Although woodturning lathes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the basic requirements of the lathe dictate that all must be quite similar. Broadly speaking there are two types of lathe: free-standing and bench-mounted.
Free Standing Lathe
These are generally the heavy-duty variety used in the trade, and when rag-bolted into a concrete plinth are well able to cope with the sometimes extreme forces associated with large- section turnings. These lathes, with their heavy castings, are very expensive and it is not suggested that the novice rushes out to buy one. However, if, in the course of searching for a lathe, a reasonably priced second-hand model becomes available, then buy it if you have room.
Perhaps the best known of these types of lathes are the Oneway 2436, Vicmarc VL240 and Powermatic 3520C lathes. These lathes have been around for a long time in a virtually unmodified form. Most of the higher-end lathes of this type hark back to the Union Graduate lathes that were a favourite of Keith Rowley, insomuch that they are built from solid materials and high-quality castings and are engineered to last even with daily use. These lathes can rightfully be viewed as a benchmark for other lathes in their class.
Free-standing floor-mounted lathes come in a wide range of prices, quality, and functionality. Recent additions to a number of brand offerings include lathes designed for seated turning, which has allowed for people with physical disabilities to engage in the craft. Large lathes often come as dedicated bowl-turning lathes, such as the Steinert VB36, or ultra-long bed lathes for dedicated spindle turning. Most standard floor-standing lathes from reputable manufacturers, such as the Axminster Trade AT508WL have optional extras available to allow for off-bed turning, the addition of peripheral equipment, a range of motor power options, and, in the case of the VB36 an optional bed to allow for spindle turning.
The Oneway 2436 is one of the heavier of the free-standing lathes, and with only a few modifications over the years is a testament to ‘getting it right first time’. With a 24in (610mm) swing over the bed and 36in (914mm) between centres, the 2436 has formidable capacity, and the faceplate capacity can be increased with the addition of a short extension bed at the rear of the headstock, allowing for outboard turning. Weighing 850lb (885.5kg) this is a heavy lathe that can handle large work and absorb the stresses associated with turning such large projects.
Lathes such as the Powermatic 3520C have comparable specifications and capabilities and have long been viewed as the stalwarts of the floor-standing machines. More recent additions to the field that have become popular machines are the VB36 Master Bowlturner and the Wivamac lathes, along with the Robust lathes from the USA. All of these machines are superbly engineered and built to a very high quality, and offer the woodturner the opportunity to turn pretty much anything they could hope to turn.
Bench Mounted Lathes
Bench-mounted lathes vary considerably in size, weight and cost, with the heavier models being suitable not only for the keen hobbyist but also for many professional turners and cabinetmakers. In recent years there has been a marked improvement in the range of midi and bench-mounted lathes, most offering variable electronic speed, reverse drive, and indexing, and some offering swivelling headstock and other refinements such as a graduated quill and a remote-control pod.
All lathes will fulfil the same basic functions, but the number of options and different specifications can be confusing for the newcomer to the craft. Table-top lathes tend to be aimed mainly, but not exclusively, at hobby turners who will be turning for short periods on an irregular basis. Midi lathes are generally more substantial lathes, bordering on professional quality, and can generally be used to demand. Choosing is which the best option for you is a highly personal choice and may be governed by cost as well as other factors.
Having some idea of what you would like to turn is the first question you need to answer. If you want to turn parts for scale models then a small bench-top or ‘hobby’ machine will serve you well. If you intend to turn large bowls or newel posts on a regular basis then a midi or larger lathe will be where your research needs to be heading. Keep in mind that a larger lathe will do everything that a smaller lathe will do, but a smaller lathe will always be restricted in terms of power, capabilities, speed, torque and durability.
Midi lathes are the mid-point between small hobby lathes and full-blown floor-standing lathes, and the price point often makes them the lathe type of choice for many turners. These machines should not be dismissed as being lesser lathes. Quite the contrary; they often have all or most of the features of their larger cousins, and in some instances even more. Only the power, capacity and the ability to run for long periods will alter.
