Long Wait...but probably worth it

After researching several lathes, PSI's 12" VS seemed the obvious choice. Power, size and available features were incomperable for the price. I ordered the lathe just after Christmas, 2011, expecting to be turning by mid-January. Unfortunately, the lathe was out-of-stock, and I was placed on the "wait list." I had to wait an additional four months. I finally received the lathe yesterday--April 30, 2012. My expectations of the lathe's quality had somewhat diminished, due to the long wait. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. It took about two hours to get it assembled, and everything works perfectly--just as advertised. I would certainly recommend this lathe to experts and novices alike. With the extension, it is truly a full-size lathe, capable of any project within the 12" swing capacity. I would only caution potential buyers of the overwhelming probability of waiting several months for availability. Chances are--the advertised "ETA" when you are placed on the wait list, will change two or three times (later) before you are actually able to order. However, if you know this going in...and are patient...you will not regret your choice.

12 inch lathe

I waited several weeks to get in stock. It ran literally about 30 seconds, big flash, then dead. After all electrical and electronics were replaced three times, it works OK, but speed read out won't work. Occasionally it revs up very fast, then settles down. Castings were poor quality, very rough, and it took several hours w/ various files to get the bed and extention to line up, and to get tool rest and tail stock flat against bed. Tool rests needed filing from the start. I'll use this 'til it dies, meanwhile saving up for its replacement. Live and learn.

Like it

First turning tool purchase, I did my homework on what was available and selected the PSI 12" Variable speed c/w the bed extension. I was a little leary at first on some of the reported weaknesses on the 10" but none of those concerns posted about the equipoment or PSI came to fruition. I ordered the lathe mid-June 2011 and had it delivered to the house three days later. Packaging was great and no damage out of the box. I had read concerns over the tool rest being too short, mine came with two different sizes so no issue there. I had read concerns over the use of a DC motor, again no problem, the power curve on the DC motor is great. Put the live center in the tailstock and ran it up to check alignment and it was right on from the factory. Set it up on a Workmate bench and ran it through some trials, operation is extremely smooth and quiet. Tried to stain the motor by loading the workpiece, the motor never flinched regardless of the increased load. All of the adjustment leveres are in handy locations, the head and tailstock tools fit is good. The integral worklight is a nice feature. Can't find any complaints on this one yet and appreciate saving several hundred dollars on the investment compared to other more popular brands. Being new to wood turning the variable speed dial and readout is a big help so far.

Very Nice

My first lathe. I looked at a bunch of lathes and read tons of reviews. I chose this lathe based on price and features. I've been turning my first project on this for about a month now and totally LOVE it. I just purchased the Barracuda Chuck and can't wait to turn many more projects. I would recommend this lathe to anyone looking. My belief is if you buy your first tool with all the nice extra features like this has, you'll enjoy using it so much more. Variable speed,Light,Power,Quiet,Accurate,Sturdy and nice appearance. No complaints.