Owners poll- 18" X 47" lathes

[kevinkabby]

Elsworth

It would be great to hear what he says. Laguna salesman told me that malcolm tibbets loved the lathe when he demonstrated there. Truth was malcolm never even turned. He just simply showed his processes. I am curious to see how their sales force will use this to bend the truth.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Salesmenare likely compounding problems

It would be great to hear what he says. Laguna salesman told me that malcolm tibbets loved the lathe when he demonstrated there. Truth was malcolm never even turned. He just simply showed his processes. I am curious to see how their sales force will use this to bend the truth.

Kevin,

I think that the fact "salesmen" have been involved in the interactions with customer/owners is a problem in itself with Laguna. Communication with owners who have issues with the units should be limited to tech support folks who know the product and can give correct info to the customer.

Salesmen by the nature of their job do get "creative" with the truth, and what owners want is reliability and correct info. Just because some famous person drove a YUGO, does not mean I want to buy one!

This sales dept. at Laguna, and the "creativity" they seem to easily exhibit; seems to be a indication of the kind of folks one has to deal with. Some customers may have had a good experience, but for those who did not, then a genuine effort should be undertaken to make the purchase and service experience a good one for the customer, especially if they want repeat business.

Getting a feel for the nature of this line up of 18x47's can be had, I think by seeing the overall reviews from owners all across the different labels, such as busy bee, H&F, Grizzly, and Laguna. For the most part, from what I can tell, I don't see a lot more complaints [percentage wise] than I have seen with the Jet 16/42 or Nova, or Powermatic. I realize many more numbers to compare with the Jet, but I don't see any increase in complaints [percentage/number units sold] with the 18/47 line overall.

 

[kevinkabby]

Show me pure raw numbers...and I will believe it. Until then it is just simply speculation.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Show me pure raw numbers...and I will believe it. Until then it is just simply speculation.

True Kevin,

the only info that I am privy to is the postings of owners, and the conversations I have had personally with a few folks about the lathe. Same is true about the other makes, but we pay more attention to the unit that we have.

I don't think anyone except the companies themselves have the raw sales data and problems reported per units sold.

I have seen more postings about Jet motors knocking than about problems with the 18/47 line up. That being said, there are a lot more Jet units in service within the woodturning community, and there is no fair comparrison to a recently introduced lineup.

To their credit, from all I have heard, Jet has done their very best to remedy the motor issues for all who have reported them. That is good customer service on their part.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Sound like Lagoooooona needs a return via a real fast back up followed by stepping on the brakes with the tail gate down just before the truck hits the building right in through the front door. You'd have to figure it a total loss which it almost is anyway.

Yes I meant to put all those o's in Lagoooooona.

I've heard just enough bad about Lagoooooona over the years that I'd never touch anything from them with a 10" pole. Most of it is attitude & poor customer service

Hello Bart!

Well, at least your suggestion would get their attention!

Good to hear from you again!:cool2:

 

[Russ Fairfield]

Roger,
You have said so many different things about the 18" lathe that I have lost track of whether you are thrilled with it, disappointed, or hate it.

 

[Ron Sardo]

Info on Laguna 18/47

On post # 143 you'll find a response by an ex-member named hooj1, who turned out to be a service tech for Lugana.

Keep in mind that this thread started in Oct, '07 and continued until June '08

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Good to Know - Where where you a Year Ago?

Ron,
Thanks for this link. I wish I'd found that a little over a year ago. It sounds like Laguna has been consistent in their customer service since at least 2007.

I wonder if that tech is still with Laguna, he would have been dismissed if he worked for the company I work for.

I think most of Laguna's issues come from not knowing the product they're selling. They didn't design it and it's obvious that they didn't take the time or initiative to learn the product so they could help their customers in some way. They don't even have a schematic of the inverter. They now are at the point of giving the same answer no matter what the issue is with the way the motor runs "run it at half speed all the time", which of course doesn't fix the design flaw. It doesn't mask it either.

