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- #41
More than you would think! I like to turn fast for small spindles. For a handle I rough at 2200-2500rpm, finish cuts as fast as the lathe spins, drill the hole around 400-450 depending on how hard the wood is, sand no higher than 350-450. Of course this changes drastically for larger bowls or small diameter pens, making VS even more valuable. Truthfully I’m not sure what speed I apply the CA finish at, I turn the dial until it looks about right, definitely no higher than 600, probably a bit less. First stage of polish around 900, second finer polish around 1300. As you can see, VS is well worth the money for me. Pretty much everybody I know who bought a multi-speed first wished they would’ve spent extra for VS, me included. But, it’s your money, ultimately only you can decide if it’s worth it (it is, and then some).
My Rikon has suited me well. It’s not the most accurate for drilling but 0.2mm off doesn’t matter with a brush. I find regular cleaning of the tailstock helps a lot, as well as copious amounts of epoxy when gluing the brass tubes in pen blanks. If I had it to do all over again, I would’ve passed on my first HF as well as my current Rikon and bought a Jet 12” for the same amount I spent on these two. Hindsight is always 20/20.
And the ledge get another step higher Thanks so much for the insight. Not trying to be cheap, just wanting to make sure the $$$ is spent the best way possible.