Michael Arruda
08-11-2015, 3:35 AM
As the title says, I have to decide on a lathe.
So far, what I have, as well as pros and cons-
1- Pioneer VS mini lathe with extension- copy of Jet, nice little lathe. Haven't used it in years.
2- Delta HD 12" lathe- My current regular duty lathe. It's on good shape, has a gap bed for 14" face work, I have two banjos and a 24" rest for it, VS by reeves drive as well as a VFD in the 3 phase motor, indexing spindle. A little light duty for outboard turning.
3- American 12" Long bed Speed lathe- This is a neat old lathe with a motor headstock and a giant rotary switch in the leg ti change the speed. 3 phase, all cast iron and very stout. I had wanted to keep this lathe, but the Delta does have alot going for it.
4- DIY- Before I closed down my shop, I had a giant 5 spinde duplicator I was working on restoring. It was Italian, about 2.5 tons and could duplicate in a 14" x 5' working envelope. When I shut down to move back to the garage, I disassembled it, scrapped the frame and kept all the hydraulics amd electrics, including the spindles which are massive affairs- 5" or so in diameter. I was thinking about maybe welding up a big lathe, kind of like a Oneway with one of these giant spindles for the headstock.
I am working towards a move cross country, from California to Tennessee, possibly Kentucky or Virginia. I cannot bring all these with me, so I have to narrow it down ti keep one. I currently do spindle work, from pens to work up to 10" diameter or so. I have done some bowl work and will be doing more.
So, what do ya'all think?
-Michael
So far, what I have, as well as pros and cons-
1- Pioneer VS mini lathe with extension- copy of Jet, nice little lathe. Haven't used it in years.
2- Delta HD 12" lathe- My current regular duty lathe. It's on good shape, has a gap bed for 14" face work, I have two banjos and a 24" rest for it, VS by reeves drive as well as a VFD in the 3 phase motor, indexing spindle. A little light duty for outboard turning.
3- American 12" Long bed Speed lathe- This is a neat old lathe with a motor headstock and a giant rotary switch in the leg ti change the speed. 3 phase, all cast iron and very stout. I had wanted to keep this lathe, but the Delta does have alot going for it.
4- DIY- Before I closed down my shop, I had a giant 5 spinde duplicator I was working on restoring. It was Italian, about 2.5 tons and could duplicate in a 14" x 5' working envelope. When I shut down to move back to the garage, I disassembled it, scrapped the frame and kept all the hydraulics amd electrics, including the spindles which are massive affairs- 5" or so in diameter. I was thinking about maybe welding up a big lathe, kind of like a Oneway with one of these giant spindles for the headstock.
I am working towards a move cross country, from California to Tennessee, possibly Kentucky or Virginia. I cannot bring all these with me, so I have to narrow it down ti keep one. I currently do spindle work, from pens to work up to 10" diameter or so. I have done some bowl work and will be doing more.
So, what do ya'all think?
-Michael