Thread: The New Laguna Lathes.

New RECORD POWER CL4-CAM in Northmead, NSW Price: $1,500 <106754>

Originally Posted by

New RECORD POWER CL4-CAM in Northmead, NSW Price: $1,500 <106754>

I looked at the Record lathes last time I was at H & F in Dandenong and the thing that annoyed me was " Spindle Nose Thread: 1MT, 3/4" x 16TPI " which is not a common here. I queried that and the attitude was that " that's how they are made, take it or leave it".

For little extra work the ones for sale here could have been adapted to our common standards.


Peter.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

... the thing that annoyed me was "Spindle Nose Thread

I pass over any lathe that isn't 30 x 3.5mm*. It narrows the options, but fortunately that still includes some very good lathes.

* the cost of new chuck inserts and faceplates to adapt to another thread size needs to be factored into the overall cost of such a change.

Crocky, I went to the Melb. WWW show and watched Guilio M. stall his laguna several times using very small pieces of work. I can't recall whether he was turning bowls or spindles (was that far back) but the pieces were definitely no larger than 250mm. I imagine that Guilio had the belt on the right pulleys, so there's something wrong with the machine. My best advice is to save your money and get a bench mount VL175 which I think is about the same money.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

I looked at the Record lathes last time I was at H & F in Dandenong and the thing that annoyed me was " Spindle Nose Thread: 1MT, 3/4" x 16TPI " which is not a common here. I queried that and the attitude was that " that's how they are made, take it or leave it".

For little extra work the ones for sale here could have been adapted to our common standards.


Peter.

If one is going to be turning big bowls from unbalanced lumps that skinny spindle nose will be a weak point. Also 1MT is not very big.

The steel bar bed is likely to flex and vibrate. I don't think it is a serious lathe.

My Hegner has a nice stout head and tailstock with 33 X 5mm thread. The bed is two 50mm square tubes. It flexes when I have an out of balance piece on the lathe, so I have a headstock staying in place and tool rest and tailstock shaking back and forth. Once the piece is round it is OK.

I bought two pieces of used 5/16 inch thick 8 inch C channel for $6.00 that I will use for the bed of the Hegner. That should stop the moving around.

My 20 inch swing short bed Woodfast and cabinet will gently sway back and forth with an unbalanced piece, but the head and tailstock and tool rest are all solidly in place. I'm partial to a big chunk of cast iron bolted to thick steel base cabinet.

Gents.
It seems in just a few comments the the Record is not the one to get. I understand what is said and appreciate the replies.
Thanks.
Cookie

When Record approched us about stocking the lathes I asked about changing the spindle size to suit australian conditions and was given a blunt NO.

They claim they are the biggest seller in the UK which I cant argue with but I argued we are not in the UK and our standard is M30 x 3.5mm so they should conform to the norm here.

Even their copy of the Woodfast M305 has their 1mt and 3/4 x16 thread. I said if they shipped direct from china instead of going to the UK then back here with the correct size thread then they would have a good seller but alas falling on deaf ears.

They are selling primarily to the uninformed which is sad. They are selling on their name and not much else, Record are generally good products but not fully adapted to our ways here in Australia.

After re reading the posts from NZ Carver and Jefferson, I went back and checked the specs of the Laguna Revo 24 -36 and the Harvey T50 Turbo. They appear to be brothers but the Harvey is a smaller version, with only 2HP vs 3HP and less swing so hence the lower price. I have emailed the supplier for a price on the T60 to compare apples with apples. Also the spindle nose is some weird imperial size, so new inserts would be required. When I was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, I dropped into a turning shop and they had Robust lathes, and an "American Beauty" on the floor. That one would be my choice, but I haven't won lotto yet.
rgds,
Crocy.

Originally Posted by Old Croc

After re reading the posts from NZ Carver and Jefferson, I went back and checked the specs of the Laguna Revo 24 -36 and the Harvey T50 Turbo. They appear to be brothers but the Harvey is a smaller version, with only 2HP vs 3HP and less swing so hence the lower price. I have emailed the supplier for a price on the T60 to compare apples with apples. Also the spindle nose is some weird imperial size, so new inserts would be required. When I was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago, I dropped into a turning shop and they had Robust lathes, and an "American Beauty" on the floor. That one would be my choice, but I haven't won lotto yet. rgds, Crocy.

I can put you onto a Robust dealer in the states, he might cut you a deal but man they are some serious dollars

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

I can put you onto a Robust dealer in the states, he might cut you a deal but man they are some serious dollars

For the price of the robust your better off with vicmarc if something goes wrong there a phone call away.
that and if you brake a part there only in QLD not USA

Originally Posted by nz_carver

For the price of the robust your better off with vicmarc if something goes wrong there a phone call away.
that and if you brake a part there only in QLD not USA

Thankfully for Stubby and Vicmarc plenty of turners in the UK, Ireland, & the USA don't use that logic. Plenty of O/S turners own Aussie built / owned lathes through the support of suppliers like John Jordan for Stubby in the USA. Its all about service & listening to your customers.

Well for me most these lathes have their good points, but enough for me to part with my money. I think If I were to buy one it would be this model Vicmarc - Wood Lathes, Chucks, Jaws and Accessories -

I see that Record are using brass bushing on the headstock , one wonders if its cost cutting exercise or effort to reduce vibration with a full contact bearing.

Hughie. The latter.

Most Records have always had an adjustable bronze bush as it gives the most support and contact at the spindle nose.

The biggest problem is that a lot of people can't or don't adjust them when they wear.

It is a very efficient and robust system IF people maintain them.

I find this:

Variable woodworking lathe T-60, View wood lathe, HARVEY Product Details from Nanjing Harvey Machinery Co., Ltd. on Alibaba.com

Harvey Wood Lathe | eBay

Numbers look good, but I would have to try one before I bought one.