shopping for a new lathe, Recommendations Welcome

[Endless Pursuit]

Looked online as much as I can stand. Looking for suggestions based on other folks experience.

I will primarily be turning bowls, platters and vases. Call me crazy but I want to do large bowls (30+ inches) and large platters so outboard capability is important.

I'm looking at this as an investment in retirement activity so I'm willing to spend a tidy sum if I have to. The Robust AB has my attention at the moment.

Suggestions, warnings, must have's, etc. Looking for experienced comments.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[chris_goris]

The Robust looks like a great lathe but.... For that price I dont see it. Nor do I see any cast iron. Cast iron dampens vibration like nothing else for machine design. For that price point I would look hard at a PM4224. just my $.02

 

[gritz]

I also like to turn large pieces, some larger than allowed by my 1642. I have turned up to a 26" platter outboard with a freestanding Delta tool rest which I modified with an attachment. I will be doing some more of that soon with the 4000+ pounds of 24 to 36" stock curing in my carport.

When I retired about 11 years ago I passed up a chance to buy a home-made 30" dedicated bowl lathe. It was a sloped hollow steel box about about 30" square and driven by a DC motor. I have regretted not buying it ever since. If I was younger, I would probably build a similar one. Here are just a few of the many do-it-yourself options you can find online.

http://woodshopmike.com/building-big-blue-a-home-made-wood-lathe/

https://www.woodtalkonline.com/topic/11212-home-made-bowl-lathe-plans/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Dh0XLtdFQ

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/296604325436233828/

 

[NTCook]

Nor do I see any cast iron. Cast iron dampens vibration like nothing else for machine design.

Clocking in at 630-760lbs (depending on bed length/options) I don't think it matters if it's made of cast iron or 3/8 wall stainless.

 

[Sanders Fine Woodworking]

I have turned very big bowls and platters outboard on my PM 3520b. I have 400 lbs of sandbags on my lathes. I bought a PM 4224 and love it. I use it for really big bowls.

 

[Dee2]

Went through this exercise last year. Landed on the AB. Wish I had more time with it. Wish I had more time for FOTG source material. Still learning.

 

[chris_goris]

Clocking in at 630-760lbs (depending on bed length/options) I don't think it matters if it's made of cast iron or 3/8 wall stainless.

Equal weight (or more ) in no way reflects machine rigidity or vibration dampening characteristics.

 

[ScottM]

I have turned very big bowls and platters outboard on my PM 3520b. I have 400 lbs of sandbags on my lathes. I bought a PM 4224 and love it. I use it for really big bowls.

Steve glad to see you still around and turning.

 

[Roy G]

Have you checked out the VB36? That's the English one that is pretty huge and seems to be excellent for what you are contemplating.

Roy G

 

[joec]

Maybe Stuart Kent will chime in. He has many lathes in his shop in Ayden and has one (I had never heard of the brand) that he is is particularly impressed with.

 

[KenOfCary]

I really like my PM3520B. Come to Hickory for the Klingspor Extravaganza on October 27/28 and you'll be able to see and try various models including the Powermatic. Vendor reps will be there to answer questions and most of the equipment will be discounted during the event.

 

[jlwest]

Many Pro's use the Robust. Great lathe. Some info: http://www.geigerssolutions.com/All-Robust-Lathes.html

 

[Mike Davis]

Surprised nobody mentioned OneWay.

 

[chris_goris]

Surprised nobody mentioned OneWay.

Didnt Oneway make a dedicated bowl turning lathe? It appears all of their current products have fixed position heads

 

[Mike Davis]

I thought so... looks like the 24 inch is the largest now. Don't even see the wheelchair accessible model.

Must have cut back on the product line.

 

[Mike Davis]

The have a large swing outboard attachment for big bowls up to 48 inch diameter, 40" over banjo.

https://oneway.ca/Large-Swing-Outboard?search=2513a

 

[Sam Knight]

Have a friend that has a Vega 2600 bowl lathe. He loves it as he primarily turns large bowls, and vases. The cost is very reasonable compared to other lathes with the same capacity. Under $3000. You can learn more about it here. http://vegawoodworking.com/product/brown-woman-boot/
He also turns small items with it, bottle stoppers, pens, peppermills and such. Good luck with your search!

 

[NTCook]

Equal weight (or more ) in no way reflects machine rigidity or vibration dampening characteristics.

Material alone in no way reflects machine rigidity or vibration dampening characteristics.

 

[Endless Pursuit]

Thanks everyone who commented. More help than you realize. I plan on going to Klingspore's extravaganza and getting more info on the Vega plus I might pay Mr. Kent a visit.

Much closer than I was!

 

[AllanD]

I can't testify to the American Beauty but as an owner of a Robust Sweet 16 I can highly recommend Robust machinery. This lathe is the finest engineered and built product in my shop. Plus it is built in Wisconsin and when I call the company I talk directly to the owner/inventor or his wife. With the center piece removed my lathe can turn 32" but I haven't tried anything that large yet. If I wanted a bigger lathe I would go with the Robust AB