Stratos FU 230 wood turning lathe

[Colton1950]

Has anyone used or seen this lathe. It is available in Germany and made in Taiwan.
If you Google "stratos fu 230" you will see images and German suppliers with specifications etc..
Is it available in the UK?
I am interested because the specification matches my needs and it is less expensive than alternatives that I have seen.
Thank you for your feedback

 

[Spindle]

Hi

I've never seen that lathe offered in UK - have you considered the Record Power Maxi 1?

http://www.recordpower.co.uk/product/he ... 8DzYxsg_4Y

Better spec than the Axi 'equivilents' :wink: and in the unlikely event of it having a fault you have the 5 year guarantee and a UK supplier .

Regards Mick

 

[Colton1950]

Mick

Thanks for this suggestion, I have looked at other Record lathes but not the Maxi 1 - until now!

The delivered price is similar, both come with 5-year guarantee but I have a local Record dealer - which is an advantage in case of problems.
On specification both have rotatable heads; variable speed; between centres 950mm for Maxi 1 and 700mm for fu 23; turning diameter for maxi 533mm (762mm with extension) fu 230 455mm (800mm with extension); motor 1.5hp Maxi 1 and 2hp fu 230, both single phase 230v; 209kg for the Maxi 1 and 178kg for the fu 230. In both cases the extension costs more (£170 Maxi 1 or £248 fu 230), the fu 230 extension can be attached on the side or at the end of the lathe.

Have you used the Maxi 1?

Regards
Colin

 

[Spindle]

Hi

No, I haven't used a Maxi 1 but there are several users on here who may comment. I've had a Record Power CL4 for getting on for 15 years and it's been faultless. I'm predominantly a spindle turner and hence don't need the mass to give stability when turning large out of balance work, (and the Maxi 1 was not in production when I bought my CL4).

If you have a local RP agent, get along and see the Maxi 1 - I think you'll be impressed.

No connection to Record Power other than a very satisfied customer.

Regards Mick