Info on Laguna 18/47

On post # 143 you'll find a response by an ex-member named hooj1, who turned out to be a service tech for Lugana.

Keep in mind that this thread started in Oct, '07 and continued until June '08

Good Luck and Happy Turning

 

[Ron Sardo]

I wonder if that tech is still with Laguna, he would have been dismissed if he worked for the company I work for.

Flyboy IP matched hooj1's IP

 

[Roger Chandler]

Roger,
You have said so many different things about the 18" lathe that I have lost track of whether you are thrilled with it, disappointed, or hate it.

Hello Russ,

I do like my Grizzly G0698 18x47 very much. Early on, I was uncertain about the "hunt" at low rpm, which I have now learned was designed that way because of inherent issues with motor overheating at low rpm, according to Bill Boehme, and electrical engineer who posted on this thread and does so on this forum from time to time, and also from talking with tech guys at Grizzly.

So far, my unit has been splendid in power and performance, and most of the owners of the BusyBee, Hare & Forbes, and Grizzly have reported good things with their versions of the 18x47 lineup, and Laguna seems to have service problems, and seems to give inaccurate information through the sales force to some owners. [I refer you to Tom Hamilton's posts, and KevinKabby's as well,

I purchased my Grizzly G0698 on New years day, 2010, and so far it has been superb!

I enjoy your website Russ! BTW Russ, Are you saying that this thread is way too long. since you have lost track of my opinion on this? I do seem to comment on what I perceive is poor customer service that some owners have gotten from an aforementioned company. I can always start a new thread if this one has become too lengthy.

 

[Vaughn]

...For the most part, from what I can tell, I don't see a lot more complaints [percentage wise] than I have seen with the Jet 16/42 or Nova, or Powermatic. I realize many more numbers to compare with the Jet, but I don't see any increase in complaints [percentage/number units sold] with the 18/47 line overall.

In general, I agree with this statement in regards to 18/47 lathes from all sellers combined, but I know I've see far more complaints about the Laguna 18/47 than I've seen about the Powermatic 3520B. I'm talking sheer numbers of complaints, not a percentage of owners with complaints. And things like a loose setscrew on the pulley doesn't quite compare to a controller that cuts out at the first sign of work. It's good to see your Grizzly is performing to your satisfaction, and it sounds like a number of other owners of the same machine (regardless of the paint color) are also happy with their purchases. But between the apparently non-existent QC and questionable sales and support tactics, I sure wouldn't be in the market for the Laguna version. Shame, too, because I think they have the best color scheme.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Grizzly Green

In general, I agree with this statement in regards to 18/47 lathes from all sellers combined, but I know I've see far more complaints about the Laguna 18/47 than I've seen about the Powermatic 3520B. I'm talking sheer numbers of complaints, not a percentage of owners with complaints. And things like a loose setscrew on the pulley doesn't quite compare to a controller that cuts out at the first sign of work. It's good to see your Grizzly is performing to your satisfaction, and it sounds like a number of other owners of the same machine (regardless of the paint color) are also happy with their purchases. But between the apparently non-existent QC and questionable sales and support tactics, I sure wouldn't be in the market for the Laguna version. Shame, too, because I think they have the best color scheme.

Vaughn,

I like the color scheme on the Laguna as well. Hare & Forbes also has a black and white paint scheme as well.

I will say this........I really like my Grizzly green so far. As long as this unit keeps performing like it has so far, then I will learn to love Grizzly green

I think that there must be some differences in Qualtiy control inspection with Grizzly, and I do know that Bill Crofutt from Grizzly and some others do spend some time at the factory in China on a regular basis [from what I have been told] so I surmise that may be the reason for the better results off the line. or maybe there are some different specs that Grizzly has required as far as the inverters, etc.

Mine has power and torque to spare, and I don't see how I could get better from another machine, and I have turned on a PM 3520b, and while it was a great experience, it was not any better than my G0698. I only wish that all others had the same experience with their units.

