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30th March 2020, 12:02 AM #1Member
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Mini-Lathe Recommendations? Carbatec vs. Hafco
After years with my generic Chinese-made lathe (I think at one point these were marketed through Bunnings under Ryobi) I am looking to get something better.
I decided I wanted something which takes a Morse Taper 2, so I can have a variety of spindles in the future, and something that can take a few sizes of face plates and possibly a 3-jaw chuck or scroll chuck, these look handy for bowl turning.
It has been a while since I used the generic cheap lathe I got some 20 years ago. I realised that I didn't do much spindle turning, and I only ever seemed to use about the first 12 inches of the bed. I am looking at one of the Mini-Lathes mentioned in the title. Either the one from Carbatec or the one branded "Hafco Woodmaster" sold by Hare & Forbes.
I am generally leaning towards the Carbatec. I have two stores which will supply (Sydney Tools and Total Tools in Smithfield) and it is a bit cheaper than the Hafco - I'd have a bit of a drive out to Windsor to get it, but is that necessarily a bad thing?
I want to be able to get bed extensions in the future, which appear to be available for both. I would usually turn decorative bowls, but tool handles and other such items. Perhaps candle-sticks, but I do want to eventually have a go at making flutes.
Ideas, advice? It seems like Carbatec have it covered for most things. Is there another brand I should think about?
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30th March 2020, 12:21 AM #2
The Woodfast Midi is another lathe you should look at. The Vicmarc VL150 is at the top of the class, but has a price to match, if you want the best and money not an issue it would be the one I would choose.
When I was in the market a few years back, I narrowed my choices down to the Woodfast and the GPW Midi, I ended up with the GPW. I have no regrets. I got the base model and swapped out the motor for a 1hp 3 phase job and fitted a VFD to give me variable speed. I wanted this lathe primarily for turning pens, and it does the job perfectly. I have turned some pepper grinders on it, there was barely enough room between centres but it did the job.
I have a Record CL3 that is better for the bigger jobs, but still has restrictions.Brad.
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30th March 2020, 08:24 AM #3Member
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I recently bought the Woodfast Midi from Carrolls and after giving it a lot of use I must say I'm quite impressed. I have mounted it on a good solid timber bed and use it mostly for smaller spindle type work and lidded boxes. It handles everything I've put to it so far without any problems.
Terry Keven: Retired Signwriter.
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7th April 2020, 05:58 AM #4GOLD MEMBER
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- Apr 2013
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- Sydney
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Firstly, HAFCO delivers, secondly sign up as a "mate" and you'll get a discount. My suggestion is the WL-14 mini wood lathe, as it has EVS, awesome little lathe. I have one. yes I'd like a woodfast or something branded but it would just be for gloating purposes. cant fault this little beaut, nor the price.
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11th April 2020, 11:32 PM #5SENIOR MEMBER
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12th April 2020, 01:20 AM #6GOLD MEMBER
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seig do some mini lathes
Lathes
i have one of their mills and its pretty decent
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12th April 2020, 10:45 PM #7SENIOR MEMBER
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