looking for a new lathe

[dennisk]

First post down under. I am looking at getting into a new lathe and have narrowed it down to Robust American Beauty or the Steinert Gamma(depending on pricing, they are working it out now) I can get anything I want up here in Canada but was just wondering if anyone out there knows anything about the Gamma , or other Steinert models. Nothing against Vicmarc etc but any info would be much appreciated. Thanks Dk

[Jim Carroll]

Dk very little information on thoses lathes here down under.

Now Vicmarc we can help you with, one of the best lathes around the world and used by most of the demonstrators around the world.

[dennisk]

I agree the Vicmarc is a great lathe and you see it in shops like Glenn Lucas and they are pounding on them all day long, but I just thought I would like to look at something different. The Vicmarc dealer in Calgary is supposed to be bringing some in this summer. Who knows , I might end up with one, but it not on my short list right now.

[Sawdust Maker]

what about the Robust lathes? I didn't read that too well so I'd go the robust

or even the Stubby?

[hughie]

[and have narrowed it down to Robust American Beauty or the Steinert Gamma(depending on pricing,

dennisk

I would look at the Robust as the Steinert is very expensive and no doubt service in North America wont be as good as the local Robust.

[UlrichL]

Hi dennisk,

as a woodturner from Germany I can recommend the Steinert very much - it's without doubt a top-of-the-line lathe. I myself work on a Vicmarc VL300 - but the only reason, that I decided myself against one of our two leading manufacturers here in Germany - Steinert and Kreher -, is that none of both offered a short bed lathe. And since I mainly produce boxes and bowls I had no use (and no room either) for a large Steinert or Kreher. But so I can compare the Vicmarc directly to several Steinerts used by other turners in my neighbourhood. There are some features that I like more on the Steinert - for example the way the headstock is built and the fact that you can move and turn it. Other's I like more on my Vicmarc - for example the design of the toolrest. But in essence both lathes belong in my opinion to the same high-end-category, and it comes to personal preferences in details of the construction which will suit you more. What I can't judge is Steinert's service in Canada. But at least here in Germany Steinert is well renownded for it's perfect personal service.

Uli

[dennisk]

Thanks Uli, I was hoping to hear from someone with Steinert experience , so to speak. I have the quote for Steinert Gamma 300/1100 delivered to a city near me, and I am waiting for the finished quote from the Robust dealer. I think either one is top notch, as well as the Vicmarc and Oneway and Stubby, but it would be kind of nice to have something a little different than the others. That is why I have decided it will be one of these two. Either one looks to very good with slightly different features. I will keep you informed. ANy other info would be appreciated. Thanks DK

[Hardenfast]

I've never used one, but the Oneway also gets very high marks from all afficionados and it comes from up your way, Dennis. I have a friend in New York who has one and cannot be happier. They also have a great range of attachments & equipment to go with them. I was lucky enough that my friend sent me over one of their Wolverine sharpening jigs, and I use it every time I start the lathe up - which hasn't been very often of late.
Having said all that, it seems that our own Vicmarc and Omega/Stubby lathes have taken the turning world by storm, and are universally accepted as top-of the line for quality & performance. I don't think you would be unhappy with any of the brands mentioned here so far.
Nice to see that we live in a truly international environment now, where virtually any equipment can be sourced from any country. I've just purchased some specialised ornamental turning equipment from Lignotec in Sweden which has been custom-made to fit on the Australian Vicmarc. Looking forward to it arriving down here shortly.

Let us know how you go.

Regards. Wayne

[dennisk]

Thanks Wayne. What will the Lignotec equipment do? The rose engine kind of thing? Still dealing on both lathes and hope to make a decision in early April. Again, anyone out there with Steinert experience, front and centre!! Thanks again. DK

[Bill Wyko]

After a lot of research, I decided on the Powermatic 4224, it shipped yesterday. I just couldn't find a lathe maker that offered more for the price or had better support than Powermatic. You definitely want to go with a company that not only makes a quality lathe but also has a network of support. They've been around for about 90 years so they are here for the long run for sure and they have a network of service providers almost everywhere.

[brendan stemp]

Those Steinerts look very good. I want one!! Who in Canada supplies them. THe German website is all in German; damn inconsiderate of them.

[Pat]

Try this page

[dennisk]

Hi Brendan. There is no dealer in Canada for the Steinert, so I am emailing them in Germany. Yes, they do look to be quite the machine. Very impressed with the weight, bearings and design, and Roland Steinert has been quick to respond to all my questions. And such nice colours!!

[brendan stemp]

Thanks Pat. What is available on the web never ceases to amaze me.

[brendan stemp]

Hi Brendan. There is no dealer in Canada for the Steinert, so I am emailing them in Germany. Yes, they do look to be quite the machine. Very impressed with the weight, bearings and design, and Roland Steinert has been quick to respond to all my questions. And such nice colours!!

They don't seem to have dealers around the world, choosing only to retail in Germany. A pity. Once again, They look very impressive and I can only assume that because they are German made they are just as good as they look. Some of their add on features are excellent. I like their outrigger for their big lathe and the tool slide for doing accurate machining.

If you go for the Steinert please keep us informed. Shipping costs may kill the deal.