Thread: australian made lathes

Vicmark VL 175.

Vicmarc VL300

Vicmarc VL175 for weekdays, plus a Vicmarc VL300 for weekends??

(since we're dreaming here.....)

Hi Morgo

Go for a Stubby 750 as a weekender and for the serious stuff the 1000 for during the week,yes they will cost a few bob ut well worth the expence.

cheers Tony

the vicmarcs look good, how much would i expect to pay for a Vicmarc 175SH?

Are you sitting down????

Just got a VL175 with factory stand and outrigger. Delivered to the shed was ..... PM me.

Could've saved $150 by picking up from the freight depot but why bugger your back when you can bugger someone else's.

I really like this lathe. We divorced some years ago but are now together again. True love ;-}

Buy the best Vicmarc you can afford and don't worry about a few dollars delivery charge - just be thankful you don't live in the UK we get shipping (real ship) charges to pay!

Vicmarc, Vicmarc or Vicmarc
Although having said that, I own a Top turn, made by Durden. I have had it since 1996, it have travelled from Melbourne to Perth, to Sydney and back to perth. It has many thousands of hours, no problems. So I would highly recomend a Durden (I think they trade under Hercus. Made in South Australia. If my Durden died, I was going to buy a Vicmarc that day, but I reckon I would try to fix my Durden first, if that makes sense?
Sincerely
Willy

If considering a VL 300 Vicmarc compare the short bed to the long bed depending on the room you have and what will be your main turning projects. I have the long bed and if I had my choice again I would go for the short with a swing away extension.

Morgo,

If new lathe prices make you weak kneed. Woodfast made several models of good stout heavy lathes.

I have a 1995 Woodfast 410, short bed, 20 inch swing, I bought several months ago. It has had DC variable speed added along the way. Sweet lathe, a bit dirty and rusty but everything cleaned up, and it runs well. US $900.

Do a search for Woodfast in this forum. Much discussion about them and a person who refurbishes and resells.

I have a 1995 Woodfast 410, short bed, 20 inch swing, I bought several months ago. It has had DC variable speed added along the way. Sweet lathe, a bit dirty and rusty but everything cleaned up, and it runs well. US $900.

Yep go along with that, I've got a '87 model, all good.

Here's some things to consider when looking at buying a lathe:

1. What kinds of turnings do I want to do now and what might I want to do in the future?
2. What lathe capacity do I therefore need now, and may need in the future?
3. What level of lathe safety, convenience and accuracy would I be satisfied with? How much fettling and fiddling can I tolerate?
4. Given my answer to 3., what seems to be the best value proposition around?
5. Have I budgeted for chucks, tools and sharpening gear?

For a beginning turner, getting good answers to these questions is difficult.

You need expert advice.

Followed by financial counselling

Possibly followed by marital counselling

Ern's advice above is perfect.

With all contemplated purchases, the first question should be, "what do I want to do with it?"

Of course things usually don't progress in a rational way. My start down the path of turning came with a pawn shop purchase of a Chinese 7 X 12 metal mini lathe. I used that until I had a catch, broke a belt, replaced belt, had a big catch, broke a gear. Replaced gear.

I was given a much used 10 inch swing Delta with zinc headstock, which served for a while, but the headstock to stamped steel bed mating became worn and floppy with use.

Then came the used Hegner with 350 mm swing, which has served nicely. But I have lots of big timber that will not fit on the Hegner.

I saw an article in the local paper about a local hardware taking wood working tools on consignment. I went to see what arrangements could be made to dispose of duplicates of band saw, drill press, table saw, etc. I keep finding better or bigger at auctions at give away prices.

There was a used Woodfast 410 with 20 inch swing on the floor, so instead of selling, I bought another lathe.

Probably the best way to start turning is to join a turning club or have some group or private lessons. One can discover the direction of turning that appeals and acquire the proper equipment only once.

I was immediately attracted to making bowls and twig pots. My only interest in spindles is to make tool handles the size of baseball bats to hold chunks of unknown sharpened steel in order to hack shavings off large chunks of timber.

I learned a lot by trial and error with the little lathe, then joined a turning club for the demonstrations, bought some books, and kept turning.

I would think the most efficient way to turning is some instruction, the best appropriate equipment one can afford, and hours and hours in front of the lathe.

If you pick up a chink of timber, think "hmm what is in here", and stagger out of the shed grinning 5 or 6 hours later without having eaten, drunk or peed, you are LOST.