Replies

1. 
   Pippins | Mar 01, 2005 04:56pm | #1

   Brent, I do not have any first hand experience with this lathe.

   My recommendation would be to contact one of the Canadian chapters of the AAW. There are several Canadian chapters listed on the AAW web site. The chapter listings include some websites, phone numbers, and E-mail addresses.

   http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/members.pl?submit=Chapter+List#Canada

   I suspect that the Canadian turners will be glad to help guide you.

   Steve Pippins

      

1. 
   BrentS | Mar 01, 2005 08:32pm | #3

   Hi Steve,

      Thanks for that link. I just had a quick look at it and will contact some of the chapters later tonight when I have more time.From the quick look I'd say it's an interesting site.

                                                                          Thanks,

                                                                                  Brent

2. 
   RandMCapozzi | Mar 01, 2005 05:51pm | #2

   Brent,

   I recently purchased the 46-755X. I am not a very experienced turner but my impressions so far have been very good. I really like the drive unit on this lathe. The readout is easy to see and makes it easy to know how fast the piece is spinning. I also like the two modes (fast versus slow spin-up/spin-down). The motor is very smooth. The motor reversing capability is also nice for sanding and even for some bowl work.

   The tool rest, tail and head stock locking arms are all good size and allow you to lock things down tight. I do think the 12" straight tool rest is a bit big for doing smaller bowls though. A smaller tool rest would likely be better but for spindle work, the 12" tool rest is very nice. I like the fact that the head stock can slide to the end of the bed. This can easy access during inside bowl work. The ability to turn 42" between the centers is also something I was looking for. Some of the mid-size lathes were a bit short between the centers for me since I was looking to include turnings in my wood projects (legs, columns, etc).

   The lathe itself is not extremely heavy as far as mid-size lathes go (around 400 lbs) but to me this was a plus since I needed to move it into my basement shop. Additional ballast will likely be needed if turning large out of round blanks. The design takes this into account and allows for easily increasing ballast to the frame via hollow legs and increasing the width of the stance.

   I'm not very tall (5'5") so the original height of the lathe is good for me but the lathe design again takes this into account and allows for you to easily increase the height.

   I hope this is helpful for you. Unfortunately the only comparison I have is with a Jet mini. Not much of a comparison. Don't forget to keep a bit of money to buy some turning tools. 

   --Rob

1. 
   BrentS | Mar 01, 2005 08:36pm | #4

   Hi Rob,

        Thanks for the input. That's exactly what I'm looking for.....people with first hand experience with this lathe. From what you've said I don't think I'd go wrong buying one myself.

                                                                              Thanks,

                                                                                          Brent

3. 
   Peter36 | Mar 01, 2005 08:44pm | #5

   Have you checked Oneway? They are manufactured in Stratford ONtario, and several turners that I know say they are the best available.   Peter

1. 
   BrentS | Mar 01, 2005 11:52pm | #6

   Hey Peter,

         I had no idea that one-way was a Canadian company. Up until now I've had no interest in turning ,but I want to expand my woodworking and this is the next logical step. I've heard nothing but good about One-way and will definately be looking into their lathes.

                                                                      Thanks,

                                                                               Brent

4. 
   frenchy | Mar 02, 2005 12:08am | #7

   I assume that you have a Sears?  They sell several lathes and while most of Sears's stuff is junk they offer one lathe that really is a gem. 

     It has a big solid cast iron base,  (don't by that flimsey tube thingy) capable of turning 38" spindles, (I've squeezed 40 inches out of it)  and has a head that swivels. inboard you can turn a 15 inch bowl and outbord a 20 incher is no problem. I think if you could fabricate a stand you could actually swing a bigger bowl! 

    It's a two hp and doesn't seem to load up no matter how heavy I'm cutting.. The speed is electronically variable so you don't have to lossen pulley's and constantly change belts etc. 

     I clamp it to my work table (I won't buy their flimsey stand) and have really had some fun making stuff. 

    It cost about $500.00 but they had a sale on, I took the floor model and I signed up for their credit card, as a result I paid about $300.00!    I bet they were unhappy when I never used their credit card,...... Heh heh! 

     Sold piece that was well worth the $500 and at $300 it was a bargin! 

1. 
   BrentS | Mar 02, 2005 01:35am | #8

   Hi Frenchy,

       I didn't think about Sears web site. Whenever I'm in the store they only have the lower end stuff on the floor. It's something else to look into. Have you had any problem with vibration when turning larger objects?

                                                                      Thanks,

                                                                               Brent