Thread: Lathes for Pen Turning?

Why not use the Stubby? You will save on outlay, space, and chucks. And just think what size pens you could make on your Stubby

Originally Posted by Gary H

Why not use the Stubby? You will save on outlay, space, and chucks. And just think what size pens you could make on your Stubby

The problem is that everyone else is on the Stubby making pens so I can't get time on it myself! Need a small benchtop lathe to shoo them over to so as I can use my Stubby!

That is the best reason you could have! I can only speak for mine, but like most Carbatec models it is no longer available. Size wise it has a 355mm swing, is 430 between centres, and has EVS with a .75Hp motor. Great for pens and bowls and has enough power for its capacities.
At that time, the ones closest to that were a Midi VS from GPW, and a MC1218 from Pop's Shed - both with M30 3,5 spindle and MT2 and around $600 to $700. Hope this might help, but hard to say without knowing your budget.

Cheers, Gary

Originally Posted by Gary H

That is the best reason you could have! I can only speak for mine, but like most Carbatec models it is no longer available. Size wise it has a 355mm swing, is 430 between centres, and has EVS with a .75Hp motor. Great for pens and bowls and has enough power for its capacities.
At that time, the ones closest to that were a Midi VS from GPW, and a MC1218 from Pop's Shed - both with M30 3,5 spindle and MT2 and around $600 to $700. Hope this might help, but hard to say without knowing your budget.

Cheers, Gary

Gary - does this seem similar? https://www.timbecon.com.au/woodlath...00-x-450mm-evs

The specifications look to be the same as the MC1218 from Pops at that time, except the tool post then was quoted at 16mm. Maybe (and hopefully) it has been beefed up and would be worth checking. 25mm (or near as damn it, 1") seems the most common and I wouldn't go smaller. The five year warranty is impressive and better than most which offered 3 years or less.

Don't know how far you are from their Melbourne outlet, but definitely worth a trip to check it out (if they have one for you to look at - website shows out of stock). If they have a demo one on the floor, and you like it, haggle for that on the basis that if you can't get that one you might go looking at other brands.

Good luck with the shopping.

Gary

I would be looking for a second hand Vicmarc VL100 or any of the small Woodfast lathes. There must be plenty of 6 speed VL100's about. Also the Nova "Mercury" lathes are reliable - BUT check the VS unit before purchase as spares are not available.

The most important thing to look out for with the smaller lathes & using them for pen turning is the alignment of head & tail stock. So many of the Asian "clones" have issues with poor design & machining that will create a lot of frustration in pen turning and small spindle turning. One particular issue I have noted on some designs is the undersized "boss" that fits / aligns the tail stock in the lathe bedways, some are barely 2 mm deep! It would not take much use to cause a lot of wear, thus creating alignment issues.

https://www.timbecon.com.au/woodlath...00-x-450mm-evs

It is my first and only lathe and to date I can't find any fault with it. For pen turning I cant see you needing to spend anymore IMO.

Originally Posted by samo

https://www.timbecon.com.au/woodlath...00-x-450mm-evs

It is my first and only lathe and to date I can't find any fault with it. For pen turning I cant see you needing to spend anymore IMO.

Cheers Samo! What diameter tool rest post does it have?

surely this is the lathe for you W385 - WL-14V Mini Wood Lathe | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

its even on sale

Originally Posted by brainstrust

surely this is the lathe for you W385 - WL-14V Mini Wood Lathe | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

its even on sale

This is typical of some of the short comings in design with current offerings. I guess its up to the purchaser to assess just how it may stand up to wear & tear.

Just bought this machine and wondering if anyone knows of some plans for a stand with maybe a couple of drawers.
cheers
Garry

Originally Posted by RSD

Cheers Samo! What diameter tool rest post does it have?

25mm or 1"

Mobyturns, what is it you are pointing out? My old eyes are old!!!!!

Originally Posted by brainstrust

Mobyturns, what is it you are pointing out? My old eyes are old!!!!!

"One particular issue I have noted on some designs is the undersized "boss" that fits / aligns the tail stock in the lathe bedways, some are barely 2 mm deep! It would not take much use to cause a lot of wear, thus creating alignment issues."

I've enlarged part of the image for you.