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Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

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Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

#1

Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

Dan Lanicek in TX

>So I have a Jet Mini lathe and, although I love the little thing, I'm getting the "I want a new lathe" itch. The thing is shop space is limited and I want to add a second lathe while keeping the Jet.

I'm just looking for a lathe with a little bit more swing and a little bit more power than my mini that fits within my budget. I do small spindles and bowls so the distance between centers on the mini has never been a problem for me.

I'm really looking for a short bed (~24") 12"-14" swing lathe with at least 3/4 HP motor. Other than Oneway's 1224 (which is exactly what I'm looking for but way out of my budget) I can't think of anything. The HF/Jet 1236 is the only lathe I can think of in my budget but that's still about 12" longer than I want. The Nova 3000 is another option but that's a little more lathe than I need and I'd really like a VS lathe.

Am I missing any?

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

#2

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

John Trant (Baltimore/DC area)

>Look at the Jet 16" lathe. Since the headstock slides to the end, it can be used as a short bed lathe. When needed, slide the head back and it will serve as a long bed lathe. With the Jet, the mini will be redundant.

Altenatively, get the older Nova 3000 (i.e., not the DVR) with a DC drive. Remove the bed extension and you will have a short bed lathe.

John

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

#3

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

RonZ

>Vicmarc VL200

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

#4

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

Charles Bjorgen

>As RonZ suggested, the shortbed Vicmarc VL200 might fill your needs. I bought mine about three years ago from Craft Supplies. It was supplied with the Leeson DC 1 1/2 hp motor with the Minarik VS controller. CS supplies it with their stand and has their Vics supplied with one-inch tool rest posts. I bought the shortbed because of limited shop space which still revolves around a Jet contractor table saw. There are some here who believe the Vicmarcs sold by Craft Supplies are somewhat inferior. I can't argue that one way or another but I've been entirely satisfied with my VL200 shortbed.

I should add that I immediately missed not having a portable lathe in the shop so I soon bought a Mercury with one bed extension.

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

#5

Re: Any Mid-Sized shortbed lathes?

Peter Teubel

>Dan wrote:

"The HF/Jet 1236 is the only lathe I can think of in my budget but that's still about 12" longer than I want."

==============================

If that's what you really want, simply cut the bed down to size. I did that with one of my old Jet 1236s. Made a nice little bowl lathe. The cast iron cuts quite easily with a sawzall.

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