AWGB Woodturning Forum
General Category => Tool tips & reviews => Topic started by: JWCT on May 18, 2020, 09:39:18 AM
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What lathe would you choose, the Axminster AT406WL (use to be the 1628) or the Jet 1640 EVS. Please qualify your answer
Thanks
Jan
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Don’t forget the Simon Hope.
https://hopewoodturning.co.uk/lathes-chucks/twister-fu-180/85/twister-fu-180-woodturning-lathe-without-legs?c=6
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Don’t forget the Simon Hope.
https://hopewoodturning.co.uk/lathes-chucks/twister-fu-180/85/twister-fu-180-woodturning-lathe-without-legs?c=6
Thanks for reminding me.
There is not much more available information other than one video and the specs from hopewoodturning. So its slightly smaller bed length, turning diameter and power 1.1kw same as the Jet but less than the AT406. It will also be cheaper than both the Axi and Jet.
It does have a few pluses going for it but also a few questions. After sales service, availability of parts.
Does anyone on here use it?
Thanks
Jan
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I have the Twister FU-200, which Simon had to stop selling as it was virtually the same machine as the AxminsterAT1628VS which is now known as the AT406WL. Simon is very good with his after sales and even got me some specific tool rests which aren't otherwise available from his catalogue. The lathe has done me very good service over the last 4 years, and I use it almost every day. I would not hesitate to buy it again.
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I was very impressed with the range that Simon Hope sells when I saw them at the Exeter show. I particularly liked the FU230.
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I had a very close look at the Twister FU 180 manual, interestingly it requires a 16amp fused plug for a 1.1kw motor ..... really what is that all about.? Compare that to the AT406WL it has a 1.5 kw motor so higher amps but only needs a regular 13amp plug. The cost in changing my electrical installation just don't make it cost effective compared to the Axi and the Jet.
It will run off the ordinary household 13amp plug but why it's specified differently I just don't understand. So it's a no from me.
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I have the Axminster AT1416VS which appears to be the same as the Simon Hope FU-350. Looking at the FU-350 manual this also says it requires a 16A fuse. My lathe came fitted with a standard 13A plug. If you like the look of the lathe I’d contact Simon Hope first rather than just assume it requires additional wiring.
Edit: Oliver’s Woodturning also sell the same lathe and say it’s fitted with a German plug but an adapter is supplied. I’m guessing it’s this type which is 13A.
https://www.reichelt.com/gb/en/scp3-converter-german-schutzkontakt-plug-to-uk-bsi363-plug-bl-conv-scp3-bk-p163708.html?PROVID=2788&gclid=CjwKCAjwh472BRAGEiwAvHVfGujhl1m1K7DXAfkdoxvUTQjJFiFqzChm1vTIZlHlbHUq6jwV6Dw4HBoC3UIQAvD_BwE&&r=1
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I have run my Twister FU-200 with a 1.5kW motor off a 13A fuse for 4 years now and never had a problem with it. It's probably the startup current under heavy load, but I have never hit that threshold.
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I don’t think it’s an issue to be honest. I think the quoted 16 amp is a reference to the circuit not the plug. I’ve just checked my consumer unit and the circuit breaker for my workshop is indeed 16A.
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Thanks Bill21 and Fuzzy for your answers. My paid job is maintenance in an industrial setting and involve a lot of work on PLC controlled inverters and motors. This just confused me since the lathe motor is not even close to 3.0kw which would be the limit for a household 13amp outlet.
Frequency drives are normally built to the requirements of a motor and what it is used for., but then that is for very large industrial motors. These lathe motors are straight off the shelve units nothing special.
A 1.5kw motor amp usage would be 6.5 amps.
Interestingly you should not be using a lead according to the manual that will exclude a lot of turners that do use leads to power their workshops.
Jan
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Most manuals are written to cover their arses! even LED fairy lights for the Christmas tree probably have the do not use an extension lead disclaimer, it is fair enough as it is effectively a spur off of the ring main, and they don't know what else is plugged into it.
The 16Amp thing is probably foreign, most countries do not have a fuse in the plug end of the circuit, so discounting that a UK ring main circuit is normally 30Amp, though I know my friend in Sweden has a ring main rated at 16Amp , which has a single 20Amp cartridge fuse at the consumer unit (which is quite an odd looking construction)
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With inverter lathes there is a a large start up current that can trip at the circuit board. A lot of lathe manufacturers recommend a 16 amp type C trip to avoid this. There can also be an issue if a number of machines are all on and on the same ring main i.e. dust extractor, lathe and air filter. I've always put larger hp inverter lathes on separate lines from the consumer unit to avoid these issues.
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Can also be a problem with dust accumulating and making it harder work to start. Had this with my Pillar Drill, kept tripping and just needed a good clean around the bearings and pulleys.
Pete
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Simon Hope says all his lathes run off 13amp normal household supply, the thinking is that either its a requirement in Germany maybe or something lost in translation. ???
With a startup spike then this particular lathe should not require more than 9.5amps to 11amps depending on the VFD.
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I had a few trips on my shed circuit so I got the breaker replaced with a C type and it hasn’t happened again.
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Thanks to all for your input. Decisions, decisions. I have now narrowed it down to either the Axi or the fu180. The Axi 406 is slightly larger and more powerful with loads of good reviews within forums not just from Axminsters website. The FU 180 more compact but the ability to to place the extension bed in various positions so a bit more versatile. Unfortunately the only reviews are based on the 2 website's marketing the lathes.
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Difficult choice. A mate has the Axy 406 and he asked me to go round and help him assemble it. It’s a nicely finished machine and he’s well pleased with it. I’ve also kicked the tyres so to speak on the Simon Hope lathes and they too look very nicely made. I was particularly impressed with the FU-230 but the smaller FU-180 looked good as well.
Let us know how you get on with whatever machine you choose. I’m sure either will serve you well.
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After a lot of thinking and researching I have ordered the Twister FU 180
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I’m sure you’ll like the machine. It’s good to see it comes with a double ended Morse taper to align the head and tailstock. Perhaps post some first impressions after you’ve set it up if you can manage it?
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Well, it says it comes with one, but in reality it doesn't. At lease mine didn't. However, Simon was good enough to mail me one separately after I complained.