New Lathe [Archive] - Woodwork Forums

Gabriel

8th June 2016, 11:39 PM

Hey Folks,

Bit of a boast here, but heck....I'm happy reading about others latest additions so here is mine.
I have often mentioned to the lovely wife that for my 40th, I'll need a bigger lathe. I'm a big believer in doing things the right way, so was eyeing off a big blue machine to keep me out of trouble (hopefully for life). The fact that they’re Australian made, highly respected and from what I hear, bulletproof meant that it was going to be a worthwhile investment. I was setting myself to go for a 240, but hadn’t tried a swivel head lathe to date. When I brought this up at the monthly GTG, Bob (OldGreyBeard) was very quick to invite me to his shop to test one out, figure out the pros and cons etc. I have also been contacted by a few other members with the same offer so am quite grateful for everyones help, and apart from curiosity, I wont be needing advice on swivel head lathes anymore.

Here is where the plot thickens –

I noticed Jim Carroll had posted about a Stubby being for sale at his local club. I asked the wife if she fancied a trip to Geelong to look at a lathe? She looked at me, said it was still 4 years till my 40th. Then, without pause, she said “if it’s the right one then just get it”.

After a couple of pm’s I got the details (MASSIVE thanks to Jim), drove right round Port Phillip Bay (basically Frankston to Portarlington) and am now a proud owner of a Stubby 750!! The fellow I bought it off was a really great guy. He is downsizing currently, and the thought of lifting 50kg+ logs onto the lathe doesn’t really appeal to him anymore. This being the case, he also threw in a few large blanks he would no longer need. So with a ute full of lathe and timber, I tripped back home…..

I Have had to get rid of the ‘workbench’ (an eBay workshop table – too big and too short) to fit it in the shed, and EVERYTHING has been shoved to one end to make room but it fits. I’ve had it running for about 40 mins to make sure its up and running ok. The centres (headstock to tailstock) are spot on, everything slides freely (bit of surface rust but nothing a bit of steel wool won’t fix) and I’m in awe of the engineering that has gone into this piece of machinery.

Those that haven’t heard of/seen one of these before, there isn’t a great deal of info online, but a google search of Omega Stubby 750 with images shows a few shots of just how versatile this beast is.

I know a lot of members have mentioned that there are only so many large platters/bowls etc that are useful to make, but I would prefer to have the ability and not need it than the other way around. The main points I’m looking forward to on this lathe are:

· EVS – mainly a very slow speed so I can try my hand at thread chasing and no more changing belts!!!
· Huge mass (sure beats the 100kg concrete bags sitting on my jet 1220 to keep it steady)
· Bowls larger than 270mm (12 inch swing on the jet but by the time you true it up). 750 is MASSIVE and I’m sure I’ll try it once, but I’m not always a believer in bigger is better
· Giving some hollow forms a crack (nothing too big to start)

I know this lathe is shooting well above my pay grade, and I am going to work my butt off to produce some worthy work with it, just give me time (patience and timber also help!!)
Here are a few shots in all its glory. Now just to get the dust extractor set back up (one of the things that had to move, will build a small room outside the shed insulated for noise to house it on the weekend) and get turning!!

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I do have one question. At low revs, there is a very high pitched squeal coming from the headstock. I am pretty sure its just a case of a bit of oil in the right spot or something and I’m hoping its not requiring a bunch of new bearings or anything…..Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Cheers all!!
Gab

P.S. My pen mandrel looks bloody small on here, should I keep the 1220 (belt changing does get annoying though) for pens, or move it on to help get someone else bitten by the turning bug!!

Nubsnstubs

9th June 2016, 12:15 AM

Gabriel, you're gonna loike the bigger is better lathe. Congratulations on having an understanding wife plus getting the Stubby. You will notice after turning several pieces over 16", when you put something between centers that is 12" and under, it's gonna look real small....... Jerry (in Tucson)

Paul39

9th June 2016, 01:38 PM

Gabriel,

Congratulations on the like new looking lathe. You also picked the right wife.

I do have one question. At low revs, there is a very high pitched squeal coming from the headstock. I am pretty sure its just a case of a bit of oil in the right spot or something and I’m hoping its not requiring a bunch of new bearings or anything…..Can anyone point me in the right direction?

It may be the electronic variable speed.

While running with the squeal, put a screwdriver tip on the casting close to where the spindle comes out on both sides, stick the handle in your ear. You should hear a rumble. Do the same where the electronics are located. If the squeal is more pronounced there, turn the speed up, see if there is change and if it goes away. If it is the electronics, I would not be concerned. To ease your mind you could call the previous owner and / or Stubby.

Very nice lathe!

If there is a belt, it may be the belt slipping.

hughie

9th June 2016, 07:30 PM

Well thats a fine lathe and it looks to be in very good condition. :2tsup:

I have a question about the EVS does it maintain the power at low revs? Just curious I have a friend with one and his EVS does not hold the power at low revs.

doug3030

9th June 2016, 08:38 PM

Nice find , Gab :2tsup:

smiife

9th June 2016, 08:49 PM

Hi gab, very nice piece of machinery , well worth the trip
Looks great, happy turning :2tsup:

Jim Carroll

9th June 2016, 08:51 PM

Glad to see it all set up, Mick was pleased it was going to a good home.

The squealing down low is generally an electronic noise, a slight adjustment up speed it should reduce or go away.

Gabriel

9th June 2016, 09:12 PM

You also picked the right wife.

Congratulations on having an understanding wife

Gents, You have both hit the nail on the head. She is usually the one standing over my shoulder encouraging me to make purchases. My guess is that she knows how much I look into most things before making a decision, so don't tend to regret them (including my choice of partner)

I have a question about the EVS does it maintain the power at low revs?

I just zipped out to the shed and at the lower revs, I can stop the lathe running by gripping the chuck with a bit of force. I'd say that after about 100 rpm I'm not game to check by hand. If it does stop regularly at low revs I'll remember to shoot you a PM to let you know.

I tried the screwdriver test (it didn't feel awkward at all) and I'd say that both you and Jim are right, its in the EVS. after turning up the speed it disappears so I'll just have to turn things FAST!!

As soon as I get time to get some real turning done I'll start posting more pictures.

Thanks all for the wishes......if only there wasn't noise restrictions I'd be out there now

Cheers
Gab

Simplicity

9th June 2016, 10:37 PM

Nice score
Gab very nice
I thought you were talking at the gtg about it being years away not just days for a bigger lathe.
So now we know how fast you can move
Let's see what it really is capable off.
Can't wait to see some huge pens coming of it lol.

Matt