• Beware of Counterfeit Woodturning Tools (click here for details)
  • Johnathan Silwones is starting a new AAW chapter, Southern Alleghenies Woodturners, in Johnstown, PA. (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Paul May for "Checkerboard (ver 3.0)" being selected as Turning of the Week for March 25, 2024 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Lathe upgrade.

Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
I am using a Rikon 70-220 VSR now. It has a 12.5” swing and 21” length. It has been a great lathe but now I am turning as large a bowl as possible and it is a little under powered. The lathe I am looking at is a Grizzly G0838. It has a sliding head stock. It has a 16” swing over the bed and a 24” spindle. If you slide the headstock to the end it will turn 29” outboard. It has a 2 HP three phase motor and 220 v single phase power supply. I can get it for $1,800 delivered. Would appreciate some feedback on what you all think.
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
2,326
Likes
1,105
Location
Nebraska
Rusty,

I picked up a second hand Grizzly 22" lathe several years ago and it works fine, no problems with it so far. If you have the room I would go with a longer bed lathe, sooner or later you will want to turn some longer pieces and the 24" will need an extension to provide for the longer turnings. I have six various sized lathes in my shop and home several of them are metal turning lathes, I have refurbished and sold a few lathes over the years and added to my tool collection when buying machines at estate sales and auctions. There are a growing number of used machines hitting the market each year with the older boomers downsizing and moving into retirement homes. I missed an opportunity on a big Oneway lathe in my area several years ago and wish I had jumped on it when it came up on an estate sale. Sooner or later everyone like to have a Cadillac, if you spend a lot of time turning, precision engineered and built equipment is a joy to use and always hold their resale value. I usually check Craiglist on a regular basis for deals on woodworking and metalworking equipment.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Thanks Mike. I have been checking Craigslist for a while and nothing. My shop is small and the Grizzly is actually a little longer than I wanted but I can make room. I was also looking at the Nova Saturn but the push button speed control looks like a deal breaker.
 
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
2,432
Likes
1,846
Location
Bozeman, MT
During the last 12 months, there have been fewer ads for many types of items compared with normal times. Over the next 6 months, all those folks who didn't want strangers coming into their space will get back to selling their stuff. Patience is on your side.

One route that can be very productive is to contact turning clubs in your area. Many of them have some sort of classified ad feature, but even if they don't people know people who have been thinking about selling their lathe but haven't quite gotten around to listing them. If you let them know you're looking, you might get a ton of responses.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Thanks Dean. I love living in a small area until it comes to things like this. If I do find something on Craigslist I will be driving at least 3 hours each way. I have looked into clubs in my area and the closest one is two hours away.
 
Joined
Jul 26, 2016
Messages
2,326
Likes
1,105
Location
Nebraska
Rusty,

Many of the clubs are doing remote club meetings over the internet along with remote training sessions by a number of professionals during the Covid-19.0. This is usually a 1 or 2 hour meeting each month with question and answer time for all of the members. Many of the clubs across the nation have extensive websites with plenty of resources to use for club members.
You can join just about about any club across the nation and attend virtual meetings from your home, no need to drive 3-hours in each direction.
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2018
Messages
1,948
Likes
996
Location
La Grange, IL
...I was also looking at the Nova Saturn but the push button speed control looks like a deal breaker.

If the other features of the Saturn are desirable to you, then don't be too quick to strike it off the list over the buttons and speed control.

A lot has been said about the nasty blister buttons that Nova uses, and a lot of that has been said by me. I'm not a fan. I have the 1624 model with the DVR upgrade, and I find the blister buttons (aka membrane buttons) a very poor type of actuator. But with the simple application of an adhesive bump dot to the blister button (those things you stick on the inside edge of a cabinet door) the problem has been solved for me. I don't prefer a blister button, but I can live with it by adding the bump dot. I have to also add that the blister buttons on the Saturn and Galaxy were better executed than those for the 1624 upgrade.

As to "push button speed control", speed on the Saturn is controlled by turning a knob, much like other lathes. Turn the knob and change speed by 5 rpm, or push and turn to increment 50 rpm at a time. However, like a car radio, there are also several presets available. I believe the Saturn has 8 settings allowing you to jump directly to common speeds. I have mine set for 100, 300, 600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100. I can jump to speed, then dial up or down.

Not trying to sell you on a Saturn, here. Just trying to clarify if the issue was how the speed was controlled, or the nature of the button actuators.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Thanks for the info Mark. That is a lot more info than I could find anywhere online and helps a lot. Knowing what you know about the Saturn would you buy it again? Also does it have plenty of power and torque?
 
