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20th April 2011, 09:19 PM #1Member
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Considering buying a Woodfast Australian made lathe
As a newcomer to woodturning, I'm considering purchasing an Australian made lathe and exploring the possibility of buying a "good oldie" for my first lathe. Having just refurbished a 24 inch Italian bandsaw - refurbishing a lathe is not a big issue - providing parts can be found eg bearings.
Woodfast appear to have made some excellent lathes in the past and are well regarded, but finding out which models are the pick, even which models Woodfast produced is a challenge.
(And yes a used Vicmarc is even more desirable - but much harder to find. If someone wants to sell their VL200 at a good price please let me know!)
I notice the the Woodfast website seems to avoid the rich history of the company and focuses pretty much on the new Asian imports that do not seem to favour particularly well in reviews - see last edition of Australian Wood Review on midi lathes.
For people trying to discover some Woodfast product history it's hard to find any information at all on previous wood lathes.
Yes I know it would be easier to just buy a new Teknatool, Woodfast or Jet and these modern lathes seem good value for money on the surface... but I have discovered that older machines can provide more substance, build quality and ultimately woodworking satisfaction - even if some hard work is required to restore their former glory.
I would interested if this forum could advise which Woodfast lathes were the pick for general purpose turning, ie a bit of spindle turning , the occasional bowl and their specification and availability of spare parts.
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20th April 2011, 09:31 PM #2
The older Woodfasts and Vicmarcs are well worth a look at
They dont come up too often and generally get snapped up quickly.
Some seem to be missing tailstocks and banjos.
Other parts are generally available, belts bearings etc
You dont find any disgruntled ownersJim Carroll
One Good Turn Deserves Another. CWS, Vicmarc, Robert Sorby, Woodcut, Tormek, Woodfast
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20th April 2011, 09:32 PM #3
There's one available here:
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f221/w...5/#post1306234
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20th April 2011, 09:54 PM #4Member
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20th April 2011, 10:24 PM #5
All equal
If it is still available it will be at Get Woodworking in Williamstown
Maybe Greg can answer that questionJim Carroll
One Good Turn Deserves Another. CWS, Vicmarc, Robert Sorby, Woodcut, Tormek, Woodfast
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21st April 2011, 03:35 AM #6GOLD MEMBER
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=warmtone;lathes.
Yes I know it would be easier to just buy a new Teknatool, Woodfast or Jet and these modern lathes seem good value for money on the surface... but I have discovered that older machines can provide more substance, build quality and ultimately woodworking satisfaction - even if some hard work is required to restore their former glory.
I am absolutely thrilled with it. Heavy, stable, easy to operate. I also have a 350mm swing German Hegner which cost more than the Woodfast, The headstock and motor are fine, but it is not as stable, the square tube bed flexes and rings like a bell, controls not as convenient.
Even if you have to do some work on a Woodfast, you will have much more lathe for your money than any new Asian lathe.So much timber, so little time.
Paul
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21st April 2011, 09:11 AM #7
I bought an old Vicmarc VL200 (belt change one), and I couldn't be happier wuith the quality and accuracy of it. you're right though, they don't come up often and they aren't usually very cheap...
I'd recommend and old Vicmarc or Woodfast over a newer cheaper lathe pretty much any time.
Cheers,
Dave
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21st April 2011, 09:28 PM #8Jim
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If my memory serves me right, mine is a 1964 model. They do turn up usually ex-tech school machines. You can't go far wrong with an old Woodfast.
Cheers,
Jim
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23rd April 2011, 11:14 PM #9Member
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Hi Jim and others who have responded to this post. Thanks for the encouragement - I have just purchased a Woodfast MC908 on eBay (deceased estate). It needs a bit of TLC but is basically sound. Happy to update the post once I have the machine home.
My next challenge is figuring out how I transport the beast from Caringbah NSW to Ivanhoe - Melbourne. I may end up driving up and transporting in the back of my Landcruser partially dismantled.
Any suggestions for cheap interstate transport?
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24th April 2011, 11:10 AM #10Jim
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If you need a manual I have a pdf version.
Cheers,
Jim
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24th April 2011, 06:57 PM #11Member
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Hi Jim, yes a manual would be most appreciated. I need to quickly get a handle on dimensions for transportation.
I understand this is a 98 model
To avoid towing a trailer from Melbourne to Sydney and back (Caringbah)) I am trying to figure out whether I can actually fit this lathe into the back of my 80 series Landcruiser with back seats removed?
To facilitate this I was thinking of removing the bed from the lathe frame to make it easier to load - without special lifting gear.
Any suggestions re logistics for transport appreciated!
I plan to head off tomorrowLast edited by warmtone; 24th April 2011 at 07:52 PM. Reason: Add date
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24th April 2011, 09:32 PM #12Jim
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You can take the headstock, tailstock etc off the bed as well as taking the bed from the stand. The manual isn't marvellous definition but is much better than nothing. Pm me an email address and I'll forward it on.
Enjoy the trip
Cheers,
Jim
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25th April 2011, 09:30 AM #13GOLD MEMBER
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I brought my short bed Woodfast 410 home by taking off tailstock and banjo. Then 6 bolts for the headstock & bed, then rolled full size cabinet with motor into back of van.
At home I had a two wheels dolly and used that for the headstock and bed. I secured the motor in the cabinet and slid it down two timbers on to the street. I put down cardboard on the sidewalk and rolled it end for end onto the grass, then continued to the back yard.
The headstock and longer bed may be too much for one person to handle, The headstock should separate and go back in the same place without difficulty.
I think you will be most pleased with your lathe.So much timber, so little time.
Paul
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17th October 2018, 01:09 AM #14New Member
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Hi I have just purchased a woodfast lathe model number M408H. Would love to hear from anyone with information on this model. Requires a little work but is generally in good condition
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17th October 2018, 07:28 PM #15Senior Member
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I have an M408S and love it. Came with a 3phase motor. Hooked it up to a VFD I already had and I have a variable speed lathe.
Hasn’t needed any work as yet. Brilliant machines
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