Lathe choice again?

[gasmansteve]

Hi folks
Need to update my little Draper lathe which I bought a while back to see if I liked turning (I did) and seriously looking at the Hegner, Vicmarc 175 and Jet 1642 lathes. I was interested in the Nova variable speed lathe until someone pointed out the external motors might be easier (cheaper) to repair unlike the combined head/motor types like the Nova`s??.
Found a few recommendations for the Vicmarc and its ticking a few boxes at present but I`m tempted to hang on for the Harrogate show and check out any offers anyone care to comment on these lathes please?.
Cheers
Steve

 

[Paul.J]

Steve,as you know i have the Hegner and am really pleased with it,though i am still having problems with the banjo movement.
It is great when i clean it all down,slides very easily but as soon as shavings/dust get on the bed it just won't move without having to put the tool down and moving it with both hands,which i find very annoying.
I have tried what as been suggested in the past,though i might try some felt material glued to the underside of the banjo so it cleans the dust away as i move it.
Apart from this niggle it is a quiet smooth running machine.

 

[Argee]

Apart from this niggle it is a quiet smooth running machine.

Paul, have you tried slacking off the locking nut underneath, so that there's slightly more clearance when the banjo is released? I've never had such a problem with mine.

Ray.

 

[Paul.J]

Argee wrote

have you tried slacking off the locking nut underneath, so that there's slightly more clearance when the banjo is released?

Hello Ray.
Yes i have tried this Ray.Though my nut is on top :?:
I have had the spanner by me when turning loosening and tightening the nut to see if it helps.
I have put a larger diameter washer also on the top to replace the smaller one and this seemed to help a little.

 

[TEP]

Seen this problem before, (not on my lathe thankfully). What the guy did was to glue some Velcro hook strip along each side of the banjo. Then he has a strip of what I think was thick felt with the opposite Velcro stitched on which was fixed each side so it pressed hard against the bed. It seemed to clear the rubbish ahead as he moved the tool rest.

Quite a inexpensive way of solving a problem. It may just work for you.

 

[Paul.J]

Thanks Tam.
I will try the felt pads next time

 

[Wanlock Dod]

Steve,

I've also got a Hegner, and I think it's great

Cheers,

Dod

 

[gasmansteve]

Ta for the info. I sent for the Hegner dvd and it seems pretty impressive. I gather the 1hp is an option which I would have thought would be a standard nowadays at those prices?. I keep stopping my Draper using the chisels so I suppose any increase on 1/3 hp (I think) would be a blessing :? . Doesn`t seem to be many Vicmarc users about as I would like to hear what users think of those too.
Thanks again
Steve

 

[NickWelford]

The extra HP will certainly teach you to take lighter cuts - it can be dangerous if the lathe doesn't stop = just think where all that energy is going to go - Take care........

 

[Argee]

The extra HP will certainly teach you to take lighter cuts - it can be dangerous if the lathe doesn't stop = just think where all that energy is going to go - Take care........

The Hegners have a torque sensor which keeps the power constant during cutting, but cuts the motor in the event of a potential stall.

Ray.

 

[boysie39]

Steve,I cant give you any recommendations on what lathe to buy but I would suggest that whomever you buy from ,1st they have it in stock.2nd that you get a delivery date from them and hold them to it.3rd Dont buy it from someone just because you feel that they are known to you why not give them the buisness.
I bought and paid for a lathe on the 14-08-08 on the 19/08 I quired when my lathe would arrive so that I could have someone here to sign for it when it arrived. From what I could gather they wer'nt sure if it had been shipped as yet.It is now the 25/08 and no word yet but there is some smoke swirling around . Anyway I dont think this happens too often at least not with good companys. So best of luck and choose wisley REgards Boysie

 

[gasmansteve]

Sorry to hear about the lathe Boysie, hope it arrives soon. You would think nowadays that firms can`t afford to behave like that unless it is a genuine mistake. Any apologies etc from the firm concerned? care to mention them?
Cheers
Steve

 

[cornucopia]

name and shame

I used a little vicmarc vl100 lathe for a couple of days once, it was super smooth and quiet, but unsuitable for anything bigger than box's pen's etc

 

[gasmansteve]

I was looking at the vl175 with a bed length of 1000mm which should be more than adequate for me. Not sure if the very rare times a longer bed than this would be needed would justify the added cost?. I`m very interested in comments folk have on any lathes really. I just want a well made and reliable one preferably with electronic variable speed (don`t we all) and have learnt over the years with other stuff that you certainly do get what you pay for. The CL4 looks quite a nice lathe and I`ve been very impressed with my Record bandsaw so that one might be in the offing but as I say open to anyones views and opinions !.
Regards
Steve

 

[Neil Dyball]

Hi,

I've not used any of the Vicmarc's but their owners all seem to speak very highly of them.

I now have a Record CL4, having upgraded from a DML36SH. I think it's a super machine for the money, the variable speed is excellent and it does everything I ask of it. As I'm a definite leisure turner I couldn't justify the expense of a new lathe and bought mine second hand on eBay, a couple of years old (but like new) for around £550 including loads of 'extras'. Incidentally the guy I bought it from had just purchased a new Vicmarc.

I firmly believe that "you get what you pay for" to a large extent and the Vicmarc's are definitely very well engineered from what I've seen, not that the CL4 isn't, just that it's all relative!

Cheers,

Neil.

 

[cornucopia]

I was looking at the vl175 with a bed length of 1000mm which should be more than adequate for me. Not sure if the very rare times a longer bed than this would be needed would justify the added cost?. I`m very interested in comments folk have on any lathes really. I just want a well made and reliable one preferably with electronic variable speed (don`t we all) and have learnt over the years with other stuff that you certainly do get what you pay for. The CL4 looks quite a nice lathe and I`ve been very impressed with my Record bandsaw so that one might be in the offing but as I say open to anyones views and opinions !.
Regards
Steve

in that case then.......... what you need is a vb36 \/ :lol:

 

[gasmansteve]

Yeh right just need them six numbers on Saturday for that :lol:
Whats your lathe Corny?
I used to think that `the lathe maketh the bowl` but having a few turnings under me belt I realise its the bloke (or woman - bit of pc there!) holding the chisel thats more important. :wink:
Regards
Steve

 

[cornucopia]

Yeh right just need them six numbers on Saturday for that :lol:
Whats your lathe Corny?
I used to think that `the lathe maketh the bowl` but having a few turnings under me belt I realise its the bloke (or woman - bit of pc there!) holding the chisel thats more important. :wink:
Regards
Steve

why a vb36 of course 8) :twisted: :wink:

 

[gasmansteve]

£4,030.25 inc vat :shock: :shock: Nice touch the 25p bit I wonder what that buys ?. I don`t think SWMBO would be too chuffed if yours truly shelled out that for `another silly bloody hobby`

Steve

 

[boysie39]

Gasman, seems the problem is you brits being akward by having your bank holidays at different times than us. Anyway lathe arrived this morning ,it's a Nova 1624/44 have it all set up for tomorrow. Even I think I can turn something good on this little beaut.
I think it would be unfair to mention names as I will be buying from him again and I dont want to rock the boat. If I can help with any Info.about the lathe just ASK. All's well that ends well. REgards Boysie
PS Chas, I missed out on the new entrys ,have had a big clear out will update you for next one Boysie.