1. Home
  2. Woodturning Crafts
  3. Lathe opinions please

Lathe opinions please

Hello folks, I'm looking for some help/suggestions. For part of my Christmas present my wife/financial manager/LOL/etc..etc has given me permission to get a new lathe. I dearly love my Nova 3000 but you know a new toy never hurt anybody, besides she might change her mind!!. I would sell the Nova though. As much as I lust for a Stubby or Oneway or Nichols lathes I truly don't want to put that kind of green into a toy/hobby. I have narrowed my list to three maybe four very different lathes. Oneway 1224, Oneway 1640, Powermatic 3520A, Vicmarc VL200/300. I know capacities vary as do the the styles. I measured my old turnings that I still have around the house and nothing is over 12 inches across (hence the Oneway 1224). I turn mostly bowls and attempt hollow stuff but I also turn a fair amount of everything. I just basically turn whatever I feel like and what the wood will allow, it really is a calming thing for me (high stress job). I have seen the Oneways in action and did the touchy/feely thing on the Powermatic. Never have seen the Vics in person. I included the Vics because of reviews given here. All seem to be very well built with the Oneways having a higher fit and finish than the Powermatic. The Powermatic seems to be a true tank and it is smooth, the sliding headstock seems very handy but how solid is it in actual usage? After this lathe it is not very likely that I will be getting another one for a very long time, if ever. Any opinions from owners would be greatly appreciated, and educated guesses are fine too. I know I'm opening a can of worms and I know there are many other threads but particular info on these lathes would really help out. Thanks a bunch!!! Guy

Reply to
guy
Loading thread data ...

Guy, I don't own even one of the lathes you asked about in particular, and my guesses are not often educated, so naturally I must respond to your question.

You love your N3K, but you want a new lathe. Why? A good chance that it's not because the N3K limits your turning efforts? (I am the limiting factor in the Nova/Me equation. 'G') The lathes that you are considering are first rate, both as machines and as personal possessions. The trophy lathes that you lust for are wonderful as of this afternoon. There is one educated guess that I can make: Better lathes and equipment will supplant them some day. I have no intent to rain on your parade, however don't give up your N3K too soon after you get the new toy.

__IMHO__fixed headstocks, including those that slide, are a compromise after you have experienced the "calming thing": the comfort, the convenience, the utility, the adaptability and the space needed by a swivelling headstock with an extendable bed. How much any of this means to you and your aching back is your call alone.

Just one worm out of the can you opened.

Arch

Fortiter,

Reply to
Arch

Where are you?

I myself would dearly love to toss out my Grizzly 8691.

guy wrote:

Reply to
william kossack

Scratch the 1224 frm your list. You'll never be happy with a smaller swing than you have now. Even if your turnings measure 12" max, the blank would have been a bit more. And the 1640 only adds a little length, which you can do cheaper by adding a bed extension to your N3K.

Though I''ve never used a 3520, from all I've heard and from what you've said, a "mustard monster" might be your best bet if you change at all.

Jim

guy wrote:

Reply to
Jim Swank

On the contrary. I feel that swiveling headstocks are a compromise. One is trading rigidity for convinence. Not so much as headstock rigidity, but more along the lines of toolrest rigidity. I have a Nova DVR and while I think it is an excellent lathe, the toolrest (banjo) has alot of overhang when the head is pivoted (and hence some vibration). However, none of this is an issue with the Oneway 1640 if you get the bed attachment for the outboard side. Another really nice feature on the Oneway is the fact that the outboard spindle is a RH thread.

Peter Teubel Milford, MA

formatting link

Reply to
Peter Teubel

I'll take a center opinion. The sliding headstock is, to me the best compromise. I can use it with or without external help, and can stand directly in front of it.

If I were turn>

trading rigidity for convinence. Not so much as

a Nova DVR and while I think it is an excellent lathe,

hence some vibration). However, none of this is an issue

Another really nice feature on the Oneway is the fact

Reply to
George

I don't know if they are to the right or left of center, but my opinions are usually 'opinionated'.;) I only turn 'people sized' bowls, platters, etc. that fit on dining tables, so the 16 in. swing and stock banjo of the N3K are adequate for me. I've thought about a right angled bed extension, but my thoughts are usually 'procrastinated'.;) I mostly swivel the headstock enough for the tool handles to clear the bed and tailstock. I don't have much space at the ends of the lathe. but by using the swivel,I can see and work without contorting. Arch

Fortiter,

Reply to
Arch

Guy I have gone off the deep end on lathe buying. I have a DVR and 3 Vicmarcs. You can read about the Vicmarcs on this web site.

formatting link
and the DVR on this web site.http://groups.msn.com/NovaOwners

Reply to
georgetroy

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.