Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Apr 04, 2008 09:40pm | #1

   John,

   I bought Steel City's midi lathe with the variable speed about a year and a half ago.  I realized after I bought it that as speed is decreases, so is torque.  That is, of course, only with the variable speed model.  It's not a big deal to manually change speeds, but more hassle than not having to.  I've been quite happy with the Steel City.  I've turned lots of bowls and pens on it.  The bed is a little short in my opinion for turning spindles, but I have no intention of doing so.

   The gyratory locking levers are undersized and I stripped both quickly - they supplied new ones, but I still have the same problem.  The one in the tailstock is okay, as not much pressure is needed to lock it in place.  The other one which secures the tool rest (vertical adjustment) is very difficult to adequately tighten and requires care not to strip.  I have also had a problem with the on/off switch for the past month or so.  I can always turn the lathe on, but sometimes can't turn it off.  This is rectified by giving the switch box a good whack.  I wrote them a letter and haven't got a reply yet.

   The Jet is tried and true - probably the most popular midi lathe.  I didn't get it because it's not available in Canada.

   Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   boilerbay | Apr 04, 2008 10:22pm | #2

   Thanks. That's the info I was looking for. Nothing beats hands on. Was unaware of the design flaws. Was aware of the variable speed thing. Given the on/off thing and the bolt thing, would you buy again or go with Jet?
   How is Steel City to work with after the sale?
   Thanks again
   John

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Apr 05, 2008 08:22pm | #3

   John,

   I paid a little under $400 Cdn for the lathe and consider it good value.  It's perfect for turning small diameter items (short spindles, tool handles, pens).  Another flaw which I forgot is that the hinged cover for the upper pulley strikes the speed adjustment knob when opened.

   When I stripped the knobs, I brought them into the store I bought the lathe from and they took the parts off of their display model.  From what I understand, SC doen't have much of a parts department yet - any part needed is taken off a tool.  Customer service has been better than average.  I can count on a reply.  Not the same with other companies.  I plan to buy a better knob for the toolrest.  It's just a matter of it becoming a priority.  I've lived with it so far.

   I've also turned a dozen or so bowls.  When a tool catches, the bowl just stops turning.  This is good and bad.  No violent catches and little danger of throwing a workpiece, but you are also limited to taking comparatively light cuts.  This may also be attributed to the 1/2HP motor.  Many pros who use midi-lathes upgrade to a 1HP DC motor with variable speed.  However, the upgrade costs around $400-500.

   Now that I am really getting into bowl turning, I am planning on building a dedicated bowl turning lathe with a headstock only - no bed or tailstock.  I'll use a larger motor (+1HP) and use a series of stepped pulleys.

   If I were in your shoes, I would buy either the Jet or SC without VS.Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   boilerbay | Apr 06, 2008 05:28pm | #4

   From what I've read from other sources and from your input, I'm leaning toward the Jet without VC, although I have limited experience on the size of the motors. I know,as sure as I get the smaller motor, I would want the bigger. Not Tim Allen, just I hate getting bogged down due to power loss.
   Thanks againJohn

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Apr 06, 2008 09:21pm | #5

   John,

   1/2HP seems to be adequate for anything I can put on the lathe (max 10" diameter).  I don't feel that I need anything larger unless I am turning larger bowls.

   If you want a small lathe with more power, have a look at the General Maxi Lathe.  http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/25200a.html  I think it sells for about $600 Cdn. and has a 3/4HP motor.  The motor also has Variable Speed but is DC, so torque loss is negated.  I'm not sure how this works, but it does.  You can also turn the motor around for outboard turning.Chris @ flairwoodworks

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer