Thread: Midi Lathe suggestions.

Brad, don't even think twice about it. Get the VL 150 and you will not be disappointed. I have 3 Vicmarcs, including a VL100 which, compared some others, is a trifle small in the way of swing. If you can do the electrics yourself, all the better. Again, don't think about it, just spend the extra $500 and you will have a superb lathe that will tackle quite a few projects.

Originally Posted by jefferson

Brad, don't even think twice about it. Get the VL 150 and you will not be disappointed. I have 3 Vicmarcs, including a VL100 which, compared some others, is a trifle small in the way of swing. If you can do the electrics yourself, all the better. Again, don't think about it, just spend the extra $500 and you will have a superb lathe that will tackle quite a few projects.

Thanks for your thoughts Jeff.
I know the VL150 will be the best out of the bunch, just have to convince myself I should spend the extra cash.
On top of the purchase price, I still have freight to Mackay, and about $300 for the electrical gear I will still need, then a hundred or so to build a new bench/stand to sit it on.

Life is full of regrets - buying a Vicmarc lathe wouldn't be one of them.

Go against “rather than weighing the present good versus the future alternative, people instead try to decide between the immediate pleasure of consumption and the immediate pain of paying for it”.

Instead follow "when people are faced with a decision to make a purchase or not, they will perform mental calculations by weighing the desirability of the product (or present good) versus the future consequences (or future good versus future loss)."

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

Life is full of regrets - buying a Vicmarc lathe wouldn't be one of them.

Go against “rather than weighing the present good versus the future alternative, people instead try to decide between the immediate pleasure of consumption and the immediate pain of paying for it”.

Instead follow "when people are faced with a decision to make a purchase or not, they will perform mental calculations by weighing the desirability of the product (or present good) versus the future consequences (or future good versus future loss)."

Thanks for your thoughts also Moby.

Well thats 2-nil in Vicmarc's favour, a one sided argument so far .

Does anyone know if there is any other midi sized lathe that has tapered roller bearings on the spindle, or is it a one horse race ?

Originally Posted by Ironwood

Thanks for your thoughts also Moby.

Well thats 2-nil in Vicmarc's favour, a one sided argument so far .

Does anyone know if there is any other midi sized lathe that has tapered roller bearings on the spindle, or is it a one horse race ?

Most of the available lathes in the Midi class are clones and it is a price sensitive bracket so specs are basic. You get what you pay for. Teknatool Comet brochures don't say what bearings are used. (Edit manual shows ball bearings in images.)

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

Most of the available lathes in the Midi class are clones and it is a price sensitive bracket so specs are basic. You get what you pay for. Teknatool Comet brochures don't say what bearings are used. (Edit manual shows ball bearings in images.)

Yes that seems to be the case.
My thinking is if a lathe had tapered rollers, they would certainly be saying so in their spec sheet to try and differentiate their product from the rest.
If its not mentioned, I would be pretty sure they will be sealed ball bearings.

Originally Posted by Ironwood

Yes that seems to be the case.
My thinking is if a lathe had tapered rollers, they would certainly be saying so in their spec sheet to try and differentiate their product from the rest.
If its not mentioned, I would be pretty sure they will be sealed ball bearings.

Do you go to Prossy (1st weekend in Nov)? Long way off I know. If you do its a great way to see a number of midi lathes in use on a wide variety of work. Most turners there will let you have a go on their machines as a trial if asked. Many woodfasts appearing there now.

One suggestion ask around for a S/H older VL100 - unkillable lathes. Throw in some new bearings & AOK. As others have said aftermarket VFD's or basic VS units aren't that expensive on midi's.

Almost everything about the VL150 is better than anything else on the market. The toolpost is thicker, the banjo is significantly more substantial and the quill has a smooth thread. I could go on. Is it worth the extra. I think so. Other factors to consider; you will be supporting an Australian company and the re-sale value will be much better. You also won't be buying a motor you won't need.

Having said all that, you could buy a Woodfast with EVS for the same price. I have seen a lot of happy customers with them. More than enough for pen making.

