Powermatic 3520b compared to Vega 2600-Inv

Bob

I have talked to other Vega owners who said they would not buy again. I have also seen a couple of Vegas up close and would not consider one.

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If the dimentions of the Nova 3000 are to you liking, but the problem is in the ammount and contolability of the power, you might consider repowering your lathe. Craft supply in Provo has a 1hp DC motor with a vairiable speed controller available for right around $650. (p/n

186-0105) I have no idea what either the Powermatic or the Vega you are looking at cost, but this is probobly cheaper. They also have a 1 1/2 horse 220v setup for around $750.00 (p/n 186-1120) if you need more power. I have the Nova 300 with the 1 1/2hp motor/controller combo referenced above, and LOVE it. I rarely have to change the belt positions, I just turn the dial on the controller, and plenty of power. I would think that it would be a fairly straightforward operation to remove the motor from your lathe, and replace it with the DC one. Then you hang the controller off of your lathe stand or somewhere else convienient (mine is attached to the front of the first shelf above the lathe, right at shoulder height) and off you go. I did not have 220v available when I moved into my current house, so with a few minor adjustments (as directed to do in the manual) to the controller I was able to runthe lathe on 110v. It has worked so well that I keep putting off the wiring project to bring 220v to the lathe. I have not missed it.

Just something to think about.

Roman

PS I have no connection to Craft Supply other than being a very satisfied customer.

Hi Bob,

More musing than responding, but I suspect you might have a delayed case of the 'two year itch' which many of us have suffered. Some recovered, some didn't. I mean the itch to buy something new. A trophy lathe to replace your ole tried, true and comfortable machine instead of upgrading it. This happens in other situations, but it often takes seven years.

Just my opinion, but excepting the advent of excellent mini lathes, I think for the _average hobby turner_ the five most significant improvements in lathes since the 'turning enlightenment and reformation' have been revolving tail centers and ball or roller bearings, levered lock-downs, swivelling headstocks, electronic variable speed and _reasonable_ increases in swing. Not seldom used grotesque swing, not unnecessarily high power and weight, Not even as a statement of success. In many home-hobby woodshops pictured on the net, the lathe's cost, weight, power and swing seem unnecessarily high for what it's mostly used for and relative to the other power tools that enable it.

I am not denigrating the higher end machines, They certainly have their place and purpose for the professional or the terminally addicted hobby turner. Of course I would love to own one, but mainly for the personal satisfaction of owning it, which although important is only one cure for the 'two year itch'. I just need to make sure that the cure isn't worse than the disease. YMMV. :)

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

Check dealerselectric.com . I have just purchased a 2 hp motor and controller for $465.00 (net with shipping) for my Nova 3K. It was just ordered so I can't really give much more information. If you contact them use the 800 number rather than asking questions through e-mail.

Stuart Johnson

Hi Bob

I have a Vega 2600, and with the MT extender in the tailstock, you can get the centers point to point, so there is no 6" limit on spindles. You can do anything from zero (theoretical of course!) to 17" on the Vega. You might find the top end of 2400 rpm a little slow if you want to do a pen or something, but I do them on my mini lathe anway. If you have any specific questions about the Vega, feel free to write me directly.

Bill Grumbine

If your only fault with the Nova was the motor, you can upgrade the motor to the XP-DVR motor via Teknatools. Certainly for less money then a new lathe

I only know one turner with the Vega 2600 (Bill Grumbine

) and he loves it and reccomends it, IF YOU ARE TURNING BOWLS (see your spindle comment). Of course the PM is loved by every owner I know. One last suggestion, if you are thinking about big lathes, look at the Robust

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I'm glad you said 'mostly' -- because when that really large log finds its way onto the bed of my truck, I like having a way to deal with it, even if it is not an everyday occurrence.

Also, I find that the delicate finials and lace bobbins I turn on my large lathe turn out better and are easier to do than if they were done on a mini lathe. And, when I go for a suction fit box lid, even for a small box, the large lathe gives me a leg up on getting the fit right.

Bill

Hi Bill, No argument here. For a competant turner with a truck, a good chainsaw, a big bandsaw, a substantial drill press, a heavy chuck or faceplate, and either a lift or a muscular friend and occasionally hankers to turn a really large log into a huge bowl, there's no doubt that a big lathe is the best way to go.

"Mostly" kidding, Bill. I'm sure Stubby, for example, is a quality all around machine that would be an asset to any turning shop whether for producing large, small or in between turnings. I'm less sure that all things considered, it would be that much 'better' than a quality small lathe for turning small stuff. Most every turner would love to own a Stubby class lathe, but not every turner needs one. Again, just my opinion and I'm not at all sure it's correct. :)

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter