Woodfast Woodlathe Model MC908 - Manual

[larwag]

Recently retired and inherited my father-in-laws Woodfast Woodlathe Model MC908 lathe. Desire to learn turning and how to operate this machine. In reading past posts I realize this could be a "vintage" machine. Does anyone have any info on how to obtain the Owners/Users Manuals? Thank you, Larry

[orraloon]

Google sent me back to this forum. This thread about 7th post down.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/woodfast-mc908-manual-115474

Regards
John

[NeilS]

See my post here (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/woodfast-bl-300-a-227154#post2134167).

[Mobyturns]

The owners/users manual for a Woodfast Woodlathe Model MC908 lathe won't be of significant assistance to learn turning. A wood lathe is a pretty basic machine, its the accessories and their safe use on a wood lathe that is more important. It is also far from a "vintage" machine, and will hold its own in build quality against the big names and is far superior in quality to the Asian generics. An update with a quality EVS upgrade will be a very good investment. Certainly well worth the effort to refurbish.

My advice is to purchase Keith Rowley's excellent books and to view Stuart Batty's videos on wood turning. https://vimeo.com/showcase/2603933

[Paul39]

I second Mobyturns' advice above. If you could get a couple hours or more of instruction by a competent turner, it would save weeks of trial and error. I am 79 and started turning about 11 years ago, using a small Chinese metal lathe and sharpened screw drivers and bench chisels, and lots of trial and error.

I have a short bed 20 inch swing Woodfast of the same vintage as yours. It is a wonderful lathe. Your lathe is of the quality of a new $2000 lathe.

Welcome to the addiction.

[larwag]

Google sent me back to this forum. This thread about 7th post down.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/woodfast-mc908-manual-115474

Regards
John

Thanks John for the web address...Larry

[larwag]

Appreciate your info and encouragement...Larry
QUOTE=Mobyturns;2140531]
The owners/users manual for a Woodfast Woodlathe Model MC908 lathe won't be of significant assistance to learn turning. A wood lathe is a pretty basic machine, its the accessories and their safe use on a wood lathe that is more important. It is also far from a "vintage" machine, and will hold its own in build quality against the big names and is far superior in quality to the Asian generics. An update with a quality EVS upgrade will be a very good investment. Certainly well worth the effort to refurbish.

My advice is to purchase Keith Rowley's excellent books and to view Stuart Batty's videos on wood turning. https://vimeo.com/showcase/2603933
[/QUOTE]

[NeilS]

Woodfast stamped the manufacture year date on the very end of the bed (on the tailstock end of the rail, not on top of ways). That bit of information will be useful in addition to model number if you are ever after spare parts, etc.

Larry, does your lathe have a variable speed control knob?

I've owned a few Woodfasts. All good lathes.

Even better if inherited!

[larwag]

Yes it does,also three different diameter pulleys which also changes speed.
Woodfast stamped the manufacture year date on the very end of the bed (on the tailstock end of the rail, not on top of ways). That bit of information will be useful in addition to model number if you are ever after spare parts, etc.

Larry, does your lathe have a variable speed control knob?

I've owned a few Woodfasts. All good lathes.

Even better if inherited!

[larwag]

I second Mobyturns' advice above. If you could get a couple hours or more of instruction by a competent turner, it would save weeks of trial and error. I am 79 and started turning about 11 years ago, using a small Chinese metal lathe and sharpened screw drivers and bench chisels, and lots of trial and error.

I have a short bed 20 inch swing Woodfast of the same vintage as yours. It is a wonderful lathe. Your lathe is of the quality of a new $2000 lathe.

Welcome to the addiction.

[NeilS]

Yes it does,also three different diameter pulleys which also changes speed.

OK, so quite similar to the current Woodfast.

https://www.cwsonline.com.au/shop/item/woodfast-m910-lathe

Yours probably has a 1/2 HP less power and less swing over bed, but otherwise very similar. You are unlikely to need any better. Those lathers have been in constant use in schools and trade training colleges over many decades, so you are unlikely to wear it out by yourself anytime soon.

Currently the Woodfast M910 is selling for $4,000 new (ie in A$). You probably also got some chucks and turning tools with the lathe, so you have done well.

As suggested by the others, get some lessons from a competent wood turner. It will ensure you are learning the right skills (bad habits are hard to unlearn). It will also accelerate your skill level development, decrease your frustration levels along the way and increase your overall satisfaction. As you didn't have to buy the lathe you can perhaps afford the cost of some tuition.

[Fryers]

Not sure if you found the manual. I tried to attach it here as a PDF file.

Cheers,

Fryers

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