which lathe ?

[ukskin]

Hi everyone
im looking to buy a new lathe but which to buy ?
I turn a bit of everything so need a lathe with a long bed and big capacity

the Jet JWL-1442 a
the Distance Between Centres are decent
Swivelling headstock turns full 360°
Max Diameter over Bed: 355mm

Axminster Trade Series AT1628VS with bed extension
1.5kW motor with electronic speed control and two speed ranges
Forward and reverse facility
Max Diameter over Bed: 406mm

another option is the 24148 NOVA 16-24 RECORD POWER WOODTURNING LATHE
but from memory read that the quality has gone down hill ?

many thanks for your time
gavin

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

The specs for the Swing will be well documented in Jet's literature. If the head is swivelled away from the bed, the max is determined by safety more than anything else ie will the weight of the bowl/platter risk wobbling the stand and/or is the spindle man enough to cope with the weight of the stock. I don't know that particular lathe but my modest sized Record Power CL4 allows up to about a 30" diameter bowl when swivelled away from the bed.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Providing that the stock is sound and in balance, the limiting factor when turning other than over the bed will be the lathe's slowest speed, I'd say don't allow the work to exceed a peripheral speed of 55 feet per second.

The Jet 1442 has a slowest speed of 450 rpm therefore a disc of 28" would have a peripheral speed of 55 fps - so I'd limit 'in balance' blanks to that. Out of balance blanks to significantly less.

Regards Mick

 

[woodfarmer]

Which lathe did you get?and are you pleased with it?

 

[ukskin]

got the Axminster Trade Series AT1628VS and so far so good
good solid construction
here is a vid of the lathe if your interested http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4DJhcCggpQ