Large Lathe Comparison

Re: Large Lathe Comparison

TDaniel

>Fog, email Linda at Vicmarc and see if the braking can be variable. My VB has a switch which allows me a 3 sec or a 15 second stop (more or less). On larger bowls I use th 15 second position. This is tied to the ramp start so the slower you stop a turning the slower it will start also. When pieces are too big for the braking to stop it the braking will kick out and let the piece coast to a stop.

TD

Re: Large Lathe Comparison

Steven Wilson

>I looked at the Poolwood, Vicmarc, Oneway, Powermatic, Stubby, and General and the final choice was between a Oneway and the Vickmarc. The Oneway also has a very decent mobility package wich was lacking with the Vicmarc (it would take a few bucks to come up with a good option). The shipping quoted me on the Vickmarc kicked it's price up close to a Oneway so I went with the Oneway. I chose a Oneway 2436 w/3hp motor, 17" multiextension, and a second banjo. I normally have the multiextension mounted outboard but can mount it inboard if I need 50" BC. With the extension mounted outboard I can do roughout inboard (using the tailstock) and then mount the piece outboard and finish turning (i.e. a short bed bowl lathe). This setup allows me to have the longbed/shortbed flexability of the Powermatic without having to lug and remount the tailstock (can you say heavy). Unlike a lot of short bed lathes I have a nice way of mounting a hollowing rig and the mass of the bed is a great support for the rig, something I feel is lacking on short bed bowl lathes. If I ever want to turn a large table outboard I'll probably pickup a Powermatic or Delta outboard, standalone, tool rest and take off my multi extension. That should give me the capability to turn a 7' diameter table outboard - should be fun ! All the lathes you're considering are very good, I just found that the Oneway had the most flexability and met my needs/wants the best.