Hi, Pinus,
I wanted to start woodturning a couple of years ago and, initially, visited some of the main UK woodworking and turning exhibitions to try to make sure I did not make expensive mistakes. I gleaned a lot of advice from people such as Reg Sherwin, Dave Roberts and other top turners (what a friendly and helpful lot they are) and the general message that came through was to buy the best and biggest I could within my budget. I looked at the various models available and favoured the Hegner. The information pack they supplied to me was excellent, describing all the features in detail. I then asked Hegner UK if there was an existing owner near to me who I could visit to look at one. They 'phoned me back within a few minutes having arranged a visit for me.
The upshot of all this is that I purchased the Hegner. Not having had a lathe before, I had nothing to compare it with. However, I am delighted with it. It is as described - quiet, accurate, vibration free and the variable speed does, I am sure, eliminate frustration that I could see arising with having to change a belt manually (although any problem there would probably be because I'm an impatient so-and-so!). I did buy the upgrade to a 1 h.p. motor, which is worth the extra £50.
Although of little experience I am totally satisfied with it, although I have built my own bench, tailored to my height, rather than spending £90 on Hegner's pressed steel ends. My bench is much better and cost £30 quid!
Hope this helps?