 

[Russ Fairfield]

Keep this one going. There are both good and bad things that can be said about Laguna and their lathes, and not much different from all of the others.

 

[Roger Chandler]

issues with most any machine?

Keep this one going. There are both good and bad things that can be said about Laguna and their lathes, and not much different from all of the others.

Russ,

A turner with your experience and reputation has a credibility when they express an opinion. When you said about Laguna and"not much different from all others" are you saying that pretty much all makes and models have both their good units and bad, and or good points and bad?

I feel like that any machine will have its units that are mechanically sound, while some will inevitably have issues, as it is the nature of the imperfections of design and or materials, or even a workmanship issue where someone did not do the best job they could have, or a parts failure.

 

[Russ Fairfield]

Russ,

When you said about Laguna and"not much different from all others" are you saying that pretty much all makes and models have both their good units and bad, and or good points and bad?

I feel like that any machine will have its units that are mechanically sound, while some will inevitably have issues, as it is the nature of the imperfections of design and or materials, or even a workmanship issue where someone did not do the best job they could have, or a parts failure.

I went through the problem with a Laguna bandsaw that I bought for a good price about 12 years ago at a woodworking machinery show, took it home and discovered that the top and bottom wheels were 1/8" and 3/16" out of round. That wasn't the one they used as a demonstrator at the show, and was definitely not the one I looked at when I bought it as the show was closing. There wasn't enough metal in the wheels to have them machined to round, and I discovered that the sales agreement I signed at the show voided all guarantees and parts replacements for tools purchased at the show. My communications with Laguna and their attitude was enough that I will never buy another thing from them. I have also talked to others who have had similar problems with them, but I have also talked to those have purchased excellent machines from them.

I replaced the wheels and bearings with those from an old machine of unknown brandname that I found in a junk yard, added new bearings that were quiet, and sold it to a friend when we moved to Idaho 9 years ago.

I am still using 2 Delta 14" bandsaws that were purchased a long time ago when Delta was not making very good machinery. I have no idea if the new Delta bandsaws will require the same modifications. I do know that everything I did to them made them a better saw. They are discussed in articles that were written in 1996 -

http://www.woodturner-russ.com/Bandsaw-Using.html

http://www.woodturner-russ.com/Bandsaw-Tuning.html

Both saws are accurate enough to make glueline finishes with a new blade, and are big enough for all of the woodturning that I do now. One has an extension to a 12" height and the other is still at 6". Both articles were written 15 years ago, and both saws have been running ever since without any problems. The only thing different that I am now doing is releasing the tension between using them, and the keeps the aluminum top casting from bending with age and constant tension.

 

[Fred Lockwood]

I feel like that any machine will have its units that are mechanically sound, while some will inevitably have issues, as it is the nature of the imperfections of design and or materials, or even a workmanship issue where someone did not do the best job they could have, or a parts failure.

Have been following this QC discussion with interest, the same problems could strike my Hare & Forbes machine.

Like you said, any machine can have problems, it is how the supplier deals with any problem that arises that counts.

This whole discussion would have been a lot shorter, and more positive in tone, if Laguna had responded to the problems Kevin and Tom experienced in a more positive and responsible way.

It is negative stuff like this that will stay in people's mind, and tends to overshadow any positive responses.

One of the things that swung me towards the Hare & Forbes 18x47 was the relatively simple variable speed setup, as compared to something like the Nova DVR XP. In the back of mind was the question what would happen if the electronics oand or motor go belly up. In the case of the DVR XP the motor and electronics are all incorporated in the headstock.

In these 18x47 units one could conceivably replace the motor with a 415V 3 phase unit and a standard VFD, at a cost well below the full price quoted by Laguna. In fact I have a 2hp 3 phase motor and VFD sitting in my shed that I purchased with a DRO for my 9x20 metal lathe. This could just as easily end up on the 18x47, but fingers crossed both lathes have so far performed faultlessly.

