General Category > General Discussion
First Proper Lathe - Vicmarc, Stratos ?
Gibletz:
--- Quote from: Redwill on December 24, 2023, 03:15:38 PM ---You have some good advice here, Think about what you want the lathe to do, Headstock that swivels has not been mentioned . Vicmarcs are great lathes The 300 being the top of the range but it has a fixed head I believe but it would not put me off.
!0 years ago a bought a Vicmarc VL175 ( used), It has not missed a beat but I wish I had done more homework as it was not long before I realised that more clearance over the bed would have been better for me. A large lathe will turn small items but a small lathe will not do the big stuff is very true thing the many turners will say.
Good luck with whatever you choose but be sure it is right for what you want to turn
--- End quote ---
yes the headstock swivel is one thing making my decision hard but to be honest I have never turned the headstock I have and if I have enough swing, I cant see myself needing it, especially with that vicmarc which comes with the outboard attachment.
it mainly comes down to not really knowing what i want or need. I have been doing it for 2 years and probably made about 60 bowls, some boxes and eggcups etc etc and thats no problem but almost all the wood I use is green and my current lathe struggles with it because of the weight and imbalance.
I just want something good with speed control and I dont wanna have to buy another one so I need it to last 30 years or so ;)
Bill21:
I’m not sure but I think it may have been Stuart Batty that said he didn’t like lathes with swivelling heads? I’m not keen on the concept either. My ideal lathe if I had the space would be a Powermatic 4224B but it would be overkill for what I do.
Paul Hannaby:
Swivel head lathes are fine as long as there is a simple positive alignment to get the spindle and tailstock in line again. Swivel head gives the advantage of larger capacity for bowls and platters and for hollowing, a more comfortable position rather than having to work along the bed.
Bill21:
That’s fine in principle but from the number of comments I’ve seen online, not in practice. Axminster even sell a tool to realign the head and tailstock.
https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-lathe-alignment-centre-2mt-102427
A far better solution is a lathe head that just slides along the bed. It allows over size turning (with an extension) without losing alignment with the tailstock. Several companies make such extensions.
BrianH:
Referencing Bills picture above I avoided parting with too much hard- earned by having 3 heavy steel tubes welded into a free standing tool rest. The only swing restriction with this arrangement is the building itself. My aging bones now avoid such heavyweight work so If anyone would like to make me an offer for it I'm situated on Norfolks East Coast.
Brian
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