gizmos, like sliding heads, steel tube bedways, sliding bedways.....just a basic lathe, built like it should be built.

Some of you with the Stubbys, Robusts, Oneway, Powermatic, etc., probably think I'm full of it......but, that's my opinion why some of the well known turners you all know well.....use the Vic.

The Vicmarc and older Australian Woodfast are made in the "old school" way of thinking about what a lathe should be.......and, I'd darn sure buy an Australian Woodfast again! They are no longer being produced for the American market in Australia, so.......I'd go for the Vicmarc if I were looking around!

ooc

 

[Dave Peebles]

Dang guys, I guess I'd better put my Oneway up for sale. I never realized all the problems with it until this thread.

Best wishes,

Dave

 

[Jay Coulson]

yor gallery...nice Odie

Hi Odie,
Was just checking out your scrap-book of mostly bowls...very nice work. Could be the pics. but, some of the naturally lighter colored woods (ambrosia, ash etc) look a bit darker than I would have expected. Do you stain some of them with a brownish/reddish stain to highlight the grain? Just curious. Didn't have the password to open some of the other pics but, just thought I'd drop u a note to compliment you on your work. Nice attention to form and, clearly good tool technique.
e-mail me if u like at home
Probably will be ordering the Vic 300 (Aussie model) today or, by the end of the week. I'm with you on some of your opinions...spinning an out of balance log on a yellow monster at the speed of light and attacking it with a carbide tipped wood-eating "tool" isn't really my idea of woodturning either. I don't exactly know what to call that behaviour.
All the best,
J

The Vicmarc 300 is what I'd get, if I were in the market for a new lathe. My Australian made Woodfast is made very similar, but not quite the capacity as the Vic.

I'm going to make a guess as to why so many very good turners choose the Vic......both well known, and not so well known.

It's because the Vicmarc is a "no frills" lathe, all cast iron, basic and solidly built......just like my Woodfast. It can't be stressed how important "all cast iron" is to a big piece of machinery like that......no flexing with temp changes, like steel does. On the Vicmarc, there are no special gizmos, like sliding heads, steel tube bedways, sliding bedways.....just a basic lathe, built like it should be built.

Some of you with the Stubbys, Robusts, Oneway, Powermatic, etc., probably think I'm full of it......but, that's my opinion why some of the well known turners you all know well.....use the Vic.

The Vicmarc and older Australian Woodfast are made in the "old school" way of thinking about what a lathe should be.......and, I'd darn sure buy an Australian Woodfast again! They are no longer being produced for the American market in Australia, so.......I'd go for the Vicmarc if I were looking around!

ooc

 

[Odie]

Dang guys, I guess I'd better put my Oneway up for sale. I never realized all the problems with it until this thread.

Best wishes,

Dave

Not to worry, Dave......

Your Oneway lathe is a good one.....you know it, and I know it.

All I was giving was my opinion about which lathe I'd rather have, and why. Although I have my own biases, and things that impress me, this is not for me to suggest that my opinion should encompass all woodturners. Of course, it doesn't, but I'm sure there are one or two who do share my way of seeing things.....

ooc

 

[Odie]

Hi Odie,
Was just checking out your scrap-book of mostly bowls...very nice work. Could be the pics. but, some of the naturally lighter colored woods (ambrosia, ash etc) look a bit darker than I would have expected. Do you stain some of them with a brownish/reddish stain to highlight the grain? Just curious. Didn't have the password to open some of the other pics but, just thought I'd drop u a note to compliment you on your work. Nice attention to form and, clearly good tool technique.
e-mail me if u like at home
Probably will be ordering the Vic 300 (Aussie model) today or, by the end of the week. I'm with you on some of your opinions...spinning an out of balance log on a yellow monster at the speed of light and attacking it with a carbide tipped wood-eating "tool" isn't really my idea of woodturning either. I don't exactly know what to call that behaviour.
All the best,
J

Hi Jay.......

I sincerely thank you for the compliment on my woodturning.

Oh boy!......Now, you've gone and done it! Just to mention that carbide tipped Ci1 Easy Rougher, and they'll be coming out of the woodwork to defend that thing to the death! You must have been reading a couple of the other threads about that tool. Heh,heh,heh! The "behavior" ?????......I don't know exactly how to describe that......but, I have the feeling that some of those Easy Rougher users would give up on them, if they spent the effort to master the more traditional gouges and scrapers.

About the photos.......Nope, I seldom use anything but Danish Oil Natural with a Beall buff and Carnauba Wax, but I think there might be one or two bowls in there that have a colored stain. I have experimented with a few stains, but I've always felt the natural colors of the woods looked best. In that regard, I suppose I'm a "purist"! I'm afraid that any discoloration in my photos is the result of me dinking around with the photo editor......not really my intention to change from natural look, but sometimes I do search for ways to edit the photo lighting in order to make it more appealing from an observer's point of view. I guess I probably fail miserably sometimes! :mad:

The password protected photo albums are family photos, and other photos not related to woodturning that I wish not to make public.....sorry!

Hey......good luck on that new Vicmarc. In a way, I'm a bit envious! At one time, I had the disposable cash, in hand, and almost bought a Vicmarc 300.....but, at the last moment, I decided against it. To me, there would have been absolutely no advantage to exchanging the Woodfast for the Vicmarc......except, to add a little capacity. The 24" swing would be nice to have, but I know I'd seldom have any need for a lathe that big. I've made a few bowls that are close to the maximum I can put on the Woodfast, and I really don't have much desire to go bigger than 16". Matter of fact, I'd say probably 95% of my bowls are in the 6" to 12" range......only a few are bigger or smaller than that.

You know, I have the feeling that many woodturners have more reason to boast about their "big" lathe, than actually put it to use! (If you get my drift!)