Joined
Jun 6, 2018
Messages
1,948
Likes
996
Location
La Grange, IL
We're all different, so take my advice (and everyone's) with a grain of salt. I don't actually have a Saturn, I have a 1624 with a DVR motor, so most of the features of the Saturn. If I were buying a lathe again the Saturn and it's big brother the Galaxy would both be on my short list of contenders. They have a lot of features that I like and want with a few faults. They are a good compromise for me and what I want to make. You asked about power and torque and all I can say is I'm happy with it. It's a 1.75 HP motor on a 20 amp circuit, so that is not too shy of the 2 HP Grizzly you are considering. But I should note that I've never done something like coring, nor do I ever foresee a day when I would. The beauty of a 120V machine is that you probably already have a handy outlet. If you have to add a 240V circuit to your shop that can add some significant cost to the tool acquisition. If you want some more first hand feedback on the drive train @Doug Freeman has a Galaxy (they all share the same motor and similar electronics).
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2019
Messages
1,813
Likes
1,415
Location
Lebanon, Missouri
I have been very pleased with my Galaxi. I use it on 120v, which puts it somewhere between 1-1/2 & 1.75 hp. I think 220v (simple plug change, that’s it) gets to 2 hp. I have the Woodcut Bowlsaver 2 blade coring tool, goes up to ~11”. No problem at all to core oak or other domestic hardwoods. Wishing I had sprung for the 3 blade max version, which I think the motor would do just fine with. I can stall it out with a 5/8” Ellsworth grind gouge buried deep, but it takes about all the wing buried in a cut to do it. Below ~300 rpm with interrupted cuts (roughing a 15” dia blank) you can feel/see/hear some pulsing. I havent turned on an ac-inverter lathe, but I suspect its similar. Above ~300 rpm things smooth out. I typically balance blanks out enough to get above that speed.

As Mark mentioned the blister buttons are bit of a pita but adding some cabinet door bumpers removes 98% of that issue. Having the 8 speed presets (owner settable) is great - I use 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500.

The primary reason I picked the Galaxi is the pivoting HS and bolt on outrigger. I do not want to lean over the lathe bed or extend my arms out when coring a bowl. No removing/lifting the TS for every bowl like a sliding headstock.Can also stick the project off to the side or end to sand or apply finish. The bolt on outrigger/tool rest moves with the lathe, so any cuts on out of balance pieces (I do a lot of NE bowls that can be out when hollowing) are much cleaner vs a floor mount. The Grizzly lathes do not have a good outrigger solution IMO. I investigated them during my search (whse is 50 mi from my house).

I like the higher weight of the Galaxy vs the Saturn, but any short “bowl lathe” around this price will be a bit light. There are several methods to address that issue.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Thanks guys. The Saturn fits my space perfect. With the Grizzly I would have to redesign the shop a little. With the Galaxy I would have to sell some other tools. Being as it does have a dial for speed also and not just the buttons I don’t think it will be a deal breaker for me.
 
Joined
Feb 5, 2021
Messages
107
Likes
65
Location
Melbourne, AR
Let me throw an iron into the fire...should be in dealers any day now. Record Power Coronet Envoy, 16x24, swivel and slide 1.75hp-110v, remote magnetic control box, 5 year warranty. If you want 220v the Regent has 18” swing. Both have outboard capacity of 39”. Just more choices....enjoy the adventure.
A58049AA-4BAE-4607-8494-6362B87BCCC5.jpeg
 
Joined
Jul 18, 2018
Messages
1,061
Likes
1,719
Location
Baltimore, MD
Isn’t it amazing (frustrating?) how you can think you’ve made a decision, and then are confronted with a new bit of information that sets you back?! Happens to me all the time: Large chuck...website developing...coring system..... the list goes on. I suppose in the scheme of things it’s a good challenge to have.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
29
Likes
12
Location
Morristown, NJ
I had a Nova 2024 and I got a lot of good use out of it. I had some nits, but no big complaints. Then a few months ago I fried the motor when I powered on with the index lock engaged (I had made this mistake before without any adverse consequences). I found out the hard way that the motor is not fixable and not replaceable on Nova lathes. They would have sold me a reconditioned headstock for about $1000, but they didn’t have any left. Under warranty wouldn’t be a problem, but this issue is something to consider.