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

Do you go to Prossy (1st weekend in Nov)? Long way off I know. If you do its a great way to see a number of midi lathes in use on a wide variety of work. Most turners there will let you have a go on their machines as a trial if asked. Many woodfasts appearing there now.

One suggestion ask around for a S/H older VL100 - unkillable lathes. Throw in some new bearings & AOK. As others have said aftermarket VFD's or basic VS units aren't that expensine on midi's.

I have never been able to get to Prossy turnout, I own and run a business that runs 7 days a week, just cant get away for 3 days. If they relaxed that rule and I could go for one day and night, I would go every year, but I have given up worrying about it now.

I have decided not to look for a VL100, as I would like to keep the 300mm swing, as I may end up selling my Record lathe.

Originally Posted by brendan stemp

Almost everything about the VL150 is better than anything else on the market. The toolpost is thicker, the banjo is significantly more substantial and the quill has a smooth thread. I could go on. Is it worth the extra. I think so. Other factors to consider; you will be supporting an Australian company and the re-sale value will be much better. You also won't be buying a motor you won't need.

Having said all that, you could buy a Woodfast with EVS for the same price. I have seen a lot of happy customers with them. More than enough for pen making.

Hi Brendan, thanks for your insight. I know the Vicmarc is the one to buy, in more ways than one. Just need to convince myself. I wasnt too worried about ending up with another spare motor, things like that eventually get used around my place, could possibly power a buffer .

Originally Posted by Ironwood

I have never been able to get to Prossy turnout, I own and run a business that runs 7 days a week, just cant get away for 3 days. If they relaxed that rule and I could go for one day and night, I would go every year, but I have given up worrying about it now.

I have decided not to look for a VL100, as I would like to keep the 300mm swing, as I may end up selling my Record lathe.

Shame there isn't some arrangement that could be made so you can get there.

Not to many of these midi's can swing a 300mm bowl safely especially the way turners sit them on a bench top. The VL 150 definitely will, the Woodfast if properly secured should. Jim S from Rockhampton has a VL150 with the works so if you know Jim give him a call. He is pleased with his and I've seen the work coming off it - awesome!

Originally Posted by Ironwood

I have never been able to get to Prossy turnout, I own and run a business that runs 7 days a week, just cant get away for 3 days. If they relaxed that rule and I could go for one day and night, I would go every year, but I have given up worrying about it now.

I have decided not to look for a VL100, as I would like to keep the 300mm swing, as I may end up selling my Record lathe.

Brad, I wouldn't recommend a second hand VL100 to anyone as a stand-alone lathe. I only use mine at events like DUTA etc and club outings. The swing is about 120mm, not 100, and the beast is very heavy. I still haven't figured out a good way to transport it. Now, as Brendan has indicated, the VL150 is in a class of its own. 25mm tool rest, bigger swing, bigger motor etc. Heavy too I bet. The variable speed on both lathes is very handy. I'd be keeping my eyes open for a second hand VL100 or just buy the Yellow/Green peril with the variable speed and 150mm swing at around $1150. Believe me, the Woodfast takes some stopping and has lots of torque, even on the highest spindle setting. And also Brad, try to get to Prossie at least once, just for the experience. You get to meet a lot of forumites, including Jim Mc. The heat can be a bugger though.

Originally Posted by Ironwood

I have never been able to get to Prossy turnout, I own and run a business that runs 7 days a week, just cant get away for 3 days. If they relaxed that rule and I could go for one day and night, I would go every year, but I have given up worrying about it now.

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hey brad see if you can ask CJ and see if you can come for a few hours on saturday as thats the only real full day !!! trust me you will enjoy it if he will let you and you can make it

Hi Brad,
You raised all the extra costs for the VL150, but woodn't be the same for the others.
Bite the Bullet & go for the VL150.
I don't have one personally, but I go to these Woodturning Getogethers & there always quite a few to be seen.
A bit long in the Tooth now, & could not see my way clear to own one, but I sure as Heck wood not buy anything else.
The others do not even come close.
As Brendan said " Smooth ".