variturn?

mattwoodturner

Hi folks, I have a Graduate which is in need of a new motor. ( I think). Has anyone any experience of the Variturn kits or similar refurb kits available for these Lathes? Im in two minds as to what to do here. I might sell one of the kids and but a Vicmarc if I cant sort this out.

sfakiaman

I fitted a variturn unit to my Graduate a good few years back, it made a new machine of it. I turn everything from 18'' bowls to egg cups and spinning tops and the speed range covers them all. Having the choice of a fast or slow start and stop is useful and having reverse is great for sanding.

mattwoodturner

Hi sfakiaman,

Where did you get it? Im looking at L R E Machinery in England. Any chance I could come and have a look at your machine?

Thanks for the reply

Matt

sfakiaman

I got mine from LRE, had to send them the pulleys to be machined. While you have it apart it might be a good time to fit a new belt and bearings. Mine was an old Graduate so I had to cut a larger opening for the switch gear, I was kind of nervous about that but it was easy enough with 4.5'' angle grinder. I'm in south Mayo, if you're around this area give me a PM. Might be easier to check out the Irish Woodturners Guild website and see if anyone in your local chapter has one. For my work I prefer the Graduate to the Vicmarc but I don't use a tail stock all that much. Still 'sell child, get new lathe' just a thought:D

mattwoodturner

thanks.

Terry V

I have LRE Variturn on my Graduate and agree it makes a nice machine. I cut the pedestal casting to fit the works and it made a neat job, but if I had to do it again I would probably wall-mount the electrics. It was a bit scary cutting up the lathe with the grinder!

Terry