Peter Randerson
Member
I haven't been active here for a few years but felt a pending addition to the workshop may benefit from some group discussion.
First up, some history. For over 25 years I have owned a wood turning lathe but haven't used it seriously for well over 7 years. My workshop co-exists in a 2 car garage and I am seriously short of space. Recent thoughts of upgrading my current metal lathe suggested that something would need to go. The obvious choice was the wood lathe. As you can see in the first photo, the wood lathe and the metal lathe shared the same space but it was not a happy co-existence.
The metal lathe is cowering in the towels .
Here it is after escaping to a different location.
As you can see, it is an Optimum TU 2004 200 mm x 300 mm (8" x 12") with a spindle bore of 21 mm, a chuck diameter of 80 mm, 0.6 Hp motor and variable speed between 150 - 2500 RPM. It weighs in at a beefy 75 kg.
I have upgraded to QCTP and have installed a DRO. I have no regrets with either of those mods. Given the obvious limitations it has performed well and reliably. However, my main complaint is the stupid compound slide arrangement. To adjust for Taper turning the compound needs to be wound completely back to gain access to the two locking screws. Any form of screw cutting requires changing the gearing. Apart from one brief attempt, I have not done any single point thread turning and taper turning requires a major investment in both patience and time.
In summary then, while I have been very happy with this lathe, it does have some major limitations if I want to progress into bigger and more complex turning. The good news is that I have now sold the wood lathe and I am currently working on a complete redesign of the space.
Virtually every major item in this workshop is on wheels. The basis of this new area is a 45" long tool cabinet that has been lifted off its wheels and lowered onto some adjustable floor blocks. I have added an 18 mm thick wooden shelf on top that is bolted to the cabinet and to the back wall. The cabinet top is now a respectable 36 mm thick and 1200 mm x 600 mm. The cabinet is now very rigid.
Noting that purchase options in New Zealand are extremely limited, my current thinking is to replace the TU 2004 with an AL 250 G https://www.machineryhouse.co.nz/l149. Anything bigger will simply not fit in the shop.
The AL 250 is a 10" x 20" machine with 26mm spindle bore and a chuck diameter of 130 mm. It has a 1 hp motor, a geared head, powered cross slide, and weighs 185 kg. The compound slide is far easier to adjust and the lathe will be a perfect fit for the new space. I will probably retain the DRO from the old lathe. A QCTP will also be an essential mod but this time I ma planning on the European style Multi fix sourced from Create Tool in China Original Multifix--Create Tool - Toolholder expert ---- QCTP toolpost | CNC tool holder
There is a distinct paucity of reviews on the AL 250 but as already mentioned, affordable options are few and far between in the antipodes.
The machine is also out of stock and won't be back in shops until late Feb so at least I have some time to contemplate the wisdom of my current thinking. I look forward to any comment you may have.
Peter
First up, some history. For over 25 years I have owned a wood turning lathe but haven't used it seriously for well over 7 years. My workshop co-exists in a 2 car garage and I am seriously short of space. Recent thoughts of upgrading my current metal lathe suggested that something would need to go. The obvious choice was the wood lathe. As you can see in the first photo, the wood lathe and the metal lathe shared the same space but it was not a happy co-existence.
The metal lathe is cowering in the towels .
Here it is after escaping to a different location.
As you can see, it is an Optimum TU 2004 200 mm x 300 mm (8" x 12") with a spindle bore of 21 mm, a chuck diameter of 80 mm, 0.6 Hp motor and variable speed between 150 - 2500 RPM. It weighs in at a beefy 75 kg.
I have upgraded to QCTP and have installed a DRO. I have no regrets with either of those mods. Given the obvious limitations it has performed well and reliably. However, my main complaint is the stupid compound slide arrangement. To adjust for Taper turning the compound needs to be wound completely back to gain access to the two locking screws. Any form of screw cutting requires changing the gearing. Apart from one brief attempt, I have not done any single point thread turning and taper turning requires a major investment in both patience and time.
In summary then, while I have been very happy with this lathe, it does have some major limitations if I want to progress into bigger and more complex turning. The good news is that I have now sold the wood lathe and I am currently working on a complete redesign of the space.
Virtually every major item in this workshop is on wheels. The basis of this new area is a 45" long tool cabinet that has been lifted off its wheels and lowered onto some adjustable floor blocks. I have added an 18 mm thick wooden shelf on top that is bolted to the cabinet and to the back wall. The cabinet top is now a respectable 36 mm thick and 1200 mm x 600 mm. The cabinet is now very rigid.
Noting that purchase options in New Zealand are extremely limited, my current thinking is to replace the TU 2004 with an AL 250 G https://www.machineryhouse.co.nz/l149. Anything bigger will simply not fit in the shop.
The AL 250 is a 10" x 20" machine with 26mm spindle bore and a chuck diameter of 130 mm. It has a 1 hp motor, a geared head, powered cross slide, and weighs 185 kg. The compound slide is far easier to adjust and the lathe will be a perfect fit for the new space. I will probably retain the DRO from the old lathe. A QCTP will also be an essential mod but this time I ma planning on the European style Multi fix sourced from Create Tool in China Original Multifix--Create Tool - Toolholder expert ---- QCTP toolpost | CNC tool holder
There is a distinct paucity of reviews on the AL 250 but as already mentioned, affordable options are few and far between in the antipodes.
The machine is also out of stock and won't be back in shops until late Feb so at least I have some time to contemplate the wisdom of my current thinking. I look forward to any comment you may have.
Peter
