need help choosing new lathe!

[Simon Dupay]

I'm looking to upgrade from a HF lathe to something way better my budget is around $2500
I would like:
At least a 16" swing
1.5 hp or more 110v or 220v
reverse
VS would be nice, but not a requirement
NOT made in China/Taiwan

I been looking at the Oneway 1224(which only has 12" swing), Vicmarc vl200 or 300 bare, an older steel bed Delta x-5 and the nova dvr
Does any one sell the Vicmarc vl200 in the US? if anyone has any other suggestions please share them.

[Michelle Rich]

the only lathe I know would be the Nova series. Your criteria of not made in Asia really puts a cramp in the deal. Used model to fit your $2500?? A bigger used oneway?

[Roger Chandler]

the only lathe I know would be the Nova series. Your criteria of not made in Asia really puts a cramp in the deal. Used model to fit your $2500?? A bigger used oneway?

From what I understand, even the Nova lathes are made in Asia now.............they used to be made in New Zealand, but not any more......from what I remember reading on a forum a couple of years ago.

[Alan Trout]

That is easy the Robust Sweet 16. IMHO one of the finest 16" production lathes. Plus it is made in the USA by great people. I have the American Beauty but a friend of mine has the Sweet 16. I have turned on it and it is a heck of a machine. Super versatile. Of course it does not fit into you budget but I do not think you will find a new non Asian lathe in that price range. http://www.turnrobust.com/Sweet_16_Photo_Gallery.html

[Kim Gibbens]

With your budget I am guessing that you are definitely limited to the used market. You might want to look out for an older Powermatic that was still made in the USA. I'm sure others will chime in with excellent recommendations.

[Richard Coers]

Packard has the Vega 2600 bowl lathe on sale for $2850. It's made in Decatur, IL. http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merc...de=lathes-vega
25" dia, 2hp EVS, 17" between centers

[Dale Winburn]

The Oneway 1224 is made in Canada and sells for +/- $2500. I'm considering maybe getting the 1224.

[Simon Dupay]

From what I understand, even the Nova lathes are made in Asia now.............they used to be made in New Zealand, but not any more......from what I remember reading on a forum a couple of years ago.

The dvr seems to be still made in NZ as I saw made in NZ on the lathe at rockler, but sharing most parts with the 1624 who knows whats made where?

[Simon Dupay]

The Oneway 1224 is made in Canada and sells for +/- $2500. I'm considering maybe getting the 1224.

I have been considering the 1224 but the 12" swing and 1 hp motor have me worried it won't be enough lathe for me.

[Joe Bradshaw]

I have both a 1224 and a 2436 Oneway. I also have a Robust Liberty. The 1224 is my favorite of the three. I rarely turn bigger than the 12" capacity of the 1224. It has plenty of power for anything that I have turned on it. Mike Stafford, with help from Brent English, talked me into buying the Liberty. It is a great lathe. My girlfriend really loves turning on it(she has a Nova DVR). Good luck on making your decision.

[Ben Darrah]

I recently bought a Nova 1624 on sale and it says it's made in New Zealand. I am happy with it. WC seems to put a Nova model on sale every couple months. I would have bought the Robust had I been able to afford it. I prefer to go non-asian when I can, but it seems to be getting tougher.

[Matt Owen]

I've got the DVR XP and I think it's an amazing lathe. I've had mine for 7 years now and never had a problem. I'm not a big fan of changing belts to change speeds so the dvr motor is perfect for me.

[Roger Chandler]

I recently bought a Nova 1624 on sale and it says it's made in New Zealand. I am happy with it. WC seems to put a Nova model on sale every couple months. I would have bought the Robust had I been able to afford it. I prefer to go non-asian when I can, but it seems to be getting tougher.

Ben.......that is good news..........does it have a manufacture date on it? I remember reading on a forum somewhere that Nova's were made in Asia now........however, not everything one reads on a forum is always accurate!

Maybe they were thinking about the chucks when they posted, but I know the post said the dvr was made in China and that may not be correct at all!

[Jenny Trice]

The Jet 1642 EVS fits into that price range. I like mine. If you could find one used, you would even have some budget for more tools, chucks, etc.

[Roger Chandler]

The Jet 1642 EVS fits into that price range. I like mine. If you could find one used, you would even have some budget for more tools, chucks, etc.

The Jet lineup is made in Taiwan.........the poster mentioned not made in China or Taiwan.