General 25-650 lathe impressions

[Joe Fisher]

I've had my 25-650 for a couple of months, now. At the request of another member, here are my feelings about it so far.

Good things:

• I was able to get it in the shop and set it up myself in about an hour. Most of that time was spent agonizing on where to put it
• Everything went together easily and fit well.
• The lathe is very solid, and everything lines up accurately.
• The rotating headstock slides and rotates very smoothly, and is a snap to re-align when you're done playing with it.
• The EVS is awesome. I can dial down to about 50 RPM in the lowest speed range.
• 3 speed/torque ranges are available to suit your turning. 0-1000, 0-2000, 0-3750. Changing ranges is very quick and easy. Plenty of torque down in the low range.
• 36 Indexing positions.
• Quiet and vibration free.
• Good capacity for the money.
• It's not bright yellow

Not so good things:

• If you'll be turning out-of-balance blanks, weight in the base would be a big help. The ability to dial the speed way down does compensate quite a bit for this. I haven't added any weight, yet, and I've turned blanks up to 15" diameter without any drama.
• The only way to immobilize the spindle so you can remove a chuck/faceplate is by screwing in the indexing pin. It's a 3/8" bolt, and you've got to screw it in about 1/2". Kind of a pain.
• No handwheel. I've never used a lathe with one anyway, so I don't care, but it may bother some.
• Instructions could be more detailed.

It really is a ton of lathe for the money, and I'm quite pleased with my purchase. Hope this is helpful.

-Joe

 

[Mike S]

Joe, want kind of money are we talking about.Thanks Mike

 

[Joe Fisher]

Joe, want kind of money are we talking about.Thanks Mike

I paid $1769 + tax at a local shop here in NJ.

-Joe

 

[pencheff]

I paid $1769 + tax at a local shop here in NJ.
-Joe

Where in NJ Joe? Turns out the local shop I was hoping would stock this lathe only sells the General line, doesn't handle the imported General International gear.

 

[Joe Fisher]

Where in NJ Joe? Turns out the local shop I was hoping would stock this lathe only sells the General line, doesn't handle the imported General International gear.

Burns Factory Supply
110 State Hwy No 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936

They did have to order it. I didn't have to pay freight, since I was willing to wait for it to come in with their regular General order; about a month's wait.

-Joe

 

[woodman]

general 25-650

Hi Joe I have been looking around for a long time at different lathes, I decided on the 25-650 I am picking mine up on Thurs. Yahooooooo I can't wait. Mark

 

[Joe Fisher]

Wow, I had completely forgotten about this post.

I have since gotten rid of the General and upgraded to a Stubby.

Best of luck with yours. Let us know how you like it.

-Joe