What kind of lathe are you running now? When you get the Vicmarc set up and running, be sure to check in here and give us your thoughts.....ok?

ooc

 

[Vaughn]

Never mind. It ain't worth wasting the electrons.

 

[Dave Peebles]

Hi odie,

No problem buddy, I was just having a little fun I used the Woodfast at a class with John Jordan and David Ellsworth. I think it is a hell of a lathe.

Best wishes,

Dave

 

[Odie]

Hi odie,

No problem buddy, I was just having a little fun I used the Woodfast at a class with John Jordan and David Ellsworth. I think it is a hell of a lathe.

Best wishes,

Dave

OH....OK, Dave.

I apologize.......I really did think you were thinking I'd stepped on your toes over my comments. I realize that if everybody agreed with me on my lathe preferences, a lot of lathe manufacturers would just plain be out of business! Diversity of opinion on this forum is a good thing..........

Sometimes, the written word on these forums doesn't/can't transmit the feelings we would normally express face-to-face. The little smiley faces sometimes help a little, but not always!

Let the chips fall where they may, friend! :cool2:

ooc

 

[Jay Coulson]

new Vicmarc

Will do when my new baby arrives Odie. Just went for the basic 300 in short bed with the tail-stock swinger...adds about 10-13" between centers. If I need to go longer than that, Vic has extensions available. Was a little more than confused about whether I could get the Vic hollowing rig onto the shotbed...and, even after talking to Christian, I'm still not sure. Anyway, a friend in Australia convinced me to go the Vic route...glad he did. I was ready to buy the big white tube. With the money I'm savings buying my cast iron dream machine, I'm gonna add a few more Vic chuck bodies and, a bunch of useful sets of jaws. Yep, I too will stick to my gouges, skews and scrapers. No, I wasn't aware that there was a thread about the roughers but, if "wood-turning" is a yellow monster, spinning far in excess of safe rpm while, the log is being attacked with a 3 foot long carbide tipped "tool", then guess I'll just limp along with my Henry Taylors...

Hi Jay.......

I sincerely thank you for the compliment on my woodturning.

Oh boy!......Now, you've gone and done it! Just to mention that carbide tipped Ci1 Easy Rougher, and they'll be coming out of the woodwork to defend that thing to the death! You must have been reading a couple of the other threads about that tool. Heh,heh,heh! The "behavior" ?????......I don't know exactly how to describe that......but, I have the feeling that some of those Easy Rougher users would give up on them, if they spent the effort to master the more traditional gouges and scrapers.

About the photos.......Nope, I seldom use anything but Danish Oil Natural with a Beall buff and Carnauba Wax, but I think there might be one or two bowls in there that have a colored stain. I have experimented with a few stains, but I've always felt the natural colors of the woods looked best. In that regard, I suppose I'm a "purist"! I'm afraid that any discoloration in my photos is the result of me dinking around with the photo editor......not really my intention to change from natural look, but sometimes I do search for ways to edit the photo lighting in order to make it more appealing from an observer's point of view. I guess I probably fail miserably sometimes! :mad:

The password protected photo albums are family photos, and other photos not related to woodturning that I wish not to make public.....sorry!

Hey......good luck on that new Vicmarc. In a way, I'm a bit envious! At one time, I had the disposable cash, in hand, and almost bought a Vicmarc 300.....but, at the last moment, I decided against it. To me, there would have been absolutely no advantage to exchanging the Woodfast for the Vicmarc......except, to add a little capacity. The 24" swing would be nice to have, but I know I'd seldom have any need for a lathe that big. I've made a few bowls that are close to the maximum I can put on the Woodfast, and I really don't have much desire to go bigger than 16". Matter of fact, I'd say probably 95% of my bowls are in the 6" to 12" range......only a few are bigger or smaller than that.

You know, I have the feeling that many woodturners have more reason to boast about their "big" lathe, than actually put it to use! (If you get my drift!)

What kind of lathe are you running now? When you get the Vicmarc set up and running, be sure to check in here and give us your thoughts.....ok?

ooc

 

[Odie]

Will do when my new baby arrives Odie. Just went for the basic 300 in short bed with the tail-stock swinger...adds about 10-13" between centers. If I need to go longer than that, Vic has extensions available. Was a little more than confused about whether I could get the Vic hollowing rig onto the shotbed...and, even after talking to Christian, I'm still not sure. Anyway, a friend in Australia convinced me to go the Vic route...glad he did. I was ready to buy the big white tube. With the money I'm savings buying my cast iron dream machine, I'm gonna add a few more Vic chuck bodies and, a bunch of useful sets of jaws. Yep, I too will stick to my gouges, skews and scrapers. No, I wasn't aware that there was a thread about the roughers but, if "wood-turning" is a yellow monster, spinning far in excess of safe rpm while, the log is being attacked with a 3 foot long carbide tipped "tool", then guess I'll just limp along with my Henry Taylors...

Okie dokie, Jay......

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be interested in getting your impressions of the Vicmarc, once you've had a chance to do some turning on it.

One small comment.......I've been using the Hunter carbide tipped tool for use on areas where there is limited access with traditional gouges and scrapers. However, I'm using it as a cutting tool, very similar to the way a gouge slices wood. IMHO, there is a use for carbide tipped lathe tools, but the application where it can be used when more traditional tools can't, is very limited in scope.

ooc

 

[Jay Coulson]

carbide "tools"?

Understand Odie. Seems reasonable that a carbide tool could of course be useful in SOME situations. My intro. to the rougher came about when I was looking at some u-tube stuff and, there was some guy from Japan or somewhere in Asia...I don't really recall, doing pretty much what I described. Just chomping away at a log with reckless abandon with this rougher. Looked pretty pointless to me but, to each their own I suppose.
J