Hello,
I have the Statesman 280 in my workshop on a long term test for the Creative Woodturning web site and, as part of the test I have been asked to write a review for Woodturning magazine, this should be published in the coming months.
The lathe was delivered and installed by two Silverdrives technicians, with all the solid castings it took three of us to move it into place. Briefly, after some four weeks of constant work I am extremely pleased with all aspects of the lathe. I have turned on many lathes including the VB, Oneway, Vicmark and others, none of them have controls that move about the bed and lock with the ease and comfort of those on the Statesman, finger pressure is all that is required.
In building the Statesman range, Silverdrive have spent almost three years redeveloping their original Euro design and made many changes in the process. There are a number of options available with all the Silverdrive lathes, these including a bed size up to 3 meters long and even a choice of colours, for me the swivelling head is a must. There is even a dedicated bowl turning lathe being developed.
The VB is primarily a bowl turning lathe and adding a tailstock and other bits and pieces to make it back into a spindle lathe costs almost twice as much as the Statesman so they are not really comparable price for price.
If anyone wants to see the lathe or even use it you please get in touch, you would be made most welcome.
Regards....CC