After several years I decided to let others reply to the same questions that
repeatedly come up. We all started at ground zero and I will reply to a
question if no one else does.
As for maxis I am building a 4 axis CNC mill with a 20" by 12' capacity for
large columns, small spindles and 3D carving. It is not the tool used but
the inspiration behind it that is important. If you want to be a real
purist then use a rock to shave down the stock to desired shape.
The CNC is just another tool that will allow me to do things that would
take months to accomplish manually and nobody could afford it, It is just
an updated and larger version of the ornamental lathes of the 1800s. For
those that want to do ornamental turning you can build a mill that will
actually do more than the ornamental lathes for about 4K.

--
Art Ransom
Lancaster , Texas

www.turningaround.org
"Arch" wrote in message
...
There are many reasons why we post so seldom about maxi lathes and so
often about minies & midis. The little ones are affordable and
preferable for beginners and beginners post many questions that start up
discussions. Big lathe owners have their own net groups and their best
discussions unfortunately never appear here. It makes sense that as the
lathe gets bigger and more expensive and the owners as a subset more
expert, the less they need to post here.

In other venues however, we enjoy laughing and scratching about big
things even as we pursue smaller. We drive Chevvies and talk about
Mercedes, we support Little League and argue about major leagues. How
bout them ----'s!

There are occasional threads here about the big Generals, Powermatics,
Vicmarcs, Stubbies and Oneways. Less often a comment about V.Bs, Nichols
and Poolwoods, but almost never about Lacuna, Serious, Robust and big
customs. No doubt there are many others that I know nothing about.
Probably most of you don't either.

So what! Why should we care? Few of us could or would afford them and
the two turners who read my drivel know that I remember the great
depression and am too thrifty (aka stingy) to indulge a hobby to such an
extent. OTOH, I like to know about all facets of the craft and the
unattainable interests all of us. so I wonder if some of us could and
would share their personal experiences and opinions about the big 'other
end' lathes.

There is a world of info scattered on the net, Marshall Gorrow's links
one of the best, but I thank you in advance for not giving me a good
switching and sending me to the Google Room.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter



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