Joel Sauder
05-06-2007, 9:04 PM
Well thanks to Ken Fairchild, who put a firm boot to my butt in "helping" me into to vortex, I have the bug for a lathe.
It turns out that it is only going to cost me a new refrigerator and some new clothes for my wife for me to get a lathe, plus I was able to get a chainsaw as part of the deal since our next house will have a fireplace (nice logic huh!).
Ken "explained" to me how expensive turning was as a hobby, but I did not know so much went into bribing "The Management!" But I guess I can't complain too much since it is her new job that is going to be paying for it.
I am currently leaning towards the General International 25-200 Maxi-Lathe VS. Particularly due to the sale at Remond Machinery. I want to turn things that are just a bit bigger than the Jet Mini VS will allow and I probably will not be able to upgrade in a year like so many people do. I know that the Palmgren/Craftsman lathe can be had for about the same price and has a bit more swing. But I thought going with a company who has a real interest in lathes might save some headaches down the road in term of repairs. Anyone out there have opinion on Generals in general or had any experiece with the 25-200? Any other strong contenders in the sub-$500 catagory that I should check out?
Cheers,
Joel
It turns out that it is only going to cost me a new refrigerator and some new clothes for my wife for me to get a lathe, plus I was able to get a chainsaw as part of the deal since our next house will have a fireplace (nice logic huh!).
Ken "explained" to me how expensive turning was as a hobby, but I did not know so much went into bribing "The Management!" But I guess I can't complain too much since it is her new job that is going to be paying for it.
I am currently leaning towards the General International 25-200 Maxi-Lathe VS. Particularly due to the sale at Remond Machinery. I want to turn things that are just a bit bigger than the Jet Mini VS will allow and I probably will not be able to upgrade in a year like so many people do. I know that the Palmgren/Craftsman lathe can be had for about the same price and has a bit more swing. But I thought going with a company who has a real interest in lathes might save some headaches down the road in term of repairs. Anyone out there have opinion on Generals in general or had any experiece with the 25-200? Any other strong contenders in the sub-$500 catagory that I should check out?
Cheers,
Joel