David
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
I am leaning toward the Record Power. The Nova and RP are the same price. The Nova has free shipping. The RP is $230 to ship. The accessories for the RP are quite a bit cheaper for example the outrigger for the Nova is $330 and the RP is only $179. I really like the magnetic control pendant the RP comes with so it can be controlled from anywhere.
 
Joined
Sep 12, 2017
Messages
897
Likes
1,076
Location
Marietta, Georgia
I had a Nova 2024 and I got a lot of good use out of it. I had some nits, but no big complaints. Then a few months ago I fried the motor when I powered on with the index lock engaged (I had made this mistake before without any adverse consequences). I found out the hard way that the motor is not fixable and not replaceable on Nova lathes. They would have sold me a reconditioned headstock for about $1000, but they didn’t have any left. Under warranty wouldn’t be a problem, but this issue is something to consider.

David
Thats really odd. I have one too and frequently start it with the index lock engaged inadvertantly and all it does is make a funny noise and shut off. Never has any other effect on it. Maybe there was an overload parameter on yours not set right, I think this falls under the stalling shutdown actions.
 
Joined
Feb 5, 2021
Messages
107
Likes
65
Location
Melbourne, AR
Ain’t this fun?? It’s kinda like having your cross hairs all lined up, just about to move in and, her younger sister comes into the room...as the song says.
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2019
Messages
1,813
Likes
1,415
Location
Lebanon, Missouri
I am leaning toward the Record Power. The Nova and RP are the same price. The Nova has free shipping. The RP is $230 to ship. The accessories for the RP are quite a bit cheaper for example the outrigger for the Nova is $330 and the RP is only $179. I really like the magnetic control pendant the RP comes with so it can be controlled from anywhere.

The RP outrigger has 3 pieces, is long, and will flex and vibrate much more easily vs the Nova. If the middle piece could be removed it would help a lot, but that would require a bushing to maintain height. Dont think it would be difficult to make the bushing, and it may require a longer bolt in that pivot point.

With the Galaxi, for smaller bowls I rotate the head off ~20 deg and use the banjo. For larger bowls I rotate the head ~ 135 deg and use the outrigger. This type of alignment would allow using the RP outrigger w/o the middle piece and a bushing in place.

I also like the movable control pendant on the RP. I have the Nova remote, and it worked for a little while but no longer - I suspect they had a lot of issues with it since it has been discontinued. The pendant would be nice but not reason for me to change lathes.

Appears the RP Envoy has a 3 step pulley, but a min speed of 250 rpm. That is deal beaker for me. Too fast to start up for a large outboard blank. I also sand on the lathe and use the lathe for part of my finishing process, and 250 rpm is too fast for larger work. The Nova Galaxi/Saturn go down to 100 rpm.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Feb 5, 2021
Messages
107
Likes
65
Location
Melbourne, AR
Thinking it might be worth a try to use the “dogleg” from the Herald at $65...depending on how big you want to turn.
 

Attachments

  • C21DF380-CFAD-457B-A38A-41C1445C9071.jpeg
    C21DF380-CFAD-457B-A38A-41C1445C9071.jpeg
    46 KB · Views: 31
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
The RP outrigger has 3 pieces, is long, and will flex and vibrate much more easily vs the Nova. If the middle piece could be removed it would help a lot, but that would require a bushing to maintain height. Dont think it would be difficult to make the bushing, and it may require a longer bolt in that pivot point.

With the Galaxi, for smaller bowls I rotate the head off ~20 deg and use the banjo. For larger bowls I rotate the head ~ 135 deg and use the outrigger. This type of alignment would allow using the RP outrigger w/o the middle piece and a bushing in place.

I also like the movable control pendant on the RP. I have the Nova remote, and it worked for a little while but no longer - I suspect they had a lot of issues with it since it has been discontinued. The pendant would be nice but not reason for me to change lathes.

Appears the RP Envoy has a 3 step pulley, but a min speed of 250 rpm. That is deal beaker for me. Too fast to start up for a large outboard blank. I also sand on the lathe and use the lathe for part of my finishing process, and 250 rpm is too fast for larger work. The Nova Galaxi/Saturn go down to 100 rpm.
That would probably be due to the RP being able to turn 39” outboard. Man this is hard. What to do what to do.
 
