Sontax h1000

[Hors]

Trying to get some unbiased info about the above lathe. That has come up here/gumtree for sale

Any info greatly appreciated

Thanks

Garth

[Paul39]

Trying to get some unbiased info about the above lathe. That has come up here/gumtree for sale

Any info greatly appreciated

Thanks

Garth

If it is this one it looks good from this distance (+ - 3000 miles).

http://www.woodworkforums.com/f275/sontax-heavy-duty-h1000-wood-lathe-208934

It appears to have a Reeves drive variable speed, which when kept clean and lubricated work nicely. When not working well are tiresome.

http://www.master-pt.com/images/pdf/PULLEY_MPT.pdf

I like the cast iron bed, the gap bed is not terribly useful for bowls, especially if you use a chuck as it extends the bowl over the bed.

Assuming the lathe is in good working order, I think $350 is a good price for this much stuff. I would be sure to have the variable speed demonstrated, and then change back and forth fast to slow a few times yourself. If it changes smoothly you are good. The lathe must be running to change speeds. Have a look at the pulleys to see how well they are cared for.

Operate everything on the lathe, tail stock slide back and forth, run in and out, does it lock. Move tool rest and lock in position. Grab the spindle and push & pull sideways, it should not move. Run the lathe for 10 minutes then feel the headstock close to where the spindle comes out on both sides. Slightly warm to the touch or cooler is good. Stick the handle of a screwdriver into your ear and touch the end to the headstock near the front and back, you should her a humming whurring sound. Crunching noises are bad bearings.

If the lathe is of recent manufacture it is probably Chinese or Taiwanese. Both make many generic lathes that have different paint colors and brand names.

Think carefully about what you expect to turn on the lathe. Center hight, distance from the bed to the center of the spindle times 2 is the swing, the biggest bowl you can make. Working outboard you will need a tool rest, either bought or made.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1440&bih=748&q=wood+turning+outboard+tool+rest&oq=wood+turning+outboard+tool+rest&gs_l=img.12...4119.19280.0.22944.33.16.0.17.1.0.231.2678.0j13j3.16.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..0.16.2557...0j0i10k1j0i8i10i30k1j0i8i30k1j0i10i24k1j0i24k1.ltLI0pPvyz0

I like the kind that attach to the lathe and extend to the floor.

I hope the above helps.

[Paul39]

I found this: Sontax (http://sontax.com.au/)

I would not be afraid of the lathe if it is in good working condition.

I also found a reference of Sontax tools made in India.

There are a bunch of Sontax brand tools sold in the US.

[Hors]

Lathe has been sold (I think) have to be quicker next time. Would prefer a VICMARC will just keep looking.

[Willy Nelson]

Ha Ha, Everyone would prefer a Vicmarc, IMO
Cheers
Willy


Lathe has been sold (I think) have to be quicker next time. Would prefer a VICMARC will just keep looking.

[Paul39]

Lathe has been sold (I think) have to be quicker next time. Would prefer a VICMARC will just keep looking.


So would I prefer a $350 Vicmarc. I found a $850 20 year old short bed, 20 inch swing Woodfast that gives up nothing to a Vicmarc.