Rotating headstock question

[Scott Hackler]

I turn on a Nova 1624, and I love it. It has done everthing I have ever ask of it and more. I have NEVER stopped the lathe while hoggin out a rough form and the speed ranges are pretty good. BUT.... as with all things I find myself thinking ahead a few years and have looked at the bigger better deal.

So, since I am addicted to rotating my headstock, for easier access..... do any of the bigger lathe manufacters make a rotating headstock? The PowerMatic doesnt look like this function is possible, from the pictures.

[Tom Hintz]

I have the Powermatic 3520B and that headstock does not rotate. I also am reasonably sure that the Oneway lathes do not have rotating heads either. Your question got me thinking and all of the rotating heads I have had or used were smaller, in the 12 to 14" range I think was the biggest I have used.

[bob svoboda]

The PM 3520B headstock does slide which basically gives the same access as rotating. I have had both types and am happiest with the PM.

[Scott Hackler]

Yeah, I thought that the 3520B's headstock would slide down to the end of the ways, but where I have the lathe station... I would have to maybe do something different to stand at the end of the lathe and use it that way.

Kinda funny that some of the larger lathes dont rotate at least a little. I dont nor would I ever attempt a turning with the headstock turned 90 degrees to the ways but just a 20% rotation gives great access to the peice. For my lathe, 90 degrees would be scarey because it doesnt weigh enough. BUT for something like a 3520B... Well that weight thing wouldnt matter anymore!

[Roger Chandler]

The PM 4224 is a fixed head, the 3520b slides to the end as does the Jet 16/42, and the Grizzly G0698. Nova is the only one currently on the market [as far as I know]

and some of the craftsmen [Palmgren] lathes will swivel the headstock, but believe me you don't want to go there ....... DAMHIKT!

[Gary DeWitt]

I have a General 16" that rotates. I wouldn't buy it again unless I could bolt it very securely to the floor, it's base it too narrow front to back to be stable with unbalanced stock. Headstock also slides to the end of the ways.
Drawback is, once you move that headstock, you need to re-align it to the tailstock, but I'm guessing you already know that.

[Greg Just]

I have an older model Delta which doesn't really compare to the Nova, but it's headstock does rotate. It helps when I need to turn something just a little larger than the lathe will handle in the normal position. If I could afford to upgrade to a PM, I'd gladly give up the rotating headstock.

[Steve Harder]

as with all things I find myself thinking ahead a few years and have looked at the bigger better deal.

So, since I am addicted to rotating my headstock, for easier access.....

Are you looking to turn larger than 16" or looking for variable speed?

[Wally Dickerman]

Scott, A sliding headstock lathe, as some of the newer lathes are, is much better than one that swivels. Being able to use the tailstock, especially on a big, heavy, unbalanced piece is very important for safety and for smoother cutting. For good balance, having the piece over the bed helps eliminate possible vibration.

I've turned a few times on a Jet 14 in. lathe. The headstock swivels and also slides down the bed. I used it both ways. I found that I definitely got a more solid cut when turning over the bed.

Wally

[Bernie Weishapl]

I have the Nova DVR and it rotates.

[Tim Boger]

I turn on a Nova 1624, and I love it. It has done everthing I have ever ask of it and more. I have NEVER stopped the lathe while hoggin out a rough form and the speed ranges are pretty good. BUT.... as with all things I find myself thinking ahead a few years and have looked at the bigger better deal.

So, since I am addicted to rotating my headstock, for easier access..... do any of the bigger lathe manufacters make a rotating headstock? The PowerMatic doesnt look like this function is possible, from the pictures.

Hey Scott,

I turn on a Jet 14-42 which has the swivel head stock, 95% of my work is segmented stuff so I rarely test the HP capacity .... although I do turn close to the 14" limit on occasion.

The rotating head stock does come in handy often enough to make me thankful that I selected the lathe I did. If and when I'm considering an upgrade I will look for the same features.

Tim

[Scott Hackler]

Are you looking to turn larger than 16" or looking for variable speed?

Maybe both! (way into the future, though)

[Scott Hackler]

The thing really is not about turning capacity (diameter) as much as turning comfort. I guess I "could" get used to sliding the headstock to the end of the lathe, but I would definitely have to re-evaluate the position in the shop (so I could stand at the end and not have to reach over the ways). Thanks for the info fellas.

[Steve Harder]

My shop is small, so the rotating headstock on my Nova 1624 was the deciding factor when selecting a lathe -- just don't have the long space that a sliding headstock would require.

The reason I asked about variable speed is I converted my 1624 to VFD.

It really added turning comfort and value to the lathe.

Here's a link to my articles.
http://www.woodturnersresource.com/e..._vs/index.html
http://www.woodturnersresource.com/e...ote/index.html

[Brendan Stemp]

Get a VB36 and you won't need a swivel head. A sensational lathe that will handle almost anything and its unique design lets you stand straight in front of a bowl; no lathe bed to get in the way.