Different countries also have different brands, but many may sell machines that look pretty much like another from a different brand. These are often generic or ‘badged’ lathes with the specifications set by the brand retailer, and differences can be found in the quality of the individual machines. It can be worthwhile looking at similar-looking models to see which offers the best value for money. Machines built by dedicated manufacturers and sold under their own brand are generally of high quality and they can be relied upon for performance and durability. They may also be less inclined to rapid depreciation should you need to resell the lathe to upgrade.
The German-made lathe, the Twister FU-180 , is a lathe that can be mounted on factory OEM legs or bench mounted. The lathe has a 1.1kw motor (1.5HP) with a speed range of 50–1230 rpm and 150–3700 rpm via two pulleys and full electronic variable speed with reverse option. The controls are mounted on a remote pod that can be sited for safety wherever it best serves the turner. The headstock can be rotated on an indent system to allow the off-set turning of faceplate projects, which is a huge boon to the turner.
The Twister has turning capacities of 22in (560mm) between centres and 14in (360mm) over the bed, and with an optional extension bed the faceplate capacity is increased to 22in (560mm) with the headstock swivelled. With a maximum speed of 3700 rpm this makes this midi lathe capable of a vast range of projects without significant restrictions on the dimensions of the work it is capable of handling. The Twister has the almost universal M33 3 3.5mm headstock thread and 2MT tapers in both the headstock and tailstock, with the tailstock quill also having etched depth graduations. The Stratos FU-230 is a step up again in terms of capacity and is a superb machine suitable for larger and heavier work and is in the realms of a professional machine.
These specifications are a good benchmark for similar lathes and can be used for comparative purposes when researching which lathe to purchase. Those of the Vicmarc VL240 are comparable but with slightly increased capacity as standard, and a three-pulley system that increases the range and speed/torque available. The Vicmarc lathes are highly regarded for their quality and robust build and durability and are rightly considered to be highly desirable machines at the top end of the market.
Axminster Power Tools have developed a wide range of woodturning lathes comprising hobby and professional- rated machines. The machines rated as hobby are generally intended for infrequent use. These machines often have motors that are not rated for constant usage, which for the professional or avid turner may not be an attractive limitation. The Axminster AC355WL Craft range is a robust table-top lathe aimed at the hobby turner offering electronic variable speed with a digital speed display, forward and reverse, and a pulley system to provide for varying torque. For projects such as small bowls and pots, pens and other small jobs, these lathes will perform well for the novice turner. The Axminster AT406WL is a trade-rated step up the ladder, built to work and providing improved capabilities to the Craft range.
Your choice may ultimately be governed by cost, and this may lead you into the second-hand market, which for the new turner can be a scary prospect. If you can find another turner, perhaps at a local woodturning club, to offer advice they are usually very helpful and may guide you in your choices. Try to look for known brands and models, and do not be tempted by the bottom-of-the-barrel cheap lathes often seen on auction sites; these types of machine are not well built and invariably the unwary purchaser decides to upgrade within months. Older lathes are often available and, while they may still be useable machines, keep in mind that spare parts may be unavailable and the capacities and capabilities are likely to be considerably less generous than their modern counterparts. Also, they will not come with a guarantee.
Considerations When Buying a Lathe
Ask yourself the following questions:
1. What kind of turning do I propose to do or aspire to?
2. How much space have I got to site the lathe?
3. If space is limited, remember the swivelling-headstock type of lathe facilitates larger-diameter turning without having to stand and work at the end of the lathe.
4. How much money have I got to spend?
5. When you have the answers clear in your mind, you will need to compare the specifications of the lathes you are attracted to for such matters as:
- The required distance between centres and the swing over bed
- The range of speeds available (I consider you need no fewer than four different speeds, ranging from approximately 500 to 2000 rpm)
- Ease of adjustment to tailstock, speed-changing and toolrests.
6. Consider whether the manufacturers are reputable and well established, whether they offer a good range of accessories and spares, and how long a guarantee they give.
7. If you decide on a combined outboard and between- centres lathe, you must be prepared to spend extra on left- and right-hand attachments.