Lathe decision

[bigsteel15]

I'm currently looking at either this lathe
http://www.oneway.ca/lathes/1224lathe.htm
or this lathe
http://www.kmstools.com/main.php?scr...ts/cat.php?4&2
or this lathe
http://www.general.ca/pagemach/machines/25650a.html

Any thoughts? I know Oneway is considered top line but I really like the built-in versatility of the NOVA and General. Features that Oneway charges extra for.
they are all in the $1800-2400 range with the general at the bottom of the price range. Or I can get the new NOVA 1624-44 for considerably less I believe and add VS later.

Do you find belt changing of speeds particularly annoying?

[RayintheUK]

Do you find belt changing of speeds particularly annoying?

I'm certain that there's a torque advantage by combining variable speed (inverter) with belt/pulley drives. On my lathe, the change takes less than 10 seconds.

Ray.

[Doug Jones]

At that price range, I still have to throw out there the PM 3520. Nothing wrong with the lathes you listed, but when your talking bang for the buck,,,,

[bigsteel15]

At that price range, I still have to throw out there the PM 3520. Nothing wrong with the lathes you listed, but when your talking bang for the buck,,,,

That would be great if Powermatic had any dealers up here.

[Doug Jones]

That would be great if Powermatic had any dealers up here.

I found the best price possible then called "The ToolNut" and he beat the price by $100 shipped.
http://toolnut.com/

[bigsteel15]

Current Woodworkers Journal mag has lathe reviews.
Powermatic rated high but WAY too $$ and not sold around here.
Jet got best rating but same situation. No Canadian vendors that carry them. NOVA rated OK but the reviewer and others here have made some good points regarding the overall design. Lot of $$ for something to go wrong.
So it basically comes down to General and Oneway for me.
I will probably go to the wood show next weekend with cash in hand to see if I can knock the General rep down to around $1500 (locally it is $1899 right now) or thow in the duplicator. For $1000+ less than Oneway seems like my best bet. Plus local vendors

[Rayclav]

I have the Oneway 1640 lathe, a bit pricey but a real fine piece of workmanship. To date I am delighted with the performance and it doesn't require any sandbags added for stability.

[bigsteel15]

Bit the monster bullet tonight.
Got the General and duplicator for $2100.
Not quite the deal I was looking for but I couldn't justify the Vicmarc for an extra $1400 without the duplicator.
Also found some interesting new vendors.

Hardwood guy near Vancouver
www.muchmaple.com

Router bit source in Canada. Not the prices that Brian has on the Holbren product but nice looking product.
www.elitetools.ca

Festool finally has a presence here in the GWN.

[Ken Massingale]

Big congrats, Brian. Now make something round!
Enjoy

[bigsteel15]

Big congrats, Brian. Now make something round!
Enjoy

BESIDES A PEN you mean.
I plan to as soon as I get it tomorrow.
I have a set of (4) bowl blanks but need some practice pieces first.
Plan to get some when I go pick up the lathe. Lots of choices at $3-5 each at the show.

[Doug Jones]

WOW, what an impressive piece of equipment. Use it in good health.

[RayintheUK]

Congrats, Brian - that looks like one fine piece of kit!

Ray.

[bigsteel15]

Note to self...
Never try to lift a 350# lathe by yourself again.



Just kidding, I'm not that vain.
Got it home. Need help to lift it onto base.
Looks like tomorrow night is tryout time.