tough wood lathe

[mark F]

Just wondering if anyone knows the difference in these 2 lathes made by F & R Tough.

The second one seems to have a much larger base casting. Any advantage to this? Any other differences?

Thanks in advance. :2tsup:


https://scontent.fper7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t45.5328-4/288517691_5251189078328705_7124902674846668650_n.png?stp=dst-png_p180x540&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c48759&_nc_ohc=dBykT7-AvkkAX-s81HT&_nc_ht=scontent.fper7-1.fna&oh=00_AT_Ex6p_5nM3BoDCIXzba2eCuPihQkPaMEOsEI_7hgd6ug&oe=62C7F867

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/tusAAOSwm61ir8zc/$_20.JPG

[LanceC]

I can only see one lathe. Generally the more mass the better as it aids in damping vibration. The Toughs are good solid lathes, very similar to Woodfast and Hyco of the era.

[mark F]

You can only see 1 photo?

[Tonyz]

i can see two lathes but dont know anything about them.

[hughie]

Looks like different years, its most likely the heavier one is of a later manufacture, as stated more mass check the swing as there maybe difference there

Tough Wood Lathes (https://thewoodsmith.com.au/tough-wood-lathes/)

[Jim Carroll]

The square base one was made in WA and the wider base one made in Melbourne, They were all copying the style of Vicmarc and woodfast to get a larger base for more stability, then nova come along and copied the original one and everyone wondered why it was not as stable.

[Fergiz01]

I have the top one. I think it's awesome for what I do, which is occasional spindle turning. I'm sure the bottom one is great too, but check out the stylish tailstock on the top model!

[mark F]

Hi Fergiz. I've got my eye on one the same as yours. Anything I should look out for or check?

[Fergiz01]

Just make sure it's complete - tailstock, banjo, tool rests, head locking pins, faceplates etc. Mine has an outboard turning rest as well, so check to see if it has one. I know the hard way that parts are scarce. I had to buy a second machine to scavenge from. Much easier just to buy a complete machine at first.

Other than that its a great machine. Probably not ideal for big bowls but perfect for chair and table legs, tool handles, rolling pins etc.

[mark F]

Thanks Fergiz. What do the head locking pins look like?

[mark F]

Fergiz any chance you could post a pic of the extra bits I should look for.
Thank you.

[Fergiz01]

Fergiz any chance you could post a pic of the extra bits I should look for.
Thank you.

Ok some pics below:
514237514238514239514240514241514242
These are from The lathe as I have it now, The banjo and long tool rest, Two Face plates (one for either side of the headstock - they have different handed threads), The Outboard turning attachment (I have mine set up as a crappy disc sander - waste of time just buy a proper disc sander), Two Other Toolrests (note: these have 3/4 inch stems which is different from most new lathes which take a 1 inch stem), The Headstock Locking Pin.

Cheers, Zac.

[mark F]

Thanks for the pics Zac.
Well I bit the bullet and bought the one in the first pic like yours.
It has the two large faceplates and one small one. The guy I bought it off bought it as part of a deceased estate. I didn't get the long tool rest or headstock dog spur. He is going to have a look for them in the rest of the stuff he got in the sale. Fingers crossed 🤞
The headstock locking pin looks like it would shear off pretty easily trying to undo the faceplate that is on it now. I tried but didn't want to overdo it 😕
Trying to add some photos but struggling on my phone 😬

[mark F]

Some pics

[Fergiz01]

Looks good mate. Yours even has the original spanner. I don't know whether yours has a 3 phase motor or not, but if so look into Lance C's thread on fitting a VFD for variable speed control.

Happy turning,
Zac.

[mark F]

Motor is single phase. Yes original spanner. Be nice if the seller is able to find the wide tool rest and maybe the headstock drive spur. Otherwise pretty happy