In need of help in deciding which lathe to buy.

[router1969]

Hi all,

I have been turning for a while on a small direct drive Poolewood, which, to be fair, has done the job. However I now want to upgrade to something larger, more powerful and most importantly more stable.

Whilst money is obvioulsy a consideration I am anxious to buy a lathe that will not need to be replaced. I have been looking at the large Oneway, the large Wivamac, the large Silverdrive and the VB36.

I apprecaite that thee is a significant price difference between some of them but as I say I really want this to be the one for me for good and for all.

Any help / experience with the lathes / after sales etc would be greatly appreciated.

All the best.

 

[CHJ]

Welcome to the forum router1969.

Some of the members have their lathes listed here, I am sure that those with lathes or equivalents on your short list will be along shortly to pass on comments or recommendations.

 

[Russell]

I would cross the Silverdrive off the list I think they have inferior tailstocks. One person I know who won a Silverdrive Bulldog lathe has got rid of it in favour of a NovaDVR because he wasn't happy with the quality. They look good but don't perform was his comments to me.

If you go for a VB36 its a complete system change chucks and everything but the people I know who have them love them. I don't know anyone with a Oneway and have not seen the big Oneway lathes

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome!

Have you seen the free video of the VB36?

As Russell says, the VB isn't a cheap option but I reckon it's the mutts nuts in terms of stability... if you can get a test drive you'll see for yourself :wink:

 

[PowerTool]

Welcome to the forum

How big is your workshop,and how big is your budget ?
And what sort of work do you plan on doing?

If I had plenty of space,plenty of money,and was doing mainly faceplate work,the VB36 would be my choice. (Unfortunately,I can only say "yes" to the last one.. )

Andrew

 

[router1969]

Thank you all so far - I have seen the video as well, it is very good and very tempting.

I have sufficient space to cope with any of the shortlist, financially the VB would be quite a push but on the basis that it would be a one and for all it is possible (50th b'day and all that and it would be cheaper than a Harley - may be it is all a mid-life thing) but more seriously, whilst I am interested in doing bigger face plate work incl wall hangings and hollow forms, I do wonder whether I would ever really use the VB to its maximium - there is a risk it seems to me that one sees promotion where the lathe is being used to turn items 4' long and 30" in diameter which are very impressive but in reality nothing that one will ever do personally.

Having said that it is a superb piece of engineering and is all British.

Equally the Silverdrive is also all British. I am due to go there to meet Stephen Silver and their 320 lathe next wednesday.

This is a great forum I am amazed and delighted that there have been replies so quickly!!!

All the best.

 

[Paul.J]

Hello Router1969 and welcome
Sorry can't help with your lathe choice only used low budget ones.
Whatever you choose hope you enjoy,and post some piccys.
Paul.J.

 

[Anonymous]

cheaper than a Harley -

It's statistically safer tooo... and nearly as much fun :wink:

It'll cope with almost any big stuff you throw at it (no, not the Hog) that said I've turned a 4mm dia pear on a VB......

 

[Argee]

I am anxious to buy a lathe that will not need to be replaced. I have been looking at the large Oneway, the large Wivamac, the large Silverdrive and the VB36.

I've got a Hegner, but from your shortlist the VB is the candidate. The VBs are put together just a few miles from me (in the same factory as the Hegners) and although the video IS impressive, seeing one in action is even more so.

The smoothness, total lack of vibration, low noise levels and absolutely bombproof construction tick all your requirements, plus you could add a short or standard bed tailstock later.

What a birthday present that would be!

Ray.

 

[Blister]

DO IT , get the real Mcoy , go for the VB , you will NEVER need to upgrade and like RR , they dont loose much value