I am in the market for a lathe, and have the opportunity to purchase a used lathe from a friend. He has an old Conover lathe, which he has mounted onto a long bed, and is set up to be able to turn up to (I think) about 7′. He wants $950, and it will come with some of the accessories. I have done some work with this lathe, and like it, but… it does have a bounce in it, that neither of us can figure out.
My question is… Is this a good deal, v/s something cheaper, like a grizzly, which I can get for about $400 less, and will turn up to 4′ (i don’t think I would need more), and the head stock would swivel out allowing me to turn things of larger diameter (I think I can turn up to 16″ with the Conover).
I think for me to buy the accessories that I would get with the Conover deal, it would cost me between $200, and $250. This would allow me between $100, and $150 to buy my own chisels, which do not come with the Conover deal.
I know Conover is a much much better lathe, but I am wondering if I will be getting a good bang for my buck, when this particular one has a mysterious bounce, and I will still have to invest in my own chisels.
Thanks to those who reply.
-D
Replies
The Conover Workshop is at the other end of my County, And I have a friend who has that lathe also. Want to pass on the lathe and let me get it ??? The bounce may be nothing more than a bad belt, Belts will take a set and can cause a "bounce". Does the bounce speed up and slow down in relation to spindle RPM ? If so check the belt. Without a doubt I'de go for the Conover Lathe, You'll have a lot of envious friends. Just what accessories a coming with the lathe ?
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
I think the bounce is worse at higher RPMS...I think. Also, the part of the transmission that is away from the motor (I don't know what it is called), is a little twisted, so the belt may be bad. Is that a part I have to get from Conover, or is is something I can find at a hardware store.
I know that the Conover is a great lathe, but what makes a great lathe.
Is $950 a good price for the Conover?... Do they still make the Conover?
Would it be hard to find accessories to fit it?
Also, I will have to invest in the hand tools, does anyone have any advice what to look for in a chisel.
I'm sorry if my questions are silly, but I would rather ask and get input from those with more experience, than think I know the answer.
There is a Conover lathe for sale on the Net, Asking $2500. That may answer the question if it's worth $950. The Conover lathe is unique in that you can build it to any length you desire and you can swing a 16" diameter piece which is pretty hefty. It is built like Lathes used to be built. Massive !!!! I believe it has tapered Timpken roller bearings which should outlast all of us if kept lubed.
Unfortunately it is out of production, and don't know about availability of parts. But I can't imagine that much can go wrong. A picture of the twisted parts would go a long way in answering your question also.
I would also check for Pulley ( Sheave ) alignment which could cause some belt flutter and vibration. Put a straight edge across the ends of the sheaves and the straight edge should make contact on all four points. If you can't get a straight edge in there a good strong string or piece of monofilament fishing line pulled taught will do.
Lathe chisles & knives, I have a mixed bag of about 35, Old turn of the century high carbon steel which I love and Sorby and Crown HSS (High speed steel) which hold an edge much longer. Definitely avoid the cheap boxed sets of chisles of high carbon steel, The new imported High carbon is not what the old Buck Bros. used to be.
Tool selection depends on the type of turning. What do you want to turn? Spindles or Bowls ?Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Thanks to you, for all your help. I think I am going to go with the Conover. I believe I can get the bounce out with some adjusting, and a little elbow grease.
When the time comes (hopefuly soon), I will put some pictures up to give you a better Idea of what I am talking about.
Thanks again for all your help.
-D
I'd probably spend some time to figure out the bounce before purchasing. If you can't, you may be setting yourself for a lot of frustration by buying the Conover lathe. As the previously poster suggested, it may be worth trying a new belt before buying.
Nothing wrong with buying a fixer-upper if you know what is wrong and can fix it but, from my perspective, I'd hate to drop a decent chunk of cash on a tool that is going to be problematic right off the bat.
Matt
I would LOVE to find a used Conover! If it is in good shape BUY IT!
Buy the lathe. If you can't figure it out, there are some basic tests you can do and zero in on your troubles. Like a used car, you shouldn't expect to get in it and have no repairs to make. A conover lathe for less than 1000 bucks is a steal. My opinion only: you don't need a 7' bed on the lathe unless you plan to make lots of long bed posts and you have to have one piece sections. It just isn't worh the shop space. I use a General and it is just a joy. Yes I like the One Way just as much. There is nothing more enjoyable than a lathe that is smooth and quiet: oh- variable speed dial is nice too.
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