 

[Roger Chandler]

QC makes the difference

G'Day Fred,

Good to hear from you again I think QC is the issue. While we do not know what tomorrow may bring forth, our units, both the H&F and Grizzly seem to be doing just fine. They seemed to come from the factory in good operating form, and it just makes a difference than when centers don't align, etc.

Kevin spoke of his bed not being machined correctly and had filler put in where it looked as if dropped, and that was his replacement for the first unit!

The bed and all other aspects of my Grizzly G0698 are just fine, and are impressive for the price in my opinion. If I had one thing I would change, it would be a locking nut with nylon insert to keep the correct tension on the banjo without having to periodically adjust the nut for correct tension. An extremely minor thing that the manual clearly states should be done from time to time, not a problem at all.

I trust everything is going well down under with you, and you are getting good service from your H&F Woodmaster 18/47.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Russ,

Thanks for clarifying your post as related to Laguna. Gee, the more I hear from those who have had negative experiences with them, it seems to be "buyer beware!"

What a shame. Thanks for taking the time to share on this thread, we appreciate your input

 

[Fred Lockwood]

Roger, the banjo on mine so far hasn't needed adjustment, used to have to adjust that on my old lathe all the time. That is a common thing that needs doing on most lathes though.

The one thing missing from mine is a handwheel at the headstock spindle end, I have all the bits to make one and a metal lathe to do it with, but it is still on my "gunna-do" list, problem is the "honey-do" list always seems to take precedence. The other thing that keeps getting in the way is that I make and sell various pen turning bits and pieces, No Mandrel bushes, closed end mandrels, bullet kits and various PR and Worthless Wood blanks, and those items keep me busy as well. Just sent off an order for a heap of nylon (Delrin) No Mandrel bushes for finishing of pens.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Roger, the banjo on mine so far hasn't needed adjustment, used to have to adjust that on my old lathe all the time. That is a common thing that needs doing on most lathes though.

The one thing missing from mine is a handwheel at the headstock spindle end, I have all the bits to make one and a metal lathe to do it with, but it is still on my "gunna-do" list, problem is the "honey-do" list always seems to take precedence. The other thing that keeps getting in the way is that I make and sell various pen turning bits and pieces, No Mandrel bushes, closed end mandrels, bullet kits and various PR and Worthless Wood blanks, and those items keep me busy as well. Just sent off an order for a heap of nylon (Delrin) No Mandrel bushes for finishing of pens.

Fred,

The only reason I adjust the nut on the bottom of the banjo is so I can get the handle to lock in tight at the precise angle that I prefer. one turn to little and it may hang too low to suit me, or one turn to much, and the handle may not hang down far enough and I may bump it with my hand or something. It is all a matter of personal preference on this adjustment.

I am just glad that mine lock up tight and have been first rate all the way!

 

[Roger Chandler]

Dust collection for my 18x47

Hi all,

I finally got the time this afternoon to go out to the shop to take a few pics of the sliding base I made for the big gulp hood that I use behind the bed ways of my lathe.

This allows the hood to slide forward and back to be as close as needed for sanding, and some collection of the curlees, and then pushed back out of the way when not needed. It really works great. Depending on how much room one has on the back side, the base could be made longer, and give even more room away from the bed of the lathe. I am limited because of space, and even though there is a wall behind my lathe, I can still get the hose adapter and all and have plenty of room.

I use the Rockler "Dust Right" hookups for my 4" hose, and that goes to my dust collector. The base is mounted to a roller stand with the roller and bracket removed, and the base is attached with 4 screws.

 

[Roger Chandler]

more dust collection pics

here are more pics of the dust collection for the 18x47 lathe using the "big gulp" hood. I thought it might give some ideas to those who are looking to do a better job at collecting the sanding dust at their 18/47 unit. Hope it helps.

