Looking for Lathe, need advice

Re: Looking for Lathe, need advice

Peter Teubel

>Do you want to turn or fix/restore machinery? If you want to turn, I would suggest a Nova DVR. Throw it on a stand or bench and start turning. Completely self-contained and with bed extensions, more than enough length for virtually any application.

Re: Looking for Lathe, need advice

Larry

>I agree with Peter except that I would avoid the DVR and go with the Nova 3000. Much less expensive and superior IMHO.

Re: Looking for Lathe, need advice

Keith Tompkins

>Hi Georg, Sounds like you are a candidate for a General. 20" swing, variable speed, 36" or more between centers with extentions available if you need more. Massive, classic style machine. Mine was under 3K delivered. 2HP is standard, and more than sufficient. Asmooth running lathe!

Re: Looking for Lathe, need advice

Guy

>How about a Powermatic 3520A, price is real good from Osolnik, solid, heavy and it comes complete out of the box. I just picked up a Vicmarc VL300, real stout, adding my own motor and stand, good price for the naked model. The Nova 3000 is really nice, I'm selling mine though cuz I have no room for the Nova and the Vic. The Vic is about three times the weight of the Nova but with both you can add basically whatever motor you want and with the Nova you can add bed extensions to your heart's delite. Take it easy, Guy

Re: Looking for Lathe, need advice

Norm Buchanan

>I go along with Peter the Nova DVR is a good bet at $1800 even better with optional outboard tool rest.

Re: Looking for Lathe, need advice

Fog Tanner

>Georg, I went through similar problems. My first lathe was the variable speed Delta 16" steel bed, which was to be a lifetime machine. I got interested in offcenter and eccentric turnings where the offcenter swing exceeds the 16" swing. I still love the Delta for spindle and smaller work, its still a good machine.

I started looking at larger machines ,like you, not wanting to spend a large amount on another lathe. I looked at the Powermatics, but got turned off when I called the factory and found they were being made in China. That had me looking at the 16" and 20" Oneways. The 16" with the outboard attachment. About that time I went to the Texas Turn or Two and got to see a Vicmarc 300.

After kicking the tires and looking at it it and feeling how smooth the talistock and banjo moved, I was pretty much sold. The price was cheaper than the 16" Oneway with the outboard. I called Paul at 1Goodturn and Vicmarc is now in the process of building mine - be here in March. I look at this as the last lathe I will need. I doubt that I will ever turn anything that will use the 23 1/2" capacity, but I never thought I would go past 16". But age will catch up before I get the urge for that large a piece of wood.

I found long ago in racing, get the best you can afford and then buy what you can't - you will save money in the long run. Had I bought the Vicmarc to start with, I could have used the $2000 I spent on the Delta on tools. I spent that much anyway, but it would be another $2000 for more new toys or wood or 401k....

Best of luck in your decision, its not an easy one.