Woodworker's Journal 2009-33-5, страница 52

GENERAL INTERNATIONAL

Motor size: 3/4 hp, 110 volts Swing: 12" or 19'/s" over beds; 9W or 16⁵/a" over rests

Distance between centers: 17^s/i6"

25-200 Maxi-Lathe VS+ $719*

Speed range: 400-3,800 rpm Weight: 146 lbs

www.general.ca (514)326-1161

*Price at time of testing

Tool Review

Digital readout (above) and a swiveling headstock for outboard turning (below) make General's 25-200 lathe versatile and precise.

into smoother, steadier cuts. A heavy lathe is also less prone to do the jitterbug across your bench.

Inboard, this lathe offers comparable swing (meaning the largest diameter you can turn) to the competition, but there's a twist: you can unlock the headstock and spin it around to do larger outboard turnings. That function adds another 7" or so of capacity for turning bowls up to 16⁵/a" round. The lathe comes with a bed extension and longer tool-rest post to accommodate this outboard work. I tried the rig out on a 13"-diameter blank with good results. The tool-rest base was a little tricky to tighten down, but the lathe was

stable otherwise and worked fine.

This machine has digital readout, so you can determine precise speed settings. The 3/4 hp motor is located high on the headstock instead of under the bed to enable the swiveling function. That placement also keeps the motor clear of debris, shortens the drive belt for improved power transfer and makes the belt easy to change. All nicc plusscs. I wish the pulley door had a quality latch instead of a Phillips screw, though.

If you're interested in turning huge bowls, give the 25-200 Maxi-Lathe VS+ a much closer look.

Tool Review continues on page 54 ...

reverse to whisk it away. Aside from one minor gripe — the lathe's long plastic belt cover seems flimsy — here's a solid value for the money.

General International 25-200

At the time of testing, General's 25-200 Maxi-Lathe VS+ was priced at $719, the spendiest of these tools. Sources at the company tell me the price may increase some in the future, depending on the value of the dollar. Still, I think the cost is fair, because this lathe has goodies that make it worth its steeper pricetag.

For one, it's at least 50 lbs heavier than others — and extra cast-iron is always a benefit for lathes. Mass soaks up vibration, which translates

Changing Speeds Manually Saves Bucks

If you're willing to pass on electronic variable speed and trade a few features or inches of swing capacity for a lower sticker price, there are many other mid-sized benchtop lathes from which to choose. A quick count uncovered at least 10 machines from leading manufacturers, including General International, Grizzly, JET, Steel City, Rikon and Rockier. Prices start at around $200.These lathes typically have 1/2 or 3/4 hp motors and offer five or six pulley speeds, but you'll need to move the belt to switch between them. Distance between centers is comparable to the test group.

Rockler's (rackler.com) Excelsior — about $250.00

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October 2009 Woodivorker's Journal