 

[James E Gaydos]

Question for Roger

Hi Roger,
What is the largest diameter piece that you have turned on the Grizzzz ?
Jim

 

[Roger Chandler]

Largest to date

Hi Roger,
What is the largest diameter piece that you have turned on the Grizzzz ?
Jim

Hi Jim,

So far the largest I have turned has been about 13-1/2 inches in diameter. The blanks started out bigger, but after turning the final size gets smaller.

I can turn 18" over the ways, and if I move the headstock to the end of the bed and turn off the end, I can pretty much do something in the 36" or so range if the blank is not too badly out of round. I would recommend that a platter or some slim turning would be fine at 36-38 inches, but not a long heavy log of a blank for a deep hollow form, etc.

 

[Roger Chandler]

small stuff on a big lathe

Hello all,

you have no doubt heard that you can turn small stuff on a big lathe, but you cannot turn big stuff on a small lathe.........

Yesterday I wanted to use up some scrap wood I had laying around the shop that was creating clutter, so I took some of it and made these birdhouse ornaments.

Walnut and southern yellow pine, and mahogany and southern yellow pine. The sanding is not up to my standards, because I had a dickens of the time trying to keep these in the chuck, and they went a-flyin' and the black walnut scrap was really punky and had a large crack through it, so I sealed it with CA glue.

I posted this just as a reminder that turnings like this are a good way to use up small scrap pieces instead of putting them in the wood stove.

The Grizzly G0698 just impresses me every time I turn a project, whether large or small. This lathe really performs well.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Exploring design possibilities- first half

Hello all,

Yesterday I began a turning that is 1/2 done. It is going to be a lidded vessel with a square edge bottom. The bottom is Walnut, which is the part I have finished so far.

This is kind of a "dry run/exploring design possibilities" kind of thing, because I am trying to figure out the best use of the real wood that I want to turn for the project. I have some purple heart, and some yellow heart that I got which match our local univeristy's colors [purple and gold] and I want this one to be more than just something that was chucked up and see what develops. I want to get it solid in my head what exactly I want before I put a tool to the wood.

This was turned all on the high belt setting of the Grizzly G0698 18/47, and sanded on it as well. The smooth and quiet performance was just a pleasure to use on this lathe. I don't see how it could get much better, although I will say that an "American Beauty" from Robust and a Oneway 24/36 would surely be the "Rolls Royce" in turning!

This is only the first half of a "dry run," and still needs to have a couple more coats of finish and to be buffed.

 

[kevinkabby]

showered with sparks

Well..........lathe number 2 down. It sounded like someone shot a shorty 22 calibur gun next to my face. The vfd shot sparks and subsequently fried. Thank god I didn't ship the old one back yet for that specific reason. Good news is they have 1....and only one in stock.

GO LAGUNA

 

[Roger Chandler]

Well..........lathe number 2 down. It sounded like someone shot a shorty 22 calibur gun next to my face. The vfd shot sparks and subsequently fried. Thank god I didn't ship the old one back yet for that specific reason. Good news is they have 1....and only one in stock.

GO LAGUNA

Wow!

Kevin,

What were you turning when this happened? Do you think you got a "reworked" unit from Laguna? In your opinion, what caused this particular failure of the VFD?

I cannot give an explanation of the differences, but my Grizzly has performed without a hiccup, and I have been so impressed with its performance overall.

I can only make a guess that it goes back to QC inspection and standards that the Grizzly line has to meet.

I sure hope they get the 3rd unit right for you! Good luck, and best regards, Kevin.

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Sorry to Hear of Your Troubles Kevin

Well..........lathe number 2 down. It sounded like someone shot a shorty 22 calibur gun next to my face. The vfd shot sparks and subsequently fried. Thank god I didn't ship the old one back yet for that specific reason. Good news is they have 1....and only one in stock.

GO LAGUNA

I know what you mean, when my Laguna blew up it was loud enough for the neighbor mowing the lawn to hear it, he asked if I was trying to make lightning, because there was a fantastic flash with mine.

