Woodfast M400 - How much should I pay 2nd hand?

[m_j]

Hi,

I'm looking at maybe buying a second hand Woodfast M400 woodlathe (short bench) from my high school, but I can find next to no information of how much they would be worth nowadays.

I'd guess its about 10-15 years old, but it runs fine, and doesn't seem to be damaged in any way.

How much do you think I should pay for it. I have no idea whatsoever...

Thanks,
M

[Jim Carroll]

As little as possible.
To find the age of the lathe look at the end of the bed casting as the manufacture date is usually stamped there.
You may also have to convert the motor and switch gear as most school equipment is 3 phase. Unless you have 3 phase at home that will not be a problem.

The lathes are usually in good nick and you can usually pick up a few accessories to go with it.

[m_j]

Cool, thanks.

I'll try and get more info on the manufacture date and motor.

:2tsup:

[LuckyDuck]

Hi M:

My woodfast lathe is from a similar era (I bought it in 1990) and is a magnificent machine. While you should get it for "as little as possible", it is such a good machine I would consider paying "good money" for it.

For your information, I payed $3200 for the machine in 1990, with modest accessories. Considering price changes, and the advent of off-shore production of most machinery, the old woodfasts are worth plenty.

What would I pay for your lathe, assuming it is in good nick (minimal rust, no run-out, etc.) as you say? Anything less than a grand would be a bargain, but I would be inclinded to go right up to the grand mark. Is this too much? Perhaps. But it is a fine lathe too!

[m_j]

Turns out the lathe is indeed three-phase...

[scooter]

mj, welcome :)

Do a search back through the woodturning forum, there has been some discussion on electronic gadgetry that "adapts" a 3phase powered lathe to single phase, and adds variable speed & other niceties into the bargain.

Can't remember the proper name, hopefully someone else will chime in. Phase converter or somesuch.

Edit: VSD (variable speed drive), VFD (variable frequency drive) or inverter - see threads here (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=35808&highlight=phase+variable)& here (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=35768&highlight=phase+variable)here (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=42300&highlight=phase+variable)& here (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=37452&highlight=phase+variable)


Cheers.....................Sean