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Sorby RS3 lathe

I had a Record Power CL3 which is similar to the Sorby lathe you speak of. It was my first lathe and I loved it. Still I managed to outgrow the lathe in 2 years. The lathe had some very nice features. It used a bronze bushing which meant that the lathe ran as smooth as any machine I have ever owned. When I got my replacement lathe I thought I would continue to use the CL3. That didn't happen. I never used the CL3 again.

Turns out the Record Power CL3 is all about fiddling. I didn't know it at the time but my new lathe showed me that the CL3 took up at least 1/3 of my effort at turning. The new lathe takes up about 10% for my time.

I would avoid the Sorby lathe. It is a waste of your time and efforts. The lathe is well suited to spindle turning but so are many other lathes. Bowl turning is okay but most modern lathes are better at bowl turning than the Sorby lathe.
 
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