"Arch" wrote in message
...
Being a packrat with a valid 'pile-it' license, I saved several large
NIP 'hurricane logs'. I can resurrect a big shadetree bowl lathe and
get someone to roll the logs to it and lift the blanks up to the
spindle. Why? ....and for what?

What do you fellows with big lathes mostly turn on them? I recognize
that a high quality heavy machine will make the turning of blanks that
are well below its capacity more smoothly efficient, compared to working
at the design limits of smaller lighter machines. There are probably
practical size restrictions for platters, bowls, etc. that people use.
For me, about 14-15 inches is generally as large as will fit the average
table. How's by you?

Pieces for display and admiration might be acceptably much larger. But
by how much? Are there practicable size limits for most wood art, given
that your big lathes could turn larger forms? I reckon that shipping,
gallery restrictions, room sizes and sized appropriate to the concept
must all be considered. What else?

To repeat: What size work do those of you with maxi-lathes usually turn?
I suppose a Oneway will turn a 12 in. blank better than my N3K, but I
want to justify a Stubby, even though I'll not be changing my
satisfactory turning style or getting any younger. I'm sure this has
been hashed, ad nauseum, on the 'Brand Forums', but TIA for your
thoughts.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter



http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings


I have had a 20" General for a couple of years and I would say 16" is a
typical large for me and to be honest most of my hobby stuff is a lot
smaller. Part of the problem is that I can find smaller free hardwood logs a
lot easier than the big ones around here. Big softwood but I don't really
like it.

What I do like about the large swing of my lathe is that I can put things
like steadies under the workpiece without worrying about clearance. Also
since the General has a fixed headstock, the height of the bed relative to
the height of the spindle makes it easy for me to "bend over the lathe". You
can also interpret that as "room for my belly". And of course, you can turn
small things on a big lathe but....

Bill