Author Topic: Lathe Upgrade  (Read 1105 times)

Offline Alan Wallington

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Lathe Upgrade
« on: May 23, 2023, 08:58:53 PM »
Good Evening Everyone

During a recent demonstration I felt that my demonstrating lathe (a 10x18 bitsa) ran out of steam. OK I appreciate that my subject, a 9 inch diameter platter made of beech was a bit ambitious, but I am thinking should I upgrade this machine with one having a more powerful motor, perhaps with variable speed control, or by perhaps buying a better demonstrating lathe that will fit in the boot of my car would be a better option. I would prefer one with  a 1 x 10 tpi thread and 2MT tapers. Any ideas anyone?

Offline Paul Hannaby

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2023, 10:02:27 PM »
I don't know of any current lathe that has 1" x 10 tpi. You will probably have a choice of M33 or 1" x 8 tpi.

Offline Wood spinner

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2023, 09:45:30 AM »
Nearly all new lathes are M33 x 3.5 ( If you are talking new ) also you need to be aware of the weight of the lathe and are you capable of lifting it ? No mention of your budget ?

Offline Bill21

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2023, 05:16:14 PM »
Probably the most popular lathe for demonstrators has been the Axminster 1416VS (14” swing x 16” between centres). The current model is called the AP350WL .

https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-professional-ap350wl-woodturning-lathe-230v-107655

It’s also sold by Simon Hope as the Midi FU-350.

https://hopewoodturning.co.uk/lathes/stratos-twister-midi-lathes/midi-lathe-fu-350/114/midi-fu-350-woodturning-lathe?c=34

Dictum in Germany sell a rather fetching black version.  ;D

https://www.dictum.com/en/lathe-equipment-and-maintenance-bagaf/dictum-lathe-s-175-707783

The Canadians got a green version and the current American one is black and white. It’s a popular lathe.  ;)


Offline Bill21

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2023, 05:22:59 PM »
I should have mentioned, there is a 280mm bed extension available from Axminster and a 600mm model from Hope.

Offline Twisted Trees

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2023, 10:47:52 PM »
Record Power have a similar offering at just over half the price https://www.recordpower.co.uk/product/cast-iron-electronic-variable-speed-lathe which is a manageable weight / size.
TT, AKA Pete, but that name is taken :-)

Offline Bill21

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2023, 06:02:40 PM »
I don’t think the RP is in the same league as the Axminster, hence the lower price. It does have a better spindle capacity but has 2” less swing. The Axminster also has a trade rated three phase motor and inverter. I’ve seen lots of the Axminster lathe at shows and they seem popular at clubs due to their portability. I’ve been very pleased with mine. The only drawback I found was the spindle capacity but then Axminster introduced the 280mm extension which I have permanently mounted to mine.

Offline Alan Wallington

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #7 on: May 29, 2023, 05:25:04 PM »
Many thanks for all your replies but I am still undecided.  Has anyone upgraded a small lathe?
I have a few ideas, but best keep them to myself at the moment.
Yes I did mean an 1 inch by 8tpi.

Offline Bill21

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2023, 09:54:33 PM »
What sort of upgrades did you have in mind? Some folks I know have replaced motors and added an inverter to provide variable speed. The majority of new lathes now come with M33 x 3.5mm spindles. Personally I’d avoid any of the budget lathes with 1” x 8 in case you want to upgrade to a bigger lathe later on. M33 x 3.5 has become something of a standard. I personally also prefer having a direct threaded chuck rather than those with thread inserts.

Offline 14767

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Re: Lathe Upgrade
« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2023, 01:36:45 PM »
Hi Alan, I've sent you a PM
Oops