ONEWAY LATHES
 

I've been looking (or shall I say dreaming) at the Oneway line of lathes for the past few years. Has anyone here ever tried one, or know anyone that has one?? I'm looking at the 1236 model w/ bed extension.

Oneway has a good reputation, but wood turning (i.e., skew work) requires body movement to maintain the cutting angle over anything more than a few inches of work, and sitting down to turn wouldn't seem a high priority to me (unless you I had a disability).

Engineering and fabricated metal stands can build a nice lathe, but cast iron and good machining are difficult to beat. I have a Hegner (German 1985 vintage fabricated steel) as a second lathe. It is smooth but very noisy (tool vibration resonates). Some plastic parts as well.

If you need/want a high end lathe, there is something to be said for looking at old industrial tools and refurbishing them. Moving them can be difficult, however.

Looking at the regular 1236, not the sitdown, or possibly the 1640. That was one of my concerns that it would be noisy because of the steel construction. As far as weight the 1236 is 300# and the 1640 is 600#.

one way
 

Those lathes have a very good reputation amomg the heavy hitters. Very well constructed and not cheap, as you probably know by now. I would not recommend the as a first lathe, simply because of the price points, or for the occasional turner. You can achieve respectable results with other makes and models for considerable less money. It all depends on your experience and pocket book.

Ed

For those prices, you could get a Powermatic 3520 or save more money and get a Jet 1642. The Powermatic is 700#'s and the Jet is over 400#'s. I've got the 1642 and have been very happy with it.

I've been turning for about 15 years now, all of which has been for my reproduction furniture pieces. I like the way the Oneway's are constructed and would like to try one, Hey I might not even like it!

Powermatic is my second choice, I've had and have Powermatic equip. now and you can't beat their stuff.

oneway
 

If you have been turning that long you'll like it alright!!!!