Replies

1. 
   IMERC | Feb 29, 2004 07:06am | #1

   Vega is good...

   Shop for a used made in USA lathe. Make it cast steel twin rail with reverse and varible speed. If the head cand be turned 180* on the bed all the better. An older delta is a good start because you will still be able to get accessories for it. Keep in mind mass makes for easier living. Pipe type rails seem to flex and single rails belong in the zoo. They can be a beast to work with.

   Old in this case is generally better.... $1,000 will get a serious passel of lathe. My 30 year old 60x32" 1 hp varible speed Delta was 400$. Need a fork lift to move it.

   Take this question over to Knots Forum if you really want to be enlightened or confused beyound a reasonable doubt.

    

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

1. 
   user-1149688 | Feb 29, 2004 08:30am | #2

   Thanks IMERC.  Fishing's my first passion, but bowl turnings gaining fast!

   Vega 2400 seems like good design for bowl turning, with lots of mass near spindle and not a lot of bed to avoid.  Do you have (or know anyone who has had) experience with Vega?  Have seen 2 1500 series for sale on E-Bay, but no others.

   I posted question on Knots and got no responses, so deleted and came here.  Thanks again.

   Edited 2/29/2004 12:34:53 AM ET by Phil

1. 
   IMERC | Feb 29, 2004 09:54am | #3

   A buddy has the 2400... He likes it. An old Record would a good one too.

   Look for used machinery dealers on the net. I don't trust E-Bay.

   I had a older than old circa 22FEB1940 Boise Crane dedicated bowl lathe. That was nice. 

   Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....

2. 
   TomHigby | Aug 08, 2004 05:02am | #4

   I agree. I've never owned a new lathe, now on my fifth upgrade, a 400# Yates American.  I'm pleased with it.

   Tom

2. 
   walnutjerry | Dec 03, 2004 06:43am | #5

   check around your area for woodturning clubs-----the membership may know where to find what you want.  Another source is surplus property from schools etc. NC has a state surplus web site and I see woodworking machines listed quite often.

1. 
   user-1149688 | Dec 03, 2004 07:25pm | #6

   Thanks for the tip.  Bought a (new) Powermatic 3520 late last winter after getting a VERY good price from Southern Tool that was beaten by Harris Machinery (Minneapolis).  Couldn't be happier with the lathe.

   Searched for several weeks for used machines without success before going this route.  If I had an infinite amount of time and more contacts used may have worked, but couldn't be happier with how this turned out.

   Phil

1. 
   walnutjerry | Dec 03, 2004 11:01pm | #7

   Phil------you made a very good choice!!   I have had my powermatic 3520 for about 5 years now. I am still lovin' it. I did bite the bullet and went ahead and got a  Oneway Stronghold chuck right off the bat. I also later on got the #3 jaws and the "jumbo" jaws. After talking to a lot of wood turners it seemed the best way to go. It is a lot of machine not to be able to use its capacity. I just recently bought a bowl gouge and started playing with the bigger bowls----that is my play time.

   Hope you enjoy your lathe as much as I enjoy mine.