Woodfast M408H short bed

[Fryers]

Hi all,

I have a Vicmarc VL200 6 speed which I use for bowls and platters and, naturally I'm very happy with it.
However, space is at a premium and I don't need the long bed...
I am considering selling my Vicmarc and buying an old Woodfast M408H 4 speed.
Does anyone have any experience with them?
I'll appreciate your comments.
Fryers

[Jim Carroll]

One issue you have is going from 6 speed to 4 speed, the gaps in speed range will be frustrating.

The woodfast lathe is a great lathe, very comparible with your vicmarc.

Depending on the thread of your Vicmarc probably M30, the Woodfast may be 1"x10tpi so changes to your chucks as well

[Fryers]

Thanks for your note Jim. I'll give serious considerations to the 4 speeds, although I rarely seem to change speeds, using slow for unbalanced logs and for sanding, and medium for turning just about anything else... I may be lazy but it works for me.
Luckily both my vicmarc and the proposed woodfast have 30x3.5 spindle thread.
Cheers,

Rony

[Paul39]

Fryers,

I have the 20 inch swing version. Wonderful lathe. I found this: Woodfast M408
https://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/forum/woodworking/turning/35107-woodfast-lathe (http://www.woodcentral.com/woodworking/forum/archives_turning.pl/bid/2109/md/read/id/202099/sbj/woodfast-m408/)

[Mobyturns]

I have a M908 early '90's model which originally had the 6 speed and has 1" headstock spindle thread. I pestered Bronte at Woodfast to set me up with the EVS M910 unit which has served me very well. I agree with Jim Carroll - easily the equal of a Vicmarc VL200. If the 408 has an M30 headstock spindle thread then grab it fast!

[Fryers]

Thanks Paul & Mobyturns for your comments. I'm about to have a good look at the lathe tomorrow with a view to buy.
Now, I will need to prepare my Vicmarc VL200 for sale. It shouldn't be too difficult.

Cheers,

Rony