Thread: Lathe choice

G'day.

My 2 cents as I've owned a mini woodfast lathe the same size as the carbatech model and currently own an old refurbed Woodfast lathe. I have previously owned two other older woodfast lathes but for number of reasons couldn't hang onto them

I found the small woodfast perfect for pen turning which I primarily turned for a while. When I started out with some small bowls it didn't seem to have the torque necessary and I also had a lot to learn (still do) about sharpening and techniques.

The things I love about the old woodfast or generally older lathes is they are usually made out of materials made to last. Sturdy materials and the parts that can deteriorate like motors or switch panels speed controller etc can he replaced and improved on. Once refurbed they will have a new life.

Also a lot of other smart people either on this forum or not have modified or improved things on some of these older lathes so can be used as a walk through guide on what you can do before spending money on it. Very useful

Old sturdy lathes are my preference. Or maybe that's just because I can't afford a Vicmarc lathe yet

That Carbatec lathe only has a 1/2 HP motor, which is pretty weedy. Even the description for it states, "the 1/2 HP induction motor has more than enough power for projects like pen turning and small spindle turning".

At least it is cheap, but personally I'd recommend either this Sherwood https://www.timbecon.com.au/sherwood...tion-motor-evs or this Rikon 315mm (12.5”) x 510mm (20”) Variable Speed MIDI Lathe 70-220VSR by Rikon – Rikon Australia however you're looking at three times the cost. For that you get increased capacity, a 1 HP motor with variable speed and reverse and a 1" tool post compared to the 5/8" on the Carbatec model. I have the Rikon and I think it's excellent.

If the price is an issue I guess I'd be looking at a second hand one.

Do you have a woodworking guild, club or Men’s Shed anywhere near you? If you can join one of those you should get some hands-on instruction on possibly a couple of different models and experience what size and features become important to you.

I bought the Carbatec lathe about a dozen years ago predominantly for pen turning; which it coped with quite happily. But then I wanted to do some better spindle and bowl turning; at which point it’s small size and lack of power really stood out so I sold it and now have a Record Coronet Herald. A vastly superior machine in every single feature.

There's also this one from a business near Brisbane (unsure of where you are in QLD) that is much the same as the Sherwood and Rikon models I mentioned, but cheaper than either of them at $1099. They say it's their last one. WOODFAST WL1220A MIDI LATHE w Variable Speed | Woodwork Machinery..

I've had a Hafco WL14V for a few months now and it's not a bad little lathe. It has 2 mechanical (change the drive belt position) and electronic variable speed (~850 to ~3,000 rpm in high range). I am only interested in doing small stuff like pens so this lathe suits my needs. If you were to fit a 4 jaw scroll chuck to any lathe you will loose 50 to 75mm from the bed length, then you loose some more if you fit a live centre in the tail stock. Avoid at all costs the lightweight fabricated things from the large green shed, they flex and flop around something awful if what you are turning is the least bit out-of-round, or at least the one I had did some years ago. But it did make a reasonable drum sander once I finished trying to make it turn tree branches with it.

Of those two, definitely the Nova.

NeilS is probably right, the Nova has a good reputation but it depends on the depth of the bank balance. Electronic variable speed is really handy, swapping drive belts around can be a pain.

Just got an e-mail from Timbecon telling me that you can save a couple of hundred dollars on some Sherwood lathes. Might be worth a look.

What are the thoughts on new Nova Comet II DR FOR spindle and bowl turning as the first lathe?

Nova Comet II DR Midi Lathe - EVS with Digital Readout | Carbatec

Originally Posted by saladonion

What are the thoughts on new Nova Comet II DR FOR spindle and bowl turning as the first lathe?

Nova Comet II DR Midi Lathe - EVS with Digital Readout | Carbatec

For that money, or close to it, I reckon you can do better. Might be worth giving Carrolls woodworking supplies a call and asking when they expect to have more of these in stock---> CWS Store - Woodfast WL1220A 320VS Midi Lathe

This business in Melbourne has the Rikon 70-220VSR for much the same price-----> Rikon Lathe 70-220VSR Midi Single Phase - JC WALSH MACHINERY & SERVICE PTY LTD

Both of these lathes I mentioned are basically the same lathe and are a better bet than the Comet, more capacity, more power, 1" Vs 5/8" tool post, and 53 kg Vs 34 kg (more weight is better).

Thanks for everyone's input. I appreciate you all taking the time to share your wisdom. Not sure what I will do yet. Might take some time to think..

Putting aside whether you go with a Holden or Ford, or whatever, the current generation of midi lathes with variable speed are very good value for the money.

They are a good first lathe being able to do much of what many woodturners do.

If you later find it has limits, you can:

• Trade up - resale value at this price point should be good
• Hang on to it and call it your second lathe... : ~}
• Being lighter/smaller, keep it for taking to club meetings and the like

Thank you @Biggus and @NeilS.

I am leaning towards Woodfast. Will go contact Carolls for availability and checking it out in person.