OK, I created a new thread in the Tutorial & Jigs section:
https://www.aawforum.org/community/...doff-arm-for-hollowing-rig.17266/#post-175074
https://www.aawforum.org/community/...doff-arm-for-hollowing-rig.17266/#post-175074
The GFCI issue is good to know. Thanks for putting that out there for us.I don't have any experience with Laguna lathes, but I do have quite a bit with the 2014.
I bought it for pretty much the same type of work you envision and after 7 months I am quite happy with my investment.
As you point out, the build quality is excellent, and the 240-volt 3-phase motor has plenty of torque.
The only issue I have had was with the AC power in my shop. Every circuit has a GFCI, and the 2014 would kick the GFCI off when I hit the go button. I made a call to Powermatic tech support, and the tech immediately identified the problem ... the inverter is not compatible with GFCI devices. He suggested I add a standard receptacle to the circuit upstream from the GFCI, and that solved the problem. I just have to remember to plug into the right receptacle.
I did not buy the bed extension (I have a 3520C for longer pieces).
I don't have any experience with Laguna lathes, but I do have quite a bit with the 2014.
I bought it for pretty much the same type of work you envision and after 7 months I am quite happy with my investment.
As you point out, the build quality is excellent, and the 240-volt 3-phase motor has plenty of torque.
The only issue I have had was with the AC power in my shop. Every circuit has a GFCI, and the 2014 would kick the GFCI off when I hit the go button. I made a call to Powermatic tech support, and the tech immediately identified the problem ... the inverter is not compatible with GFCI devices. He suggested I add a standard receptacle to the circuit upstream from the GFCI, and that solved the problem. I just have to remember to plug into the right receptacle.
I did not buy the bed extension (I have a 3520C for longer pieces).
Hi folks. Need the wisdom of the group. It's been a long time and lots has happened this past year+
Looking at another hand surgery. Specifically, another CMC arthroplasty with a carpal tunnel procedure like was done on my left hand/arm a while back. Rehab takes months and knowing what I know now, my days of turning big stuff are probably behind me. C'est la vie. Time to look forward to what I can do.
Small stuff. Segmented stuff. Lidded boxes and pens. All of which I like to do anyway. So I've been out of the lathe market for years now and have read a bit and such and turned on a bunch of lathes and here's my plan:
Downsize my shop. I just sold off my sliding table (panel) saw, my EVS floor drill press, and soon my edge and wide belt stationary sander. And a relatively new Jet spiral head planer. I'll keep the Kapex, the Grizzly 1013 TS and the bandsaw, and downdraft table plus some hand tools and move into a shop about 9 x 27. I currently have a Jet 1642, works great and no issues. Plus I have a vacuum adapter on it. I also have a VB36 that is in need of a new inverter. I don't see myself hogging off giant logs any more, and so my precious VB will be going on the auction block one of these days.
Yes, this is a long-winded post. Apologies.
I've turned on Oneway, Robust, Powermatic, Jet, and the VB. Liked them all. I also worked with a couple of the midi lathes at the AAW symposium youth classes (as a helper with Joe and also with Al) a couple of times. Nice little lathes.
I'm wondering if I should squeeze the Jet into my shop, or sell it and downsize to a Laguna 15|24, the Powermatic 2014, or is there something else out there?
Laguna pros: Lots of torque at lower end. It's only 1.5 hp but 120v. Like the adjustable legs, good build quality
Laguna cons: only 1.5 hp, not wild about the power range of the belt settings
Powermatic pros: also lots of torque at low end. Nice build quality from what I read
Powermatic cons: only 20" length in the ways and an inch less swing. Powermatic price (unless it's on sale).
I briefly considered the Jet 1221 and it's a nice lathe but a little under powered for my liking, and frankly the stand looks like it will topple over at any moment. And I like and have a few Jet tools in my shop.
So I'd appreciate any thoughts on a direction forward. I'm not buying until well into winter this coming year. Probably February or so. I want to get it into the shop before my surgery so I'll have something to look forward to (if I do buy instead
I have had the Coronet Envoy for a couple of months now and couldn’t be happier. Plenty of power. Love the sliding/rotating headstock. Turning outboard is very nice. I can’t think of anything I need that it won’t do.Have you/anyone looked into the “soon to be released” Record Power Coronet Envoy (115v-1.5hp) or Regent (220v-2hp) lathes? Dealer says they should be available within the next two weeks...delays due to Covid. Sliding head with 360 rotation, 16” (Envoy) and 18” (Regent) swing, 24” centers and 39” outboard capability and lanyard controls with magnetic box. Wanting to move up from an old JET 1236 and these look promising...to me. Pricing; $1999 and $2399 respectfully. New to the forum, live in the Ozarks and looking forward to learning from y’all.
Doug , what is the weight of the nova Galaxi, and the lowest RPM, that you have/ also how is the fit and finish?Both the Envoy and Regent RP lathes are nice, but have 2 issues: a bit light in wt (can be addressed), and a 250 rpm min speed. The 250 min speed is a deal breaker IMO. I put on some pretty unbalanced stuff at times and 250 is too fast for judging if it needs more trimming, and is also too fast for sanding larger pieces. Both of these issues were why I picked a Nova Galaxi over them.
Very as far as I can tell. As you might imagine though, having to be seated I’m not turning seriously unbalanced wood. I can’t speak for something that’s wobbling everywhere.How stable is the lathe with the front legs lowered?
Take a look at the Robust Scout. That lathe with their Universal Stand lets you change over to a sit down configuration if that is ever needed. I have one and currently use it in stand up mode, but before I bought it I tried one in a sit down mode and it was really nice.I got a chance to turn on a couple of the Robust lathes at David Ellsworth's class in PA, and they're very nice indeed. But to be honest, just more than I want to spend. I know you get what you pay for, but you know... :-D
Update: Darn it, Tim.. Now you've got me thinking about those Robust lathes.
Brent English made a couple of bowl tool rests for my VB a few years ago. Beautiful work from those guys.