Joined
Nov 4, 2011
Messages
495
Likes
744
Location
Bay Settlement, WI
I had a Nova 2024 ... had to fight with Nova for almost a year to get the remote that was promised when I bought the machine. Tore the lead screw in the tailstock up twice drilling with 2-inch Forstner bits. The coups de grace for that lathe was when a static spark (ESD ... electrostatic discharge) blew the control panel. Enough was enough. I sold it on CraigsList for a fraction of what I paid for it, and replaced it with a Powermatic 3520C. Purchased the PM 3 years ago ... one of the best tool decisions I have ever made.
 
Joined
Sep 5, 2019
Messages
128
Likes
73
Location
Martinsville, VA
Website
www.GrattanCreek.com
Well I like everything about the Record Power except the speed ranges. They are 250-750, 550-1650 and 1300-3800. I can see having to change the belt a lot.

Speed range and control is the deal killer for me, too. For me the biggest part of that is the lack of a sub-100rpm speed for some on-lathe sanding and finishing operations. I'm leaning towards a Jet 1640 or 1840 myself.
 
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
Messages
1,007
Likes
1,347
Location
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Speed range and control is the deal killer for me, too. For me the biggest part of that is the lack of a sub-100rpm speed for some on-lathe sanding and finishing operations. I'm leaning towards a Jet 1640 or 1840 myself.
I was looking at the Jet too but it only has a sliding headstock. That won’t work very good with the room that I have.
 
Joined
Sep 5, 2019
Messages
128
Likes
73
Location
Martinsville, VA
Website
www.GrattanCreek.com
I was looking at the Jet too but it only has a sliding headstock. That won’t work very good with the room that I have.

You and I aren't the only ones trying to get more out of limited shop space, budget, etc.
The Record Power units are very attractive and have just about every feature you could want in a home shop lathe.
Do more features offer more potential points of failure? That's a rhetorical question at this time and can only be answered by months and years of the lathes being out on the market and getting used and abused.

There are certainly pros and cons in the pivoting vs. sliding comparison.
Older Jet 1640 and 1840 models apparently had sliding/pivoting heads. The claim I saw is that they went to sliding only to keep the cost/price down to the market niche. After reading some comments on alignment & vibration issues with pivoting heads, I wonder if those were also reasons Jet went to sliding only.
One big reason to get a bigger lathe for me is to do more irregular and out-of-balance pieces. I'd hate to sacrifice the strength & rigidity of the head/bed connection if I don't have to.
Fortunately, I do have room, or can rearrange to make room in my shop to work off the end.

Without options in the market, what would we talk about here on the forums?
 
Joined
Jan 8, 2021
Messages
320
Likes
413
Location
Wrentham, MA
Question on the stated capability of the Record Power - 39" outboard. Yet, as I look at the headstock, the motor would be in the way of outboard turning. Does that 39" reflect the capacity if the headstock is rotated 90 degrees to the bed?
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2019
Messages
1,813
Likes
1,415
Location
Lebanon, Missouri
There are certainly pros and cons in the pivoting vs. sliding comparison.
Older Jet 1640 and 1840 models apparently had sliding/pivoting heads. The claim I saw is that they went to sliding only to keep the cost/price down to the market niche. After reading some comments on alignment & vibration issues with pivoting heads, I wonder if those were also reasons Jet went to sliding only.

All I can say is I have not had any structural/rigidity/vibration or alignment issues with my Nova Galaxi. My opinion is Jet did it primarily to remain cost competitive. Their banjo extension was no where near as effective as the Nova bolt on outrigger.

Here are some picks of some of the larger pieces, all green wood, that I have had on the lathe, including coring. This coring pic is of the 1st bowl. I cored a larger one next within an 1" or so of the OD. As you can see the NE bowl and the spindle piece are close to maxing out the swing of the lathe. The spindle piece became a 12" dia x 12" tall HF using a Jamieson captive rig, no steady rest. The NE bowl ended up 14" dia, hollowed out facing ~135° rotated to the left, using the outrigger, 1/4" wall thickness. I use the electric chainsaw and 4" grinder chainsaw wheel to semi-balance and create bed clearance, but they are still out of balance when I start turning. These pieces are bagged and drying, and I'm not going to dig them out to take pics. The 4th pic is a 8" dia x 15" tall maple vase, finished, done a year and a half ago. If turning, coring, hollowing, and turning large thin walled NE bowls without structural/vibration/alignment issues doesn't put all this BS about a problem with rotating headstocks to bed, then you have rocks in your head and nothing will change your opinion. Click on the pics to enlarge.


IMG_2116.JPG IMG_2193.JPG IMG_2157.JPGIMG_1941.JPG
 
Last edited:
Back
Top