Thread: Which lathe

I'm not fussy, I have Nova, Vicmarc & Woodfast in my shed! Generally lathes are pretty good these days but there are some shockers and also some "Rolls Royce" machines out there too.

All of my lathes have done what I have expected of them, even the little Nova Mercury can handle a reasonable bowl out board if you are sensible. The VL100 & VL150 are definitely a step up in quality with the VL150 being a dream machine for the majority of my work. However my 1992 Woodfast MC908 repowered with the Woodfast M910 EVS is also a dream to use.

To be honest the turning world has moved on significantly from the designs like the Record CL3, they are dated, they develop harmonic vibrations with the twin rail bed design & they have other issues - eg the dated headstock bearing design. But at the price they appear attractive for an EVS lathe of that capacity. Frankly don't be tempted.

I have turned on a range of Woodfasts and Vicmarcs and the current offerings in both camps are pretty good. The Nova DVR's are also OK but they have some issues particularly with the banjo & lathe bed design which significantly affect bowl turners.

Pretty hard to go past a Vicmarc VL240 these days if you have the dollars. I would also be looking seriously at the Woodfast M910 but they have significantly increased in price in the last few years. Not much more & you have a VL300.

With your $3k budget I would be looking at a VL150 unless you really wish to turn larger bowls & platters. Plenty of turners are very happy with lathes like this W387 | WL-46A Electronic Variable Speed Wood Lathe | For Sale Sydney Brisbane Melbourne Perth | Buy Workshop Equipment & Machinery online at machineryhouse.com.au

Hi Chika,

Just to reinforce the previous comments I had a record CL3 and it was fine for sanding and finishing bowls, even quite large ones, but was not sturdy enough for roughing them out or the actual turning. The 2 40mm diameter steel rods that form the bed seem VERY solid but they start to wobble very easily when there is a good size out of balance blank on that small 3/4" headstock thread. I upgraded to a Leady short bed lathe and have just purchased a Durden Top Turn 400 which is an old lathe but very similar to the Vicmarc in quality and weight. You will not be disappointed with the Vicmarc.

Cheers,

Steve