Buyers' guide for lathes

[John Shillabeer]

Is anyone aware of published comparisons of different competing lathes? Fine Woodworking did a comparison of midi lathes a while back, but I am thinking of something a little larger than a midi.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

John

[Kyle Iwamoto]

FWW tool guide 2009 did a heavy duty lathe comparison. 16" and up. Top to bottom, PM 3520, Nova DVR-XP, Rikon 70-500, General 25-650, Nova 1624-44, Jet 1642EVS-2, Grizzly G0456.

As a Jet 1642 owner, I can't say I agree with the 2nd to the bottom finish, but that's what they said. I would at least expect it to finish above the step pulley Nova.

No flaming the messenger. I'm just typing what they said.

[Reed Gray]

Bigger than the 'midi' lathes would mean Robust American Beauty, Oneway 2436 right numbers?), Serious, VB36, and Vega I guess, and possibly a few others. All good quality, just depends on what you want in a lathe.

robo hippy

[Marvin Hasenak]

Neal Addy has this link on his site that lists the majority of the lathes made today.

http://www.nealaddy.org/pub/Lathe_List.html