Cougar 400 EVS - thoughts

[Wigwood]

G'day all, I'm looking at buying a cougar 400 EVS and I have not been able to find a review. If you have used one what are your thoughts on it compared to similar lathes you have used? Thanks, I appreciate the advice.

[Drillit]

Hello Wigwood,
Best lathe value for money on the market. Excellent performer. Amazing torque.
Speak to John Ewart at Trend Timbers, Mulgrave. I am sure
he will confirm and add to what I have said. They may be prepared to give you his email address. Drillit.

[Uncle Al]

I bought one from Trend at the 2015 WWWS. I did a lot of homework comparing offerings from Carbatec, Hare & Forbes, SEQ Woodturning Supplies, Woodfast, Harvey and Laguna, and bought the Cougar. Very happy with it and the delivery / installation provided by Trend.
Yes, I would like a big Vicmarc or a Stubby, but value for money and practicality, the Cougar won out.
The 2hp motor was an important feature for me, and the drive pulley set-up ticked all the boxes from a power transmission point of view.
The only negative but not a deal breaker is that the spindle height may be a tad high, it can be overcome by removing the rubber adjusting feet on the cast iron stand, or use a platform.
I use a Woodfast 908 at the local woodies club which is a great lathe, but more than happy to go home to my Cougar.
Would I buy the same lathe again? Yes.

Good luck with your purchase.

Alan...

[martink]

I was doing some turning at the open day at Trend a couple of weekends ago, it was on the Cougar 400 and having lived with the lathe for a couple of days I was very pleased with it indeed. The one I was using was the same lathe that is used for the classes that John runs at Trend and it's seen a lot of use as well as being carted around for various woodwork shows. It's had a lot more wear and tear than you would ever give it and it never missed a beat. Bloody good lathe!

As just in case you are wondering, no I don't get paid by Trend nor did I get paid for the demo; the advice given is impartial.

[Faulko]

I have the 400. Got it two years ago ....aus dollar was worth more so lathe was bit cheaper than now i think.
So far so good. No complaints and am happy. My experience is that its been reliable and practical for my needs...mainly bowls, boxes and occasional spindles. Still learning really... vicmarc would be nice but i didnt have the budget. I researched to death. I found a review of what i think is the same lathe an axminster trade series lathe.

Axminster AT 1628VS Trade Lathe - Woodturning Magazine - woodworkersinstitute.com; (http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/wood-turning/kit-tools/machinery/lathes/axminster-at-1628vs-trade-lathe/)

Also Search youtube..i think mike waldt dId a review.

Good luck with the big decision.