All of these lathes cost within the $4K to $6K range, and all are fine machines for even the pro turner. But I'm curious--I'd love to hear everyone's opinions. If you were in the market for one of these lathes, which would be your choice, and why? Assume you'd be buying the appropriate machine for the type of turning you do. Feel free to mention any other comparable lathes if your choice falls outside these four, but please confine your choices to machines available in the USA.
Thanks,
Max
well, I bought a stubby 1000 - my reasons were large swing over bed, even larger between center capability due to movable bed (44 inches if I remember right), and smallest footprint (no outboard attachments needed). I meets my needs well
I would add the Robust to that list
For a professional grade lathe, I think that the PM 3520 is the best deal out there. I find a very small market out there for bowls over about 16 inches in diameter. It is more of a specialty market. The bed as it comes is a bit short for anything over 30 inches, which will cover most table legs. The sliding headstock makes it a bowl lathe so you don't have to lean over the bed to turn the inside. Also nice for turning the inside of boxes. I just did a demo where I had to be off balance for some of the cuts I make, and really noticed the difference. I haven't tried any of the other lathes, but they are all good, but won't really do anything that the PM can't do, and the cost difference is significant. robo hippy
It depends on what type of work you plan on doing. I recently bought the Stubby F600-a short bed since my interests are bowls and hollow vessels and I don't need a long bed. I chose it over the similar sized (and priced) Vicmarc because it seemed to have a beefier headstock and over the Powermatic bsed on a smaller footprint (I have a small workspace) and expected lower vibration given the fixed head. A Oneway with a similar swing cost significantly more. I've been very happy with my choice on both a technical and customer service basis. Depending on your budget (it was well above mine!) and interests, you might add a VB 36 to your list
Hope this helps Kip Powers Rogers, AR
Depending on your budget (it was well above mine!) and interests, you might add a VB 36 to your list
See the subject line.
Thanks for the response, Kip.
Max
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