AWGB Woodturning Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Alan Wallington on May 23, 2023, 08:58:53 PM
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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?
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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.
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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 ?
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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. ;)
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I should have mentioned, there is a 280mm bed extension available from Axminster and a 600mm model from Hope.
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Record Power have a similar offering at just over half the price https://www.recordpower.co.uk/product/cast-iron-electronic-variable-speed-lathe (https://www.recordpower.co.uk/product/cast-iron-electronic-variable-speed-lathe) which is a manageable weight / size.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hi Alan, I've sent you a PM