I know Palmgren as a manufacturer of quality machinist vises, but I've just noticed a tubular-bed woodturning lathe with that name--whether it's the same company, don't know but it has a very unique drive system--from what I can see, the motor is on the tailstock end! At Amazon.com:
From the link to other products it seems to be the same company. But, the machine looks pretty much like every other low-end import except the stand which looks to be an even lower- end import. My guess is that you could get that stand to 'sing' pretty easily.
Bill
machine looks
an even lower-
Agreed--the stand does look extremely chintzy. You could not only get it to sing, but DANCE as well!
The drive system is what caught my attention--I wonder if the drive shaft runs through the bed tubes?
Ken Grunke
Ken:
Well, I'll be darned -- the motor is really on the wrong end and I didn't even notice that. I'd say that either the drive shaft must run through the tube as you suggest (some more unsupported stuff to sing and dance) or maybe the whole lathe turns and the workpiece stays stationary.
Bill
machine looks
be an even lower-
even notice that.
workpiece stays
LOL! Which would give a whole new meaning to the word "woodturner", who would have to follow the lathe as is spins. After looking at it again, especially the tailstock design, my proverbial ten-foot pole would definitely be pointed in the other direction! Palmgren should stick with what they know best--vises.
Ken
Hi Ken
Never seen the lathe but for what it looks like to me, it is a lot of headache's in a package
Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo
Ken Grunke wrote:
============================== Ken, This thing looks like some variation on the old Sears monotube. The toolrest, tailstock, and main tube look identical to the monotube I used several years back. I knkow they made some with a Reeves variable speed drive, but I thought the motor was behind the headstock. From the looks of this one, the drive shaft may be run through the tube or under the stand top. Either way, it seems like it would have a lot of flex and ensuing chatter/vibration. It was bad enough when I was using the the old belt drive monotube with direct drive. Looks like this one could be a nightmare!
Ken Moon Webberville, TX
Ken, what we have here is Palmgren's failure to communicate. It's a motorized machinist's vise. HTH.
Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required