Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 45
Benchtop Lathes Benchtop lathes also are designed to be bolted to a workbench and come close to the abilities and capacities of floor models. Benchtop lathes may offer up to 30" swing (roughly the largest diameter turning it can accommodate) and 38" between centers, only a bit behind floor models in capacity. These lathes typically weigh less than 200 pounds, compared to 250 or more for stationary models. Of course, a lot of that weight difference comes from the lack of a stand, which you supply. Prices vary widely, starting around $150, with the top-priced benchtop lathe at almost $2,000. Floor Model Lathes Stationary floor model lathes are the big boys of this bunch, designed to turn out massive projects as long as 50" and as large as 24" in diameter. The smallest floor model lathes have capacities of 12" diameter by 35", 36" or 37" in length, while the bigger ones turn up to 24" by 50". The work done is the same, but you can do more of it, more quickly, than with lighter-duty tools. Prices also tend to be higher. The cheapest floor model lathe is going to cost about $300, while the most costly slips past $4,500. Weight is highly variable, with lightweight stationary lathes under 150 pounds, but most are in the 250 plus pound area, rising to a high of 850 pounds. It is in the floor model category that many custom features are found. Horsepower can go up. Types of drive can change. One model has a headstock that slides the full length of the bed when most head-stocks are either locked in place or only swivel. Several brands have reversible motors (said to be good for sanding some projects), while another offers an optional reverse. At least one lathe can be completely built to customer specifications. Beds and Bed Materials A lathe starts with a bed made of cast iron, steel tubing or wood, with cast iron usually considered the better choice because the more solid the bed, the more accurate the lathe will be. As with most floor model woodworking tools, heavy is better because the weight absorbs vibration. The Headstock The headstock is the business end of the lathe. It contains pulleys attaching the motor to the drive center. The drive center fits in a conical hole called a Morse taper, and has a pencil-point center with four chisel-like knives that hold the turning material as you work. Lathe speed is controlled at the headstock by a series of pulleys and adjustable belts or a variable speed motor that you set with a dial. Lathe speeds typically range from 500 to 3,000 rpm. Some lathes offer headstocks that swivel 90 and 180 degrees to allow you to turn larger pieces by working away from the bed. This is called "outboard" turning. The Tailstock At the right end of the lathe is the tail-stock. You move the tailstock to accept different length material between the centers. Mounted on the tailstock is the "live center," which is a pencil-type point fitted to a free-spinning bearing. The Tool Rest Between the tailstock and the headstock is the tool rest. Tool rests come in various shapes (straight, long, short and S) to match specific tasks. It's where the tool rests as it shaves away material. Adjustable for height and distance from the work, it's got to lock solidly in place on the tool bed, yet adjust easily along the bed's length. Power Rated power on lathes jumps all over the lot, as do speed ranges. The actual and rated power may differ widely but, for most work, starting at 1/2 hp is fine. Mini-lathes are lighter, smaller, designed to work with smaller stock, and may have as little as 1/8 hp, enough power to do what it's supposed to do. Benchtop and a number of floor models start around 1/2 hp (about as low as things get). Most are in the 3/4 and 1 hp category, until you hit the high-end PW SmmenKo: The following lathes have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation. Occasional User For the occasional user there are a couple of ways to go for recommendations. For the most versatile lathe we recommend Delta's 46-701 lathe for around $550 with stand.The 3/4 hp, 12" variable speed lathe offers 36" between centers and a pivoting head-stock with a 16" diameter swing over the bed. If this is a little too expensive for your occasional use, we recommend the Grizzly G1067Z,with a |/2 hp motor, 40" between centers, a spindle indexed at every 15- degrees and a pivoting head with a 14"-diame-ter swing over the bed for $400.Also worthy of mention are two specialty lathes which have a little less capacity but can be nice introductions to turn-ing.The Jet JML-1014 Mini-Lathe for $300 with 14" between centers, and 10" diameter swing, powered by a |/2 hp motor; or the Delta 46-250 Midi-Lathe ($320) with a ^ hp motor 10" swing and 141/4" between centers which can be extended to 37" with an accessory bed. Serious Home Woodworker For the serious home turner we recommend the Nova 3000 lathe with the Ihp variable speed reversing DC motor for $I,225.The Nova offers a sectional cast iron bed that allows the length to be increased by 21" sections, and a 16" diameter swing over the bed.This is a well-designed lathe with lots of performance for the price. Advanced Woodworker or Professional For the advanced turner we have one strong recommendation: the Oneway Model 2436.This is a solid, well machined and designed lathe that offers a 24" diameter swing over the bed, and 36" between centers. Powered by either a |l/2,2 or 3 hp motor the Oneway offers speed ranges from 0-3,000 rpm and a 48-position indexing plate. Priced at $4,550 this is an expensive machine, and the accessories can kick the price to $6,000 if you're not paying attention. But it is the pro lathe of choice. |
