Not a metal lathe but a wood one

[Premiershipman]

I know this is obviously a welding forum but wondered if anyone had an opinion of Union Graduate Wood Lathes ?

Someone I know has one for sale and very tempted...

Think its a long bed version, 240V with new motor and 2 heads at £750.

Anyone have any thoughts / opinions ?

 

[MattF]

Never used or been up close to one myself, but if that's in decent condition, it should be a good machine. They definitely weren't of shonky quality. Regarding the price, I'd have a look on Ebay and see what they tend to go for. You could probably pick up one cheaper if you're patient, but if you have one you know you can get at the drop of a hat, it'd save all the hassle of looking, bidding etc.

As with owt though, it depends on condition, what you're willing to pay etc. Offhand, I seem to think that's probably priced high, but even I wouldn't be swayed by my opinion when working from shonky memory.

 

[Rig Pig]

My school had them in the wood work classroom, it was a couple of years ago (ish!) but if I remember correctly they are nice solid machines & very nice to use. Don't forget to allow for moving the thing it probably weighs half a ton!

 

[brightspark]

they were worth a lot of money years ago but now theres cl;arke and cheap crap about so the prices have fallen . point this out to the guy selling that there 2 a penny and make him a daft bid as its only a wood lathe

 

[Kent]

sounds dear, I have a good sized electra bekum tucked away with a load of tooling here. Big enough to do big newal posts on banisters and good sized bowls etc. I should be extremely happy to get anything like that for it, in reality half of that with the tooling might tempt me. Not used it I about 4-5 yrs

 

[Wendelspanswick]

As Bright Spark said 20 years ago the Union Graduate was the creme de la creme of wood lathes. Massive castings and top quality bearings meant it was sought after by professional turners as it is very rigid and vibration free, especially when turning massive bowls. They are still sought after but they have more modern competition with features like stepless speed changing.

 

[Premiershipman]

Cheers for the input guys, sent him a text and my email and he hasn't been bothered to send me pictures etc so can't be bothered chasing him.

To be honest I would have struggled to fit it anywhere in the garage so no loss !!