Let me know if I can help, those spare parts are all yours if you want them.

I should post my Outbaord turning accessory in the for sale forum, do you think anyone would want it?

 

[Roger Chandler]

Causes of VFD troubles?

Tom,

Do you have any idea what was the cause of both yours and Kevin's VFD troubles? For example, circuit board, power surge, etc.?

Since both of you experienced similar issues, I was wondering if you have heard of any other owners of the Laguna that had similar problems with their units?

I have not heard of anyone from Busy Bee, or Hare & Forbes, or the new line of Grizzly's that have had these kinds of issues, but the Grizz line is newer, so fewer units are out there.

Regarding your outboard turning unit, how much would you let it go for?

 

[kevinkabby]

Wow!

Kevin,

What were you turning when this happened? Do you think you got a "reworked" unit from Laguna? In your opinion, what caused this particular failure of the VFD?

I cannot give an explanation of the differences, but my Grizzly has performed without a hiccup, and I have been so impressed with its performance overall.

I can only make a guess that it goes back to QC inspection and standards that the Grizzly line has to meet.

I sure hope they get the 3rd unit right for you! Good luck, and best regards, Kevin.

I was turning the tenon off of a vessel. In my estimation I would have had about 30 hours on this unit when it broke. I have no clue, I was turning at 1600 rpms when it popped. A guy at laguna told me that I am not supposed to turn under 1500 in the high setting. I said that is horse sh@#. You are supposed to change the belt to the low pully for turning below that. I turn segmented pieces and are very light. Messed up.

How could quality control catch that, testing an inverter? These guys don't even know how to turn a lathe on, watch the video of the 18/47 on lagunas site.

 

[kevinkabby]

I know what you mean, when my Laguna blew up it was loud enough for the neighbor mowing the lawn to hear it, he asked if I was trying to make lightning, because there was a fantastic flash with mine.

Let me know if I can help, those spare parts are all yours if you want them.

I should post my Outbaord turning accessory in the for sale forum, do you think anyone would want it?

I am not sure about the outboard accessory, maybe post it in the classifieds on the site here. Thanks for the offer, and I should take you up on it and add it to my laguna junk yard. LOL

 

[Roger Chandler]

selling _____________!

I was turning the tenon off of a vessel. In my estimation I would have had about 30 hours on this unit when it broke. I have no clue, I was turning at 1600 rpms when it popped. A guy at laguna told me that I am not supposed to turn under 1500 in the high setting. I said that is horse sh@#. You are supposed to change the belt to the low pully for turning below that. I turn segmented pieces and are very light. Messed up.

How could quality control catch that, testing an inverter? These guys don't even know how to turn a lathe on, watch the video of the 18/47 on lagunas site.

Kevin,

You are correct......that guy tried to sell you a bucket of ________:mad:. I am just glad you were too smart to buy it! I turn on my Grizzly on the high belt setting at 400 rpm or less, and no problems, and they have labels on your machine that say 0-3200 on the high belt and 0-1200rpm on the low belt!

This kind of thing is what really burns my cookies! Why can't Laguna folks just be honest, and quit trying to somehow skew things so they have no responsibility for any thing? That kind of thing is why they are getting such a bad reputation.

30 hours on that second unit is not even enough to get it warmed up good! They need to go the extra mile for you and get you a lathe that is right, and support it to the fullest.

This whole scenario is just incredible, from the stand point of customer service and support.

 

[Tom Hamilton]

Why do Laguna18/47's blow up?

It was asked earlier why just Laguna 18/47's blow up and not the other 18/47's.

I don't know. But the other companies should keep up the good work.

My VFD blew up because the output SCR's where not protected against back EMF. Or back-wards flow of current when the inductive field(s) of the motor collapsed back across the windings and induced a current flow in reverse. That current should have been snubbed at the output SCR's to ground, if it's not protected in some way the SCR will blow up and be shorted. So the next time you turn it on BLAM - BLEWY - POW - sssSSSPLAT - or some other spelling of a loud noise you like.

