Woodworker's Journal 2006-30-5, страница 51

GENERAL INTERNATIONAL

& Model: 25-650 f Price: $1,769 ^ Phone:514-326-1161

Motor/Weight: 1 HP/407 lbs.

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Capacity: 16" inboard, 42" between centers

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JS Speeds: (rpm): 0-3,750

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Spindle size: 1" x 8tpi

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H Other: Swiveling/sliding headstock.. steel cabinet stand

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General provides digital readout and a helpful speed chart to dial in the variable speed (right). The 25-650 also comes with a magnetic "panic" button (above) that can mount anywhere you want it to be.

for clearance or for marking lines on the wood, and it allows for rotation of the spindle when checking for sanding scratches. I found myself reaching for the hand wheel when testing all these lathes and missing its presence when it wasn't there. Even though the Nova is a direct-drive lathe, there is a nicely machined hand wheel on the end of the headstock. The Craftsman didn't have a hand wheel.

All the lathes had spindle locks — you know, those little things you sometimes forget to unlock before you turn on the lathe ... and screeeech! The JET and Powermatic have a spring-loaded spindle lock pin. I rather liked this new development, even knowing that it will sacrifice the option of locking the spindle in place to saw off a finished bowl.

Reverse/Forward Options

Several of these lathes have a reverse option: It's helpful for sanding and for some types of bowl or box turning. I will say, however, that for the most part, it's not an option I find particularly necessary.

Improved Drive Centers

Out with the old, in with the new! Most woodturning schools have switched from spur drive centers to newer "spurless" models — they are much safer. Sure, a spur drive center will ensure that the wood stays on the lathe if a dig-in occurs, but when that happens, something needs to give. That something could be the skew chisel or gouge! The new drive centers securely hold the wood on the lathe, and when a dig-in occurs, the wood simply stops rotating. It teaches a

turner to be more sensitive to each cut, and with proper instruction and practice, slippage rarely happens.

Oneway recently introduced a spring-loaded, one-point drive center. The point is extra long, helping to keep the wood on the lathe. Several independent lathe-accessory companies offer modified-looking tailstock centers with a series of saw-kerfs on them. They work great.

Noise! What Noise?

New lathes are quieter than any of the old shop lathes. I found several of them to be extremely quiet, in particular the General. I was annoyed by the pitch of the Nova lathe — it was at just the wrong level for my ears. But, I suspect this is merely personal preference.

Tool Review continues on page 74 ...

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October 2006 Woodivorker's Journal