new lathe

6/20/04, 1:07 AM #1

Fred Le Bail
Guest

new lathe

Fred Le Bail

>I think I bent the spindle on my Shop built lathe. My Dad built me this lathe about 7 years ago and never had any problem 'til started trying bowls last year.

It is 10 x 48 on 6' channel iron, can turn 20" so don't really want to part with it.

Have a machinist looking at it but he is not a wood turner so he is not too concerned...But I am!

I am looking for a good General lathe, all my chucks and attachments are made for General 160 so they will interchange ,but you "Spinny Guys" opines are welcome.

Thank you,

Fred

Re: new lathe

6/20/04, 2:39 PM #2

Bill Howatt
Member
Offline
2,773 posts

Registered: 1/3/04

Re: new lathe

Bill Howatt

>Nothing wrong with any General lathe (I have a 20" 260) but if you are going to use your 1"x8 attachments you are likely to be restricted to a smaller swing lathe. I think General only offers the Model 160 with a 12" swing now.

Most big lathes use 1-1/4" spindles or metric equivalent (oneway) or larger. Also, these machines often use heat-treated spindles to increase their hardness. If you put a large wet block, particularly if it was out of balance, on your shop-built machine the 1" non-treated (??) spindle may have been to weak.

As much as I like General, I think I would consider some other options in the price range instead of a 160. Have a look at the Nova DVR, Jet, Powermatic. Other than the DVR, sourcing the Jet and Powermatic in Canada seems to be difficult. Maybe somebody can update this comment.

Bill

Re: new lathe

6/20/04, 3:39 PM #3

Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner
Guest

Re: new lathe

Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner

>Your comment was " I think " ???

If you have been happy with the home built why not be SURE the shaft is bent ?

It could just be a bad bearing.

Have a new shaft made and re bearing what you have.

Unless of course you just need a reason to buy a new and better lathe. Look to the Oneway 2436.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

new lathe

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