Wood lathe running costs?
Hi everyone,
I was discussing this matter another day, with a neighbour of mine, when he made the comment, "gee, you should get a fat electricity bill, just for the time you got that lathe on...!". He then went on, about the possible cost of running a work shed, like mine, etc..
Is obvious that, and after some interesting (to him) demonstrations he now know exactly how much the lathe costs to run, as every tool on the shed. This gave me the idea to ask his same question on this forum. How much do you think a (normal lathe, about 1.5 HP) costs in electricity for a days work, a weekend or other?
How much difference in power consumption and respective costs, can a wood lathe use, depending on gear (speed) and blank size?
These questions are obviously an exercise, to ascertain how many turners actually though about it, or have indeed searched or obtained these kind of answers. I believe everyone has concerns about the amount of energy that is wasted every day, as everyone would also liked to see their Power bills reduced. There are simple ways to get power consumption costs, for any tool or appliance you have but that is for later discussion.
So, is a wood lathe expensive to run?
How much do you thing it will cost to run a .i.e (1.5 HP) wood lathe, lets say for, 8 hours, turning a medium size blank (piece of wood) about 4 kg in weight?
PS: Don't worry, If we lose the power, I would be still turning using one of those lathes like Robyn Wood. Yeah!
Cheers:2tsup:
RBTCO
How do you know how much it uses & costs?
Hello everyone,
I will comment on some posts, but first, I would like to explain the reason of my thread.
There are 3 (three) specific points to my thread.
1- Find out if people are aware of the runnings costs of an "average" wood lathe.
2- Provide the necessary information and links to those that would like to find out, the easiest way ever, to get the accurate answers.
3- Compare the costs of wood turning as a hobby, against other common hobbies around. (This is a positive incentive, targeting new turners).
DavidG, your general perception is right, just a bit light on the Kw/Ph. I wouldn't mind to pay only that much, unfortunately, the last bill I paid (11/07), I was charged 17.5c p/Kw for 11 days and the new rates at 18.06c p/Kw for 81 days.
Tankstand, I reckon you are maybe a little heavy on those dollars, we will see what happens, when I share the results of tests I've done not that long ago...!
Frank&Earnest, yeah it always hurts when you do it! surprised about the 17c tough?. Maybe some of the information I will share next, will allow you to find out where it all goes!
TTIT, I totally agree with you, on the first bit, but "ain't got" any issues with the idiot boxes, or washing machines, sorry. :D
Now to the second point of my thread...!
The link bellow, and to avoid repeating myself, is part of my web site, where I have expended a little about the related issue. (a couple pics of my P. Mate). Any questions and or comments will be discussed back in this thread.
http://timberssoul.webs.com/powermatepowerspy.htm
PS: I have attached a pic with the instruments used on my tests (4xchannel temperature data logger, Power Mate)
Cheers:2tsup:
RBTCO