Excelsior? It's not slippery; this just might fit better

Excelsior? It's not slippery; this just might fit better · 11-24-2008, 08:49 AM

Yeah, right.

Anyway, I will be just a few minutes away from the Sandy Springs Rockler for Thanksgiving. Check out page 4 of their ad:

http://www.rockler.com/Retail/flyer/Nov08b2/4.pdf

Hmmm... When I consider that I really need a better motor on that old lathe (so I really need to spend almost half that to get it right) and that it hangs off the spot I have it even with the extension off, that offer looks mighty tempting.

I emailed and found out they will have a dozen and they will keep an orderly line and hand out numbers, so it seems pretty doable. I want to carve a couple of gifts anyway, so I can take a couple of small blanks and a knife and happily wait an hour or so if the weather isn't too bad.

But, is the Excelsior a good lathe? I think it is, but would like to hear some opinions...

CarvedTones · 11-24-2008, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Splint Eastwood

Slippery like a Fish? How's the fit of hook in mouth?
Classic Denial, your Hooked! Admit it, submit, submit to:

The DARKSIDE!

Actually, the piece of firewood I turned to test the old lathe I cobbled together is still firewood, so I haven't got it too bad yet. I had a sorry lathe a few years ago that kinda turned me off for a little while. Right now, I am mostly purpose driven - I want to turn tuning pins, end pins, mallets, saddle posts (I love to make people Google; it has nothing to do with horseys

).

I am a master at justification.

But yes, it has crossed my mind that I might like doing other things if I had a lathe that was capable.

EDIT - Hey, what happened? Did you come back and delete the post while I was replying? Sneaky dark siders; they swoop in and suggest that you will cross over then disappear. Shadow and glass; here and gone...

Splint Eastwood · 11-24-2008, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by AndyBarnhart

Actually, the piece of firewood I turned to test the old lathe I cobbled together is still firewood, so I haven't got it too bad yet. I had a sorry lathe a few years ago that kinda turned me off for a little while. Right now, I am mostly purpose driven - I wiant to turn tuneing pins, end pins, mallets, saddle posts (I love to make people Google; it has nothing to do with horseys ).

I am a master at justification.

But yes, it has crossed my mind that I might like doing other things if I had a lathe that was capable.

EDIT - Hey, what happened? Did you come back and delete the post while I was replying? Sneaky dark siders; they swoop in and suggest that you will cross over then diappear. Shadow and glass; here and gone...

I deleted after reviewing it 20 or 30 minutes later. I felt my remarks/comments might have been "over the top" and not in the spirit of commradery!

I saw your tag: Wag More bark Less!

I may have to adopt this one:

Matt

PS: Thanks for your sense of humor

CarvedTones · 11-24-2008, 12:08 PM

I love that one! I am printing it out to hold up at the appropriate time (I know it will come

) on the Thanksgiving drive.

Dogs wag their tales when you tease them; they can tell whether it is mean spirited or not.

It almost never is here; it is nearly always just friendly ribbing. Especially when it comes to the spinny thing...

CarvedTones · 11-24-2008, 07:30 PM

Gettin' scary - I just asked for - and received - clearance for the purchase. I guess I will pack a folding chair and some carving blanks. Wish me luck!

Splint Eastwood · 11-24-2008, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by AndyBarnhart

Gettin' scary - I just asked for - and received - clearance for the purchase. I guess I will pack a folding chair and some carving blanks. Wish me luck!

Good thing your online with this message, kinda hard to talk with that hook in your mouth !

Matt

CarvedTones · 11-24-2008, 08:09 PM

Not that I don't enjoy just chatting with Matt (even though he thinks I am a fish in da' Nile

), but is there anyone out there that has experience with an Excelsior? I am not too worried about it; Rockler has pretty high standards. But I sure would feel better if someone told me it is an awesome lathe and I should not miss out if I can help it (note to Matt - if no one responds in a couple of hours, you can say it and I will pretend to believe you

.)

Splint Eastwood · 11-24-2008, 08:21 PM

Andy,

I have no experience with this lathe, but I do recall seing it on sale with Woodcrafters. If Im correct, I think these lathes are made in England.
If so, my only concern would be service, parts, etc....

Im sure its a perfectly good lathe, but if Im correct, these could be potential issues.

Matt

CarvedTones · 11-25-2008, 06:36 AM

Our one to one dialog continues, but a little Google time indicates why; they just aren't out there in great numbers. Especially not the VS - it's a new item. As far as parts, it is "standard" as far as accessories go (~~3/4-16 and #1MT, I think~~ correction - 1-8 and #2MT) and if it needs repairs in the future and Rockler isn't providing parts, I think stuff from near twins would work, though some adjustment may be necessary.

The "near twins" issue is a chin scratcher. Is it more like this:

http://www.amazon.com/1014VSI-Variab.../dp/B000MIWG6Q

or this:

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-TCLPROVS-T.../dp/B000KI8CZ2

for reference, the Excelsior is here:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21320

The regular price is right between them and the sale price is lower than either so I am convinced it is a good deal but not sure it is awesome. The shipping weight suggests the PSI is the more likely true sibling; they both weigh in the low 80s and the Jet is 75.

Splint Eastwood · 11-25-2008, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by AndyBarnhart

Our one to one dialog continues, but a little Google time indicates why; they just aren't out there in great numbers. Especially not the VS - it's a new item. As far as parts, it is "standard" as far as accessories go (3/4-16 and #1MT, I think) and if it needs repairs in the future and Rockler isn't providing parts, I think stuff from near twins would work, though some adjustment may be necessary.

The "near twins" issue is a chin scratcher. Is it more like this:

http://www.amazon.com/1014VSI-Variab.../dp/B000MIWG6Q

or this:

http://www.amazon.com/PSI-TCLPROVS-T.../dp/B000KI8CZ2

for reference, the Excelsior is here:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21320

The regular price is right between them and the sale price is lower than either so I am convinced it is a good deal but not sure it is awesome. The shipping weight suggests the PSI is the more likely true sibling; they both weigh in the low 80s and the Jet is 75.

Prefer Dialogue to Diatribe!

I tried to do a quick google search. Other than rockler ads, did not find much. I would call Rockler and ask specific question re; same. Who the manufacturer is, where produced, etc... I believe the standard taper for most lathes is MT#2. The only other lathe that I am aware of with MT#1 is Riggid.

Im sure this will be a fine acquisition, and there is also the 30 day guarantee (rationalization, path of least resistance, darkside siren song ?)

Good luck,
Matt

CarvedTones · 11-25-2008, 08:05 AM

Oops, yes MT#2 and it might be 1-8 also. I am full of bad info; I will call or email Rockler to confirm detail specs. I am almost convinced it the the very same lathe as the TC from PSI with a different motor, label and (IMO) a nicer paint job. The casting of the bed, tool rest and tailstock look identical (better images at PSI confirm that; I linked to Amazon because the price including shipping is about $60 less). The Jet is obviously different (4" shorter).

Confirmed the sizes:
Chat Transcript
Andy: I have questions about the Excelsior Variable-Speed Miniature Lathe - specifically the size of headstock and tailstock (MT#2? 1"-8TPI? or ????)
Steve: This is a MT#2 with 1" x 8tpi

And in case you were wondering, that is two more specs that exactly match the PSI-TC. Also the included faceplates are the same with each. PSI lists the movable control box as a feature, but when I looked at detail pictures it is a pretty cheesy claim; you can unscrew it from the end of the lathe and screw it down to the benchtop in fronth of the lathe instead. Obviously you could do that with the Excelsior also.
The only difference I have found is the speed range is higher on the PSI-TC and the speed read outs are different. This may be a good thing. About the only knock I have found on the PSI-TC is the speed control:
http://www.penturners.org/forum/arch...p/t-38713.html

Splint Eastwood · 11-25-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by AndyBarnhart

Oops, yes MT#2 and it might be 1-8 also. I am full of bad info; I will call or email Rockler to confirm detail specs. I am almost convinced it the the very same lathe as the TC from PSI with a different motor, label and (IMO) a nicer paint job. The casting of the bed, tool rest and tailstock look identical (better images at PSI confirm that; I linked to Amazon because the price including shipping is about $60 less). The Jet is obviously different (4" shorter).

Confirmed the sizes:
Chat Transcript
Andy: I have questions about the Excelsior Variable-Speed Miniature Lathe - specifically the size of headstock and tailstock (MT#2? 1"-8TPI? or ????)
Steve: This is a MT#2 with 1" x 8tpi

And in case you were wondering, that is two more specs that exactly match the PSI-TC. Also the included faceplates are the same with each. PSI lists the movable control box as a feature, but when I looked at detail pictures it is a pretty cheesy claim; you can unscrew it from the end of the lathe and screw it down to the benchtop in fronth of the lathe instead. Obviously you could do that with the Excelsior also.
The only difference I have found is the speed range is higher on the PSI-TC and the speed read outs are different. This may be a good thing. About the only knock I have found on the PSI-TC is the speed control:
http://www.penturners.org/forum/arch...p/t-38713.html

SOLD! Go for it

ptt49er · 11-25-2008, 09:09 AM

I just did a quick google, it's amazing the amount of message board chatter this little lathe is getting since Rockler put it in their ad.

If I was you, I'd pack up a bunch of snacks, a gallon or two of warm coffee, a carving knife, and a lot of blanks! Sounds like there is a good bit of interested in this lathe.

Jump on it!!

CarvedTones · 11-25-2008, 09:59 AM

A gallon or two of coffee could cause some trouble with staying in line.

As I said, I am pretty convinced that this is the same lathe as the PSI with a hopefully better VS controller/motor (though most folks probably don't have trouble with the PSI, just enough to make it a known issue). I am hopeful that a couple of hours is enough, and if it isn't then I may use the approved funds on Amazon instead and get the non-VS PSI.

I actually go back and forth about whether I would take the next step down and get the VS mini. The only thing I currently have planned that it might be too small for is mallets (17" is common for a marimba mallet). And I will admit that knowing I could do a 10" or so bowl if I decided to get into that is appealling.

Not sure I will have enough lathe (or nerve) to try this technique:
http://www.nogy.net/rebec/nancy/index.htm

I have 5 carving blanks and really haven't had much opportunity to work on them, so I may push the time back further if the weather is reasonable. That is something of an ace in the hole for me - it will be easy to pass the time and it won't be wasted no matter what the outcome.

CarvedTones · 12-01-2008, 08:19 AM

There is a gloat therad elsewhere, as I did buy it.

But I wanted to add something else I saw in an HF flyer for completeness. This lathe:
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...emnumber=65345
appears to be the same casting also (the PSI definitely is and this one almost certianly is also). That model (non VS) is $179 over the counter.

And a follow up to my previous post about whether I would have enough nerve or lathe to do the technique shown on the linked page - I think I do have enough lathe, but it isn't something I plan to do.