Help!

stuckinthemud · Monday at 22:49

Lucky me, I’ve been given a Macallister 550w copy lathe but no tools or chucks. I have no idea what “copy lathe” means. I have turned a mallet and one or two other small turnings on a lathe in work but now I am out of my depth. The headstock is fixed and can turn up to 350mm, the bed gives 980mm for spindles. What is the lathe capable of? Is 550w a decent amount of power if I want to turn a good size vase or urn ? I don’t know what I want to do with it but it would be good to know what not to do and vice versa.

Orraloon · Tuesday at 00:58

A copy lathe uses a template to make lots of items all the same. That said it should still be able to do regular turning if it has a regular tool rest. If you post some picks then we will be more able to advise on just what it can and cant do. 550w should be able to turn bowls up to the lathes capacity with care. A good sized urn is a bit more advanced and deep hollowing needs tooling and know how.
Regards
John

Robbo3 · Tuesday at 01:00

Copy lathe means it has the capability for the cutter to follow a mounted template but most can be used as a normal lathe.
Best source of info & knowledge is your local wood turning club
Cardiff & District Woodcraft Club & Turners
Contact Email - [email protected]
Day - Monday and Thursday each week
Time - 7pm
Address
Vision 21, Gabalfa Community Workshop, Gabalfa, Cardiff
CF14 4HY

Also
Crow Valley Woodturners at Cwmbran
Vale Woodturners at Bonvilston

stuckinthemud · Wednesday at 21:09

It came partially disassembled but there is a conventional tool rest and a face plate in the box of bits, along with some odd looking parts with winding handles which I imagine are the copying tools. Anyone able to post a photo of a complete set-up?