They blow up quite spectacularly.

No more Laguna for me, EVER. They had their opportunity to make it right and they chose not to. They chose not to support the customer or fix THEIR design problems. They chose to leave their customers with an operational problem caused by a design flaw, then tell them to only run it above 1500rpm, or in my case they told me to always run it at least 50% all the time for both belt settings. I asked them why they have a speed control knob then? Silence overtook the phone at that point.

Laguna has proven to me they do not want to take care of their customers by not addressing known issues with their design.

Laguna has proven to me they do not care if their product runs correctly, by giving stupid answers like always run it at 50%.

No more Laguna for me - EVER.

 

[kevinkabby]

So I called today to confirm if they were just shipping the headstock. They never cease to amaze me. He sounded like he forgot, let me check. They now might be shipping me a whole new unit. Called to check on it...an hour later he was out in the warehouse looking for parts for some machine. While on the phone with the salesman, I wanted to speak to an electric tech...He replied that you can be put through to his voicemail. I replied, is he going to call me back. The answer was "i don't know". So i told him something that I thought could be worked on, was the customer service. The F@#$(* as@#$hole hung up on me.

I hope laguna reads every post on this website.

Top it off, the service rep had no apology, he was in a joking mood.

 

[Roger Chandler]

Unbelievable that they would be this way! The quickest way I know to ruin your business and not keep repeat customers!

Thank you for your responses Tom & Kevin!

 

[Fred Lockwood]

I just hope that the electrics on my Hare & Forbes supplied 18x47 don't suffer the same fate, so far so good, fingers crossed.

I hope you get some resolution to this incredible saga Kevin, I can't understand how any company would allow this to drag on like that and suffer such bad publicity, incredible.

Visited Hare & Forbes yesterday (Saturday) morning for some other goodies, and asked whether they had the outboard turning attachment in stock. Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather! They had one, no longer though, I bought it. At only $99 it seemed a good idea to add it to the ever growing collection of toys in the shed.

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=W387A

Also bought a set of 4 castors, 2 fixed and 2 lockable swivel, as I want to lower the lathe. It is about 75mm too high for me, I currently stand on a duck board, but don't like it. So I will be cutting the bottom part off the legs and attaching the castors to the lathe giving me a lathe exactly 75mm lower.

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=C410

Will put up photos once I have done so.

 

[Bart Leetch]

Fred

How are you planning to fasten the casters on the legs after you cut the ends of the legs off?

I think before I cut the legs off I would build a cabinet the right height to put the lathe right where you need it. With that you could add a weight box & storage for chucks & other turning tools all on casters.

 

[Fred Lockwood]

Fred

How are you planning to fasten the casters on the legs after you cut the ends of the legs off?

I think before I cut the legs off I would build a cabinet the right height to put the lathe right where you need it. With that you could add a weight box & storage for chucks & other turning tools all on casters.

Bart, thanks for your suggestion.

The legs will be cut just below the bottom "shelf" brackets, which are 200mm from the bottom of the legs. The castors will be attached to the bottom of these shelf supports, which are the same size and thickness as the current bottom of the legs, with 4 bolts each. The castors are 125mm total height so I will reduce the height of the lathe by 75mm.

Two reasons I wouldn't go for your cupboard suggestion, first of all I am not a great fan of a cupboard, or a set of shelves, under my wood lathe. These always seems to get in the way of my feet and knees and invariably any drawers get full of shavings and dust. Second, I already have a mobile tool trolley next to my lathe, at right angles to it, it holds my chucks, jaws and other paraphernalia, it also has a moulded plastic top which is ideal for when I wet sand pens etc. It has a facility for storing my main chisels as well.

 

[kevinkabby]

fred

Do you work in your shop. OMG that is clean.