Thread: VL175 - first impressions and changes over time

Ern, a very interesting report.

My 175 is now almost 12 months old and, like you, I'm very impressed with the machine. In fact, I turn on the 175 in preference to the VL 300 LB for almost everything, except for large platters etc.

I haven't had the need to use the outboard turning jig as yet - it seems from your comments that it works fine so all is good there.

One thing I am still thinking about is using the spare banjo from the VL300 - with some modifications - on the VL 175. The longer reach has some benefits going for it. No idea what a spare banjo is worth, so I better find out before I do anything hasty.

Must be good QC at Vicmarc. My head and tail stocks line up perfectly, same as yours!

Yeah, IIRC succinctly called them a 'nice jigger'!

A longer banjo would definitely be a good investment in my book, so as to minimise faffing around with the outrigger.

Can you get out there and tell me what mods the 300 banjo might need. Bed gap, bed thickness.

Good update Ern

I bought a 2001 model 175SH about 4 months ago and am delighted,superlatives

fail me, my only possible quibble was the straight outboard tool post and a possible

lack of power to drive a bowl saver. $40 to crank the tool post locally, still unsure re

the bowlsaver. As Ern says the new model has fixed my quibbles.

You soon forget the price when your constantly pleased. Phil

Actually, perhaps the sensible thing to do is to talk to VM.

Might be trying to pour quarts into pint pots {

Thanks for the report Ern, Always interesting to hear about how lathes change over time. I'm happy with my VL200, but would like more turning capacity, so oneday will need to invest in the outrigger, I think.

Originally Posted by rsser

It's not the cheapest but it will see me into my grave given its quality and excellent local support.

Awww, C'mon Ern, we all know you too well for that

Cheers,
Dave

Ern,
your tool reviews are always good to read because of your analytical approach.
That makes you a reliable and respected source.
Thanks for taking the time to share them with us.

I wouldn't go modifying the 300 banjo.

The height of the 300 tool post holder is considerably higher than on the 175.

I would talk to Vicmark and see if they have a longer banjo with the tool post holder at right height.

LOL. No Dave, I lost 2 grand on the DVR XP so no more off-hand ventures for me.

There are stand-alone outrigger stands out there; VM have one but you might do better to make friends with a metal hacker. Couple of slabs plus materials might do it.

TM, thanks. I was trained to be analytical and your feedback means a lot to me.

That said, there are a lot of intangibles with lathes and tools so try before you buy is as always good advice if you can. You soon see what you'll 'make friends with' as Charlesworth says.

Phil, you'll have the 1 HP model at a guess. Looking at a bowlsaver, that'd be the min power necessary and you could research web posts about how to make that work (pulsing, from memory). When I did that research, I found that the Kelton offered the best options for shapes but the toolgate height was too great for my old VL175 and something needed to be cut off the banjo top. I seem to recall that that was possible but in relation to the benefits I didn't think it worth the risk. But your mileage may vary as they say.

, good advice as always. There's always the question of the suitability of a bed casting for an extended banjo. No question about an axe-weilding mongrel I'd have said .... "send him down that VB36!"

To give you guys an idea on cost of extra parts
Toolrest Banjo for the VL175 AUS$220.00
400mm toolrest AUS$61.00
600mm toolrest AUS$84.70 requires second banjo
1000mm toolrest AUS$128.75 requires second banjo.

Heads up on VL 175 on Ebay (wood lathes)

Originally Posted by

I wouldn't go modifying the 300 banjo.

The height of the 300 tool post holder is considerably higher than on the 175.

I would talk to Vicmark and see if they have a longer banjo with the tool post holder at right height.

is quite correct - you would have to cut several and more inches off the VL300 banjo to make it fit the VL175.

The simple fact of the matter is that I've never used the long tool rests requiring 2 banjos on the 300. ( did once, but that's another story).

So I basically have an unused banjo almost going to waste. Question is, will it do any damage to the VL 175? I don't think so - the lathe beds are identical as far as I can tell. And the 175 is no baby either.

Anyway, Ern. When you're up at Xmas we'll compare notes and see where we go.

Great report Ern!!

Like all of your reviews and comments I found it very enlightening.

I have a spare VL300 camlock (replaced it with a Oneway).

It is off an early version VL300 (no 17) and is 150mm high, 30mm hole.

No problem to shave another 15mm off the top.

More if you drilled and tapped a new hole.

PM me if interested.

Cheers

Tim

Originally Posted by rsser

Phil, you'll have the 1 HP model at a guess. Looking at a bowlsaver, that'd be the min power necessary and you could research web posts about how to make that work (pulsing, from memory). When I did that research, I found that the Kelton offered the best options for shapes but the toolgate height was too great for my old VL175 and something needed to be cut off the banjo top. I seem to recall that that was possible but in relation to the benefits I didn't think it worth the risk. But your mileage may vary as they say.

These were among the factors that help me decide on the Woodfast CX1000 instead of the then VL175.

The CX1000 has just enough power with 1.5HP to pull the larger Kelton bowlsaver and the toolpost height just snuck in under the minimum clearance for some of the bowlsaver systems.
.