Help - Please!

[crissy]

Been away (travels) for last three months and am now wanting to get a new lathe.
I've been looking at;
1. A Sherwood KC-1643 at $ 2999.00
2. A Woodfast M910 at $ 3700.00

While the Woodfast seems more substantial, there's some things I like about the Sherwood. I would appreciate some feedback about either of these machine and perhaps some-one is game enough to post their recommendation.
I would also appreciate some suggestions about other machines that I could be looking at which would 'fill the bill'.
Thanks in anticipation, Crissy

[Grumpy John]

Hi Crissy, I haven't used either of those lathes but I would go for the Woodfast. Another lathe to consider in that price range is the Jet 1642. I have one and can recommend it without hesitation.

[Jim Carroll]

Another one to consider if you are in the price range is the Vicmarc VL175 (http://cws.au.com/shop/item/vicmarc-vl175-stand-mount-evs-11kw) has all the features and a swivel head.

[Texian]

Crissy,
Like Grumpy have not used either of the lathes you mentioned but also have a Jet 1642 with which I'm well satisfied. Do not know the recent retail price there. Many U.S. turners must be satisfied with their 1642's as I have rarely, if ever, seen a complaint about one.

[Sawdust Maker]

how about a Teknatool as here (http://www.trendtimbers.com.au/index.php?id=69)
or here (http://www.cws.au.com/shop/category/7558)

[hughie]

Another one to consider if you are in the price range is the Vicmarc VL175 (http://cws.au.com/shop/item/vicmarc-vl175-stand-mount-evs-11kw) has all the features and a swivel head.[

Good advice.

But think about what you want to turn and where you be likely to go to in the future. Then take your budget and look around.

[issatree]

Hi Crissy,

I'll stick my neck out, & say VL175,( Vicmarc, made in QLD. ) then the Jet 1642 Crissy.
I also hope you are leaning to Variable Speed, as this makes one heck of a difference.
A bit more money, but you will not be disappointed.
Regards,
issatree.
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[Grumpy John]

Hi Crissy, one of the features I most like about the Jet is that the headstock slides along the table allowing you to turn from the end of the lathe. Very handy on bowls, where you sometimes find yourself "reaching over" the lathe if you turn from the front of the lathe. I notice that the Sherwood also has a sliding headstock, as well as some other nice features: 3 speed pulley arrangement and magnetized safety switch for convenient placement (very handy). Ask at the store if you can have "a go" on any lathe you are interested in, also ask if they can put you in touch with anyone who has purchased one. If they have nothing to hide this should not be a problem.

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[Grumpy John]

Crissy, I just noticed this (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f221/lathe-sale-102747/) thread and I am wondering why you sold a perfectly good Vicmarc, you say "it is not your scene". If by this you mean wood turning, I hope you're not wasting our time.

[crissy]

Grumpy John, Below is the post you sent in January in response to my sale notice for my Vicmarc 850.
Crissy, I just noticed this (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f221/lathe-sale-102747/) thread and I am wondering why you sold a perfectly good Vicmarc, you say "it is not your scene". If by this you mean wood turning, I hope you're not wasting our time.<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
At that time I had been badly cheated by a Vicmarc agent trying to pass off to me a used lathe VL300 short bed, ten (10) months old of a lesser standard than the current model. He eventually refused to return any part of my $1000.00 deposit paid. Furthermore, Vicmarc in Brisbane refused to intercede or help in any way.
Little wonder I said something like; "It is not my Scene".
But the 'game' has come back to haunt me and I have today, ordered my new lathe. Thanks again for your guidance and help.
Crissy - not what you think.