Originally Posted by
Allen Mattsen
Someone gave me a video demo of the Record Power Coronet Regent lathe and it's definitely a contender for me due to its ergonomic features. The bed extension and outrigger are affordable. 18" swing (39" w/ outrigger). Slowest speed is 200rpm. 2hp motor and a 3 step pulley system. The included under bed shelf can be loaded up with tools or bags of cement/sand to add weight, if needed. The 320~375lb weight is one of my main concerns. How much of one I don't know? A less than $3000 price tag with outrigger and bed extension is nice. Some concern about ability to use a vacuum chuck with it.
That brings me back to the Laguna 2436. Outboard turning, sliding headstock, side mount or end of lathe lowered extension all are features and two of those include the tailstock being able to be used. Laguna sells a vacuum chuck for their lathes, a plus. 610lbs. 3hp motor. 50rpm lowest speed. Only 2 step pulleys. Spindle lock will require a workaround. I do really like the look and feel plus my experience w/ Laguna lathes. $4000 price tag is fine.
The Harvey T60s has sliding headstock but no outboard turning and the motor still is a bit of an unknown. Swing away tailstock a nice feature. 24" swing, 2hp (servo) motor, 60rpm lowest speed, 726lbs. Still need to find out the truth about cost. Only 2 step pulleys. Looks great and very solidly built. Listed at $5300 in some places and $3500 in others.
Everyone knows the 5yr warranty, weight (700+lbs), and gereral info on the Powermatics. $4000 price tag
Mass/weight vs power vs ergonomics....
Also, turning outboard on some lathes is done tailstock-free. While others find a way to incorporate being able to use the tailstock at the end and/or outboard, or even on the side near the headstock with a lower bed extension for additional capacity. Why is this important or not for some lathes vs others?