Robbos Tip of the Week

[RETIRED]

Do you get tired of always having to reset the tool rest height every time you loosen the lock? Try this.

Place a hose clip (like on car heater hoses) to the tool post at the desired setting and tighten. This is handy for when you are turning the outside of the a bowl.


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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"

[Shane Watson]

Geez Rob,

Just go out and buy a Symtec lathe http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif
Blasthamy!! http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

Actually, in all seriousnous, what are the thoughts on those lathes??? I have seen them many times at several wood shows!! They look great for the lazy wood turner.. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

Cheers

Shane....

[This message has been edited by Shane Watson (edited 04 September 1999).]

[Neil Ellis]

Hi Shane

Ever seen a shaving come off a Symtec lathe. I'll warrant you haven't. If you know what woodturning is all about, I rest my case.

One of the claims to fame is that they are used by blind people. This is absolutely wonderful and I concede that there is a definate use for it in blind schools sheltered workshops etc. Great for making shapes, but not a machine for a serious woodturner, even a lazy one. The frightening thing is that Woodfast who have spent years putting down these machines are now trying to out Symtec, Symtec, with the introduction a couple of years ago of their copying tools.

I am sure that there are dozens of Symtec owners who will tell you they have the best lathe on the market, and I'll bet there are just as many who have regretted their purchase.

Believe me, if this lathe was as good as the claims made about it by the manufacturer, all of the lathe manufacturers would be making their lathes to work the same way.

This is just my observation. I must admit that I have observed these lathes at many shows over the years (even had them on the stand next to us at Melb. WWW Show last year) and I am still to see one work safer or better than a traditional lathe. I and many others have however, observed a number of pieces of timber being torn to shreds and thrown out of the lathe at shows. Not a good trick when the favorite part of your selling spiel is it to tell how many people are mamed and killed each year by conventional lathes.

This is just my opinion, long winded as it is.

Cheers
Neil http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

[RETIRED]

What he says!!!!!!



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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"

[Neil Ellis]

Hi

Sorry if I stole your thunder, but a 2am answer at the end of a long day and a ripe subject. Couldn't resist.

'U' http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

[Shane Watson]

Just as I thought!! http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

Well to be honest, I own one http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

And I gotta say, it saves me so much time and hassle not to mention money http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif . But I do agree with you whole heartedly!
Go figure!
Fact is, I can't turn and don't have the time to learn, so, hence the reason for the symtec. And I get acceptable results. Once your practiced with the machine you get to know what it can and can't do.
Actually, I turned eight big billard table legs on it not so long ago and they came out great. Each the same as the last. I do a hell of a lot of copy work, and the copy system works good...
But, in saying all that, when I get the time, I will gladly swap it over for a genuine lathe!!!

Cheers

Shane http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

[Shane Watson]

Doorstop

Well, fact is, this thing does save me money! I used to have a real lathe before I got this and it takes me a fraction of the time to spin up 4 table legs on the symtec. Plus, my abrasives don't cost me anything!! I recycle the belts from my stroke sander, so technically it don't cost me anything to use on the lathe. They would be thrown out otherwise.
When I get time to learn to use a lathe I will go back to the better style, but like I have said, the symtec is doing what I need and saving me money and while its doing that, I am more than happy to have it in my workshop. http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif I wish I was doing this woodwork stuff for a hobby rather than a wage!!!

Cheers
Shane!!!! http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

[rodvic]

To all those out there who have doubts or fears about the Symtec lathe We purchased one approximately 2 months ago now My name is Vicki and I am fe-male and I can assure you all out there that I have never even knew what a wood lathe looked like until we purchased a Symtec. Why a Symtec? We were advised by Symtec before we purchased our lathe to go out and look and others. Well we took there advice and still purchased a Symtec because it is simple to operate and SAFE As I stated I had never seen one let alone used one and I can't get enough of it I have used other power tools ie: A drill router circular saw and I can honestly state that I feel more confident in using this lathe than any other power tool I have tried.I am confident that it will not be something we will ever regret and the after sales service is second to none Both Les and Anna are there when ever you have any doubts or questions about what you're trying and they are never to busy to attend to your question or queries. I have never come across a business so open and honest and it is so refreshing to see in this day and age All you Symtec people out there put you're 2 bobs worth in because this product deserves the respect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!