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eventually the speed control went out and stopped working. the delayed and slow start up is a really nice feature to have on such a inexpensive lathe. the lathe is great. i bought this lathe used but looked like new.i am new to wood turning and it has been a great lathe to learn on.the only problem i have had is sort of a big one, but i believe i caused the problem.I was turning a large (for this small of lathe and motor) heavy stump with some tools that were badly sharpened (new to sharpening also) and caused the motor to overheat (and speed control circuits). again i believe i caused the circuits to overheat from using dull tools and turning too large of diameter of wood blank. note that if you bought this little lathe without a speed control, you can buy a kit that includes a new CD motor and speed control box for about $110.00. when i called Penn State and talked to their tech, he thought it was the speed control pot, so i bought one and tried it.It didn't work, so a called him again and he found me a re-built speed control box and sold it to me for about 1/2 cost of a new box.when i emailed Penn State, I received return mail within a day.
there is rust on the machined surfaces and the pulleys are covered. i have no doubt that this will be a good lathe. lathe came in days before i was expecting it. it is bulky and when yo take off the errant handwheel, very smooth. the hand wheel on the spindle side is so out of round and crooked that it will have to be replaced. they say you get what you pay for. i dont like the plastic handles and they will also be replaced with metal ones.
amazon came through as always.shipping box looked like crap but the lathe was not damaged. the belt has a noticeable bad place in it so that will have to be replaced also. i just have to fix the items that they cut cost on and everything should be ok. when i started the lathe, it almost walked it's 80 lbs off the table due to the hand wheel vibration.
The variable speed control is convenient, because there is enough speed control to turn pens from start to finish without the need to change the drive belt position. I do mostly pen-turning and other small items on the lathe with very good results. It is an easy fix. It worked fine, however, after I ground the toolrest's edge smooth with a flat sharpening stone. This lathe may be a little "rough around the edges" compared to higher priced brands, but it works exceedingly well for its intended use as a small bench-top lathe. Sliding and positioning the tool rest was not smooth at first, but it was fine after applying dry lubricant to all friction surfaces. I have no hesitation in recommending this lathe to anybody who is on a budget and needs to get good bang for the buck without compromizing on the usefulness of the product. The tool rest surface was slightly pitted at the top edge, which caused tools to get stuck while turning enstead of sliding smoothly from side to side.
Bought this lathe to turn bowls but have used it for several other projects. Well built, works great.
Only about 16" beteen centers without the bed extension. Using it in my personal shop in my basement. I turned my first peice and was more than staisfied. 10.
But all in all I got more than I paid for.You have to change the belt setting for some of the speeds but I have found that the middle speed on the belt gives me a lot of variable speed on the electronic speed control box. I love shopping online. I would like to have a longer rest and may change that. Fantastic lathe. Just plug in the cords and start turning. (I have one) That makes it 39" between centers. A+ Thanks Amazon.
NO GAS NEEDED. Nothing to setting up. I am now building a Heavy stand from ShopNotes Issue no. It fits perfectly.
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