Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 17, 2002 06:07am | #1

   Bob,

   I just did some quick price checks and the following machines fall into your category:

   • Jet 1236
   • Delta 46-715
   • Grizzly G1067Z (Popular Woodworking Editor's Choice)

   I think they're all good machines; let us knowwhat you decide.

   Jeff

2. 
   DennisS | Sep 17, 2002 11:08pm | #2

   A friend of mine just purchased a Nova 3000. He's totally a beginner and hasn't used it a lot but seems pretty satisfied with it. I believe this is the one with direct drive and a special type of motor that all but eliminates vibration generated by the machine.

   You can check it out at: http://www.teknatool.com/

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

3. 
   georgetroy | Sep 17, 2002 11:30pm | #3

   Hello Bob

   Hello Kevin,

   I just recently brought the Nova DVR 3000. It is close to your price range and is available from Woodcraft. The DVR will turn 16" with a computer speed range of 250-3500. This lathe is smooth and will give you great cuts without vibration. Go to shop pics on my web site for a view of this lathe. George Troy

   http://www.georgetroygraphics.com

4. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 18, 2002 06:15pm | #4

   Bob,

   I checked out the Nova site on the link above.  Looks like a great machine, but it costs $900 + another $150 for the bed extension and another $240 if you want the outboard tool rest for bowl turning.  That's a lot of money for a small lathe.  For the same price you can get a free standing unit that weighs half a ton.  Throw in a few dollars more and and you can buy the steel bed Delta.

   Jeff

   
   

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   Edited 9/18/2002 11:18:36 AM ET by Jeff K

   
   

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   Edited 9/18/2002 11:20:25 AM ET by Jeff K

1. 
   DennisS | Sep 18, 2002 08:43pm | #5

   Jeff -

   What lathe are you describing that weighs 1000lbs and is less than US$1500?

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 19, 2002 12:49am | #6

   Dennis,

   OK, so I got a little carried away.  On second one could buy any $500 lathe, add about 15-20 bags of concrete mix, and you've got it.

   Seriously though, one can buy a used Powermatic for $600-$900 dollars.  Do you think the Nova and similar machines will out perform those old cast iron beasts?  I can see where the Nova et al. would excel at smaller turnings, but will they stand up to cabriolet legs or heavy spindles.

   I have a Delta Midi Lathe, which I realize is in a different class than the Nova, and really wish I had bought something bigger.

   Jeff

1. 
   DennisS | Sep 19, 2002 01:24am | #7

   ....one could buy any $500 lathe, add about 15-20 bags of concrete mix, and you've got it.

   Agreed. And a few bags of sand, concrete mix, or even concrete block are easier to move one at a time than a 1/2 ton monster. Ask me if you don't believe it!

   ....one can buy a used Powermatic for $600-$900 dollars.  Do you think the Nova and similar machines will out perform those old cast iron beasts? 

   "Perform" is a relative term in my view. I don't think anyone would expect a midi lathe to provide the capacity, muscle and mass to handle really big tough pieces of material. But my philosophy is, you can do small work on a big lathe easier than you can do big work on a small lathe.

   I had the small Delta midi lathe for a short time. I found even though I haven't been turning a year yet, I outgrew it in a couple of months. I got a deal on a new PM2442 at a WW show a few months ago. Shipping wt. 950lbs. Will I ever outgrow this one? Hardly. Would I outgrow the Nova? Probably, as opposed to possibly. I've got some really *BIG* things in mind to turn justussoonasimable.

   But that's me. Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Sep 19, 2002 01:38am | #8

   Dennis,

   Thanks.  If my dealer comes up with some more old Deltas or Powermatics in good shape for less than $1000, do you think I should grab one?

   Maybe Bob need to say a bit more about the kind of turning he's going to be doing.

   Jeff

2. 
   DennisS | Sep 19, 2002 02:11am | #9

   ...If my dealer comes up with some more old Deltas or Powermatics in good shape for less than $1000

   Jeff -

   Please understand that my comments aren't based on a whole lot of experience. I've only just completed my shopping and subsequent buying operation myself. That said ...

   Based *solely* on the advice of people I've talked to, local turners I've met only casually and with whom I have had the opportunity to discuss such things, the impression I got was that Delta doesn't really offer a good lathe. That's with respect to what's availble new, now. Older lathes weren't part of my search criteria.

   As far as the older PM's are concerned, if you can get one in that price range, I'd say yeah, that would be a great buy. Check the obvious - spindle bearing wear, runnout if you have a dial indicator, motor condition but then that's replaceable. Given a machine in good condition I'd go that route rather than Delta.

   Have you looked at the General line of lathes? Theirs is modeled after the older PM design and is pretty beefy. More attractive price. Another one to look for in the used category is Vicmarc.Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]