Vicmarc versus Woodfast lathe

[Corrie]

Hi, I’m new to this forum and I am seeking advise on what lathe I should upgrade to, a Vicmarc, Woodfast or any other brand you can recommend. I have managed to wear out the Carbatec lathe my hubby brought for me, just to see if I like turning. Wrong move, I now spend about 4 hours a day in the garage turning and loving it. Also what would be a reasonable price for used lathes if I can find one. Any advice or thoughts will be very appreciated.

[NeilS]

I've been using Woodfast lathes for over 50yrs and have no complaints.

You won't go wrong with a Vicmarc, but you will pay more for them and I for one don't think you are getting that much more value for the extra $s.

If Woodfast were no longer available I'd probably buy Vicmarc.

I sold my previous Woodfast that had variable control for $1,100, but that was over 10yrs ago. I would get more for it now.

You have to be both patient and lucky if you are buying secondhand.

Sent from my ZTE T84 using Tapatalk

[Corrie]

Thankyou for your thoughts. Currently there is about $400 difference between the two makes and they are around $5000 new for the ones I am looking at getting. The old lathe hasn’t died yet so I have time to look.

[clear out]

Woodfast are made in China and according to their website have been since 2004.
Vicmarc are made in Queensland.
If your buying new Id think Vicmarc is a better product, if second hand its dependent on the price, Woodfast lathes are ok.
Personally I like more industrial sized lathes, there’s a Wadkin on eBay currently in Victoria for $4,500.
H.

[Ian Artlett]

Hi, Corrie, it certainly is addictive ,I have had both a Woodfast 910 and currently a Vicmarc vl300 both long beds. I usually have a short bed, in one or the other as well. As Neil, said you cant go wrong with either make, reversible ,electronic speed control Is a great option . Centre height is something to decide on ,depending on what you will be turning on your new one.

[Gabriel]

Not that is wish this upon anyone.....but another thing to consider us resale...
Vicmarc seem to hold their value a lot more than any other lathes I have seen (except maybe stubby)
The customer service and spare parts with vicmarc are also very easy and quick to order (not sure on woodfast, but given they're made overseas now....)

[Corrie]

I have worked on a Laguna lathe and found it to be too big and heavy for me. I’m a 5’2”, scrawny, 61yr old granny so I really need something on the lighter side. Thanks for your input and I am definitely leaning towards the vicmarc, being Australian made.

[NeilS]

The customer service and spare parts with vicmarc are also very easy and quick to order (not sure on woodfast, but given they're made overseas now....)

Woodfast have a stock of spare parts here in Australia, but I've never needed any. They have always been very prompt with anything else I've ordered from them.

[Enfield Guy]

The rough castings for Vicmarcs are made in Thailand now I think. However, all of the machining is done in Clontarf on the Redcliffe Peninsula in Queensland. Prolly a couple hundred metres away from my creative space. My experience, and the experience of others in terms of customer service has been outstanding.

Vicmarc get my vote.