Draper wood lathe

[hurcorh]

Hi all. I've struggled to find much info on these lathes seems like they are more popular in the UK.
There is one listed locally on gumtree at the moment I might go and check out but thought i'd see if anyone has had experience with one.

It is listed as a WTL-90

1/2 HP variable speed
30cm turning diameter and 815mm turning length.
Headstock can be rotated.

I mostly want a lathe for Table legs, smaller bowls and turning things like salt/pepper grinders, etc.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
Edit: This will be my first lathe purchase.

[hughie]

There may be some who are similar with this lathe. If you could post a few pics it would help in the assessment.

http://www.drapertools.com/products/manuals/39042ins.pdf

this might help

[hurcorh]

413796413795

[joe greiner]

Except for the spindle thread (3/4-16) and MT1, that lathe is identical to the MC900 and HF34706 (1-8 and MT2), which I have had for several years.

The MC900 is a better choice, with its larger MT2 - more accessories available.

In either case, the tool rest extension is an accident in waiting. Also in either case it's imperative to lubricate the motor and spindle shafts to avoid seizing of the speed-change mechanism.

Cheers,
Joe

[hughie]

Generic mechanical variable speed check the vee belt and make the variable speed pullies can move along the shaft smoothly

[Treecycle]

Much the same as this (https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/W382) except this one has a more robust No.2 MT and a bigger more common spindle thread of 1" x 10.
As Joe says, don't like the tool rest extension, but it can be used without that.

[Dalboy]

There are many names put on this lathe and some with different thread size and morse taper. many here in the UK started with a similar lathe and most have moved on to better ones, having said that many said that it was a good lathe for them when they started.

I have seen them with names like Axminster (http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-awvsl1000-woodturning-lathe-sk100-woodturning-starter-package-package-deal-717925), Scheppach (http://www.screwfix.com/p/scheppach-lata-5-0-woodturning-lathe-240v/8171r), Charnwood (http://www.poolewood.co.uk/product/charnwood-woodturning-lathe-w870/) and as you have seen Draper I am sure there are more.

If you decide to go for it make sure you can buy accessories for the thread and morse taper sizes that are easily available in your neck of the world.

I started with a draper Lathe the WTL100 which was a different design to that one and it saw me out until I changed it.

[Paul39]

As others have said the tool rest extension is apt to break in use. The variable speed Reeves Drive works well as long as it is kept clean and lightly oiled. When it does not work right it causes much hand wringing and bitter cursing.

Speed can be changed only while motor is running. Turn on the lathe and cycle from slow to fast and back several times to be sure it moves easily and without slipping or making any funny noises. Smell of hot rubber is not good, belt is slipping. Set on slow and let run a while, repeat for medium, and fast.

If you can see the pulleys working while changing speed, have a look. Check the condition of the belt. Changing it can be tiresome. The cast iron bed is good. If the lathe is in good working order it should do what you want. Compare price with similar looking lathes, only with cast iron beds. Square or round tube bed lathes flex under stress and make it hard to do good work.

[hurcorh]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. Very much appreciated. I'm in no rush so happy to wait for the right lathe to pop up if needed.

[Sturdee]

Check the condition of the belt. Changing it can be tiresome.

Changing the belt is easy, a 5 minute job and no grease on your hands if you follow the link in my post (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/replacing-belts-reeves-pulley-type-lathe-180883) on it. I have two of those type of lathes and never had any problems with them.


Peter.