new sherwood lathe ?

[tonysa]

Hi all

has anyone had a chance to feast their eyes on the new Sherwood MC-660 lathe ?

From Timbecon's website it sounds like a good starter model, with improvements on the MC1100, but no piccy. Good thing is its in my price range (if I make my own stand)

Might have to invest in one at the july woodies show in adelaide if its any good, thats if I can wait until then LOL.

Cheers

Tony

[hooppine]

Saw the latest of most things yesterday at the Working With Wood Show in Brisbane yesterday and did look at the new Sherwood lathes. No the shows do not start in Sydney as I read on this site the other day. I do believe that this is the start of a change in this type of lathe. The other brands similar to this type of lathe, the Hare and Forbes and the Carba-Tec MC900 and MC1100 are being sold off with BIG discounts so this Sherwood machine with the motor in the right place(not up your nose near the chuck) is the way to go. As usual walked away from the show with empty pockets and itchy fingers. I would suggest to anyone wanting a new lathe if they are short of ready cash there are bargains around in lathes but for others I believe that there are good changes ahead in the MC900 and MC1100 size so a little wait may prove worthwhile.

Cheers from the Sunshine State

[smidsy]

It's hard to compare the new lathe with the MC1100 since Timbecon don't have any specs for it on their website yet.

I have say though that based on looks I don't like it - the tail stock on the thing looks very wimpy.

The one bad point about the MC 900/1100 is the motor positioning but this is not a major issue.

Without knowing the motor specs, but given the look of the tail stock on the 660, if I was looking for a lathe now I would get an 1100 - especially if they're available at run out prices.

Something else to think about is the stand - these lathes need to be mounted good and solid so building a stand is not a 5 minute job.

Attached is a pic of the 660.

Cheers
Paul

[tonysa]

appreciate the feedback

must admit the 660 does look more in keeping with other makes re positioning of the motor

timbecon site now has specs online the only difference that I can see in the specs is max diam bowl size and distance netween centres.

MC1100
Motor Size 1hp (750W)
Spindle speeds 500-2000rpm
Headstock type Swivel sliding
Thread size 1in x 10tpi
Morse taper size 2MT
Max. diam. Bowl (over bed) 14” (352mm)
Distance between centres 43” (1100mm)


MC660
Motor Size: 1hp (750W)
Spindle speeds: 500 - 2000rpm
Headstock type: Swivel, sliding
Thread size: 1in x 10tpi
Morse taper size: 2MT
Max. diam. Bowl (over bed): 16” (406mm)
Distance between centres: 46” (1170mm

I see what you're saying about the tail stock smidsy.

what sort of discounts we talking here hooppine, eg on the MC1100. I don't mind saving a few dollars, can put towards good chuck, tools, finish etc


cheers
tony