Lathe Power

[Ken Furminger]

Hi All
I am new to the forum and any forum for that matter but would appreciate any thoughts on upgrading from a Record CL2 3 speed which I have had for 9 years.
I am split between an eastern made lathe with 1.5 Hp, variable speed and heavy cast base and a Hegner 200XL with 1Hp and no base.
Will the Hegner be powerful enough for Bowl turning ?
Any thoughts appreciated
Cheers

 

[Russell]

You will need the power turning things at low speeds especially anything that is out of balance. Which eastern made lathe if its the big Fox then it has plenty of power. 1HP for me is not enough power and was a big consideration when I upgraded from a Record CL4 (1HP)

 

[PowerTool]

Hello Ken,and welcome to the forum
I agree with Russell - more power is always better (all other things being similar,I would go for whichever has the bigger motor)

Andrew

 

[Blister]

Depends on your budget

Nova DVR 2hp

or this on Ebay

link

Look in very good condition

 

[CHJ]

Welcome to the forum Ken, obviously the higher power motor the better if you need rapid material removal for production turning, but beware of just plain wattage/Hp ratings quoted for some machines, the method of electronic/mechanical speed control (the sophistication of the invertors) and the pulley gearing can have a huge effect on the delivered power at the spindle.
Just because the quoted power consumption is greater does not mean that the available power at any given speed is automatically better.

 

[Argee]

Chas is absolutely right. I have the Hegner and I am delighted with its performance and power. It has electronically-variable speed over three belt ranges, thus maintaining the torque. Belt changing takes all of ten seconds.

The speed range is 90 - 3,800 RPM. I've turned some very large bowls on it. You won't stall it if you use the correct pulley range for the task instead of relying totally on the VS. I made my own bench for it, using the manufacturer's leg kit (full story here). HTH

Ray.

 

[Paul.J]

Hello Ken and welcome
Dare i say,Hegner gets my vote too. :shock:
Paul.J.

 

[CHJ]

....Will the Hegner be powerful enough for Bowl turning ?
Any thoughts appreciated
Cheers

Well if you keep your tools sharp and a reasonable technique even a Perform CCL can tackle large stuffif you are not in too much of a hurry, and that only has a very unsophisticated 550watt motor.

 

[Bodrighy]

I am finding (with a perform) that my biggest restriction is not the power but the lack of a speed low enough for big or unbalanced stuff. As Chas says, sharp tools and practice you can make a bowl on anything. Pole lathes are not exactly overpowered are they? :lol:

 

[TEP]

Mornin' Ken.

IMO size of lathe motors are all relative. How big do you want to turn? I've turned a 22" x 5" bowl on a 1hp lathe and it copped very well. All that it requires is that you cut properly and watch how the motor performs. If it slows take two cuts instead of one. Although I have watched a few people who can't seem to control their cutting hand, and they do need a heavy motor. :lol:

If you want to turn big all the time them obviously a bigger lathe/motor is called for. Or if you want to rip the piece into shape quickly then again you need a big motor. Really you need to try and decide what size you want to turn, then choose accordingly.

IMO I don't think many of us need to go over a 1hp machine. Unless you have a huge store of massive blanks of course. :wink:

 

[Ken Furminger]

Hello All
I have gotten away from the decorating to say thanks for the advice, I think I will try a bid for the Apollo that Blister mentioned I looked at it before but I know nothing of Apollo do any of you ?
Failing that it will be a Hegner, every body who has used one reckons the quality is great and after a CL2 I am sure the power will be OK. Using a bowl saver on a CL2 definitely teaches you patience and how to make the most of what you have got.
Thanks again.

 

[Blister]

Have you looked at this

A very beefed up Apollo Professional lathe for sale.

Built by Apollo specifically for Reg. Sherwin in 1995. 10 feet between centres. Swing over bed, 17" (43cm).
36+" (915cm) swing from the front with headstock swivelled, built in pull out bar in position and supplied floor support in place.
Inverter driven 2hp three phase motor. Speed range through 4 step polly vee pulleys, zero to 2680 r.p.m.
Overall length 13'6" (4.12 mtrs). Total height 21 1/4" (54cm), measured from foot of lathe risers. Spindle thread 1 1/2" x 6 (Graduate) 2mt both ends.
Many extras. Has taken 15.5 stones (217kg) between centres.

******************************

Offers in the region of £900.00.

******************************

Reason for sale? Downsizing!!

Contact Reg. Sherwin. 01527 876800 (Bromsgrove, Worcestershire)

or [email protected] Callers by appointment only.


If its good enough for Reg :wink: :wink: :wink:

 

[Blister]

This is the contact details

Apollo Lathes
100 Stone Road
Toftwood
Dareham Norfolk
NR19 1LJ, UK
Phone UK 01362 693515

 

[Ken Furminger]

Hi
Yes I saw the big Apollo but I would need a bigger garage 13' 6" long!
that realy is a serious lathe.
Thanks
Ken

 

[Blister]

Ken, is that you thats put a bid on it :wink: