I am considering the acquisition of a VDF lathe: not a specific model at the moment, but one with a centre height of between 180-220 mm. I already have a Boley 5LZ and wanted a medium sized lathe to replace the CVA I have just sold (because it was an imperial machine and I could not find metric change gears or dials anywhere).
Being based in Italy, I have turned my attention to the vast German second hand market, since transport from there costs hardly any more than from the further parts of Italy.
I already have some basic information (downloaded from a link on this forum) on the VDF 36/44 D and s models, but would like to know something about the Heidenreich & Harbeck ro18 and 21 machines, the 1960s models in particular, before the styling got squared off. Do they have direct belt drive to the spindle on the higher speed ranges, like the 36s and 44s? I have found no information anywhere on these. I have read some posts on the bigger S500 and V3, but I think they would be too voluminous and heavy for my workshop, as well as having excessively high motor ratings for my meagre 6.6 kw power main, unfortunately.
I would much appreciate any guidance on this matter.
Jon A
Being based in Italy, I have turned my attention to the vast German second hand market, since transport from there costs hardly any more than from the further parts of Italy.
I already have some basic information (downloaded from a link on this forum) on the VDF 36/44 D and s models, but would like to know something about the Heidenreich & Harbeck ro18 and 21 machines, the 1960s models in particular, before the styling got squared off. Do they have direct belt drive to the spindle on the higher speed ranges, like the 36s and 44s? I have found no information anywhere on these. I have read some posts on the bigger S500 and V3, but I think they would be too voluminous and heavy for my workshop, as well as having excessively high motor ratings for my meagre 6.6 kw power main, unfortunately.
I would much appreciate any guidance on this matter.
Jon A