Thread: Best lathe for under $5,000

Hi Jodie,
As a suggestion, try a local woodturning group. If it's like mine, they have a few different brands (Vicmarc, Omega Stubby, Woodfast,...) and models of lathes and you could see which set-up you prefer.
Also perhaps consider what your budget could buy if second-hand is an option.
I have a Vicmarc 175, which has a stand, EVS and the swivel head and it's quite solid.
Happy hunting!
phil

Originally Posted by Jodie

Hi, pretty new to the forum, hi! I’ve been turning for about a year, mainly bowls, pens, vases etc. I have a Sherwood 350x510 induction. I am loving turning and looking to upgrade with a budget of up to $5k. Like the idea of outboard or swivel head stock just not sure how ‘secure’ the head is, advice would be appreciated. I also would like it to come on legs / base so I can make space on the work bench and EVS.
Vicmarc, Woodfast, Laguna, Sherwood, Record… help please, I have googled and searched this forum but not having much luck getting a nudge in the right direction. Thank you.

"Bowls, pens, vases etc." doesn't really give any indication of the scale / size of the bowls & vases you like to turn and that will define the swing over bed & length you will require.

The Woodfast M910 is in your price range and offers a huge scope for turning projects.

Most of the Vicmarcs exceed your budget however the VL150 including a stand and perhaps an extension bed & stand (if you require more bed length) makes it easily and is an exceptional lathe if it has the capacity for your bowls. I have the V1 version and reckon its the Rolls Royce of "midi" lathes.

There are plenty of other lathes within your budget, though I do not have first hand experience with them.

Other options include second hand. There are some nice 6 speed and mechanical variable speed VL200's about if you are prepared to upgrade them to EVS.

Welcome Jodie

I had a Taiwanese made import with cast stand EVS and headstock that was movable and swiveled. Loved it. The only problem was when the EVS broke down and getting parts was difficult (it did coercive with the start of Covid). I had to sell up to move interstate or I would still have it.
My take home was that the swivel and movable head was very solid on most of the new EVS machines. Look for a solid stand. Heavy is awkward to handle but great to use. Look for Australian maker or a major brand and ask about parts and repairs.
I am now turning on a Vicmarc at my new Men’s Shed. I would find it hard to go past a Vicmarc or Woodfast if I ever get a workshop big enough for a lathe again!

I put the following thread together twelve months ago, so the prices may be out of date now.

Larger lathes currently available here in Australia

The following 2nd hand one over in Buy and Sell, which is in your price range, may still be available. Located at Paynesville, Vic.

Vicmarc vl 300 long bed

Originally Posted by plt43

Hi Jodie,
As a suggestion, try a local woodturning group. If it's like mine, they have a few different brands (Vicmarc, Omega Stubby, Woodfast,...) and models of lathes and you could see which set-up you prefer.
Also perhaps consider what your budget could buy if second-hand is an option.
I have a Vicmarc 175, which has a stand, EVS and the swivel head and it's quite solid.
Happy hunting!
phil

thanks Phil, my local had closed about 12 months ago, just as I was discovering the fun but you inspired me to look a local one up again and they have just moved so I’m going to get in touch, thank you.

Thanks Mobyturns, I am still new to turning so I am not sure where I am going to end up with it so I am a bit ambiguous and not specific enough, I know. I am just keen to invest in something that I won’t want to upgrade in another year or so. Thank you for your advice and input.

Thanks Bruce, yes, I am keen to go with a local brand or at least a common / major brand. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Thanks Neil, your two links are very helpful. The secondhand link is very interesting, I will get the specs and see if I could fit it in my garage... Looks like it is good value though very large, I am sure the car would be happy enough in t he driveway. Thank you!

Originally Posted by Jodie

Thanks Neil, your two links are very helpful. The secondhand link is very interesting, I will get the specs and see if I could fit it in my garage... Looks like it is good value though very large, I am sure the car would be happy enough in t he driveway. Thank you!

You'll not grow out of the VL300... Bare in mind it is bare bones. So unless you have all the chucks and such to fit expect to pay another grand, probably much more if you want outboard turning...

Hi Jodie if you consider 2nd hand you will then have funds left over to buy more tools an goodies etc. Now the basic law of wood turning is that whatever you spend on the lathe in time this will be dwarfed by all the other purchases.