Review of the Charnwood W812 Lathe – Currently Priced at £220.00

I purchased my W812 probably eight to ten months ago. It was purchased to replace a Record Lathe which I had continual problems with. No disrespect to Record, their Staff were excellent and every problem I presented to them was remedied. I just lost interest as the machine had a fair amount of down time.

So why the Charnwood? Very basically because they are relatively local. It appears to be the same lathe as the SIP, Draper and several others just badged and painted differently. My first failing is that I havent yet bolted this to the floor – my fault and no-one else I can blame. I have however filled the shelf with a large heavy lump of tree trunk. This added weight does not stop the lathe from travelling across the floor with a large piece of wood fixed and the head turned ninety degrees, but it helps in general everyday use.

I have only had one problem to date with this machine, it recently stopped changing speed, I tried a new drive belt no change. Eventually the head unit went back to Charnwood and returned working as new. The only thing I could see inside was that the sliding pulley had all been cleaned. It appears after discussions with a few people that dust gets into the internals of this pulley and it clogs up.

My lathe has had a lot of use from small turning to large fruit bowls etc. It appears to cater for all aspects of turning that I have required of it to date. The paint is a little thin perhaps but it will take its knocks in service as any machinery does ending up battered and bruised. “If ya don’t mark it you aint using it”.

It will allow you to turn spindles up to 35” long and diameters of 12” over the bed, it gives a limit of 15” with the head turned. This covers most needs I think.

Would I recommend it? Yes I think so, it provides adequate value for money in my opinion.

Dave Wilcox

Record Nova DVR 3000XP

Okay the time had come whereby I wanted a lathe that will stay with me for years to come....Having done a lot of searching and reading I ended up with a choice of two lathes, first was the Poolewood DVSL and the now Record Nova DVR 3000XP. Both manufacturers have had their respective problems, as I recall Poolewood had a falling out with their original manufacturer, now trading as Silverdrive, and Technatool fell out with Sorby and moved over to Record. Anyway squabbles aside I chose to go for the Nova/Record version. Why? Basically the initial footprint is smaller and the versatility seems better to my humble mind, and the head unit seems a lot smaller. Other than this my technical prowess is limited.

The next problem was where to buy? I did my homework and the best buy at the time was through Poolewood’s Website as silly as it sounds. So I gave my credit card details and awaited the delivery. It came promptly on a pallet and was very heavy. I assembled the legs but needed assistance to lift the lathe onto them. Bolted it together adjusted the levels and jumped in. The present model is badged as Record not Nova as shown above. When ordering I queried if the lathe would walk around the workshop with an out of balance load. They laughed and said unlikely due to the weight and the speed control you have. I now believe them, one hernia on.

I had a couple of very minor problems, the bolt for the upright of the outrigger was too long for the respective hole, spoke to Record, who advised me I was using the wrong bolt......WRONG, two bolts, I was using the shortest......anyway to solve the problem I applied my technical prowess and promptly chopped ¼” off the end with an angle grinder, locks home a treat now

The second problem is the little black ball knob ends as you can see on the tool rest lock, well there are a few others as well on the outrigger. These keep coming off, plastic screwing onto metal not a good combo it seems. Knob ends designed by a knob h**d me thinks, certainly someone who has not used the machine. A spot of superglue was used to firmly attach them to their respective screws. Records man was advised of the useless design of both faults. I have to say here that I am really impressed with Records response to problems, I am not extracting the Michael here they are good and react quickly and positively to any problem you present them and the guarantee covers five years. If they have that sort of confidence I suppose we must.

Since receiving this machine I have turned a fair variety of items and have to say I am very impressed. The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly seems to apply. I would say from the different lathes I have tried to date this has to be the ‘Dogs Danglies’ of them. Albeit the most expensive.

The capacities are more than most would require. Record state that you can turn 39” diameter outboard, I have to say I have got nowhere near this other than in my nightmares...... note – not dreams. The power from the motor on this machine is phenomenal, Record stated that the motor is tested against a 3hp motor with the DVR system it turns against this 3hp and beats it. Hands up here, this means nothing to me other that it has outpulled a 3hp motor being a 2hp motor ??????? Durrr. Yes ok. DVR rules OK.

My initial testing was great. My old machine used to slow when extra deep cutting pressure was applied, this thing just pushes through, it is a marvellous bit of engineering. As you may gather I am sold on this machine it has to be said it is the best I have used to date. Costs are prohibitive for the hobbyist, all in £1720 is around the average price, this is for the lathe, legs, outrigger, a supernova 2 chuck and delivery. If you have this kind of cash for a lathe I would recommend it and don’t think you will regret the decision for one second, I haven’t. Comparing prices and product this seems to me to be the best value for money currently available. I am open to other views this is the result of my homework at this time.

Both tail and headstock are 2MT. I have found a local supplier for 2MT to 1MT conversions sleeves at £3.25 each – plus post. They are: Rotagrip Ltd, 16-20 Lodge Road,Hockley, Birmingham. B18 5PN Tel: 0121-551 1566. They do all sorts of other engineering hardware as well and will provide a CD catalog with any order. At least I can use my 1MT Jacobs chuck and pen mandrel. Cheaper than buying new ones.

Any questions or if you want a go get in touch.

Dave Wilcox