Laguna Revo 18|36 "Deep Dive" Examination by ToolMetrix

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This is a ToolMetrix "Deep Dive" look at the Laguna Revo 18|36 that was performed after creating over 30 projects on the machine. The tool was provided by Laguna Tools and the examination was performed at their request.

[@briancv83]

boom! sold! thanks for the video.. I've been hopping around on different lathes, trying to figure out what to spend my, hard earned, money on. this seems like it's worth every dollar. thanks.. these videos really help

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks, Brian! Hope your loving the Revo. Cheers, Paul

[@briancv83]

@@ToolMetrix I am! Money well spent! Couldn't be happier. Thanks friend!

[@ToolMetrix]

That’s great to hear!

[@DavidDzubay]

@@ToolMetrix Thanks for this and other videos I've enjoyed. I'm thinking I might get a PW3520 and was hoping for a comparison to the Laguna 18/36 or 24/36. Mostly bowls. The heft of the PM and quality seems maybe best, but the option of mobility on the Laguna would be nice in my garage shop. Any votes in the choice would be appreciated! (Currently have a Rikon 70-220vsr, which is nice, but shaking and bogging down on 12" bowls and I'd like to go bigger).

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi David, I would like to get an opportunity to turn on a 3520 but haven’t had a chance heretofore. It’s a great looking machine and people seem to like it. I would think that it’d be a great choice. I’d like it if the Revo 2436 was a few hundred pounds heavier. It takes a while on larger pieces to get things running without vibration, but it does get there. The mobility on the revo lathes is impressive. I also like the headstock design where they extend the nose out to further stabilize the spindle. I wish I had some hands on comparison info but I think you’d be happy with either choice.

[@tmikeporter]

Your review was one of the reasons I bought this Laguna. I have found it features to be just as advertised and consistent with your review. Thanks for a very helpful video.

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Mike, thanks for your feedback. Cheers, Paul

[@strd100]

Great review! I've been looking at this and a few other lather for over a month, your review put me in the REVO camp, and it should be here in ten days.

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks, Chad. Let me know what you think after you give it a spin. Cheers, Paul

[@ManCaveBleep]

I just bought this model. Cant wait for it to come.

[@ToolMetrix]

Great choice! Enjoy!

[@makerspace533]

I really like my machine, it is a joy to use. One of the things I did was reverse the locking lever for the tailstock. Simply remove the cir-clip, slide the handle out and reinsert it from the front side. I adjusted the locking nut so that the lever locks at the 3:00 position and is released at 12:00. So all I have to do is grab the lever, pull it up and slide the tailstock into position. Then push the lever down and it's locked. No more interference with the lamp bracket on the back of the tailstock and moving the tailstock becomes one-handed.

[@ToolMetrix]

Good suggestion George. I’m gonna take a look at that.

[@larrypasha5015]

I am very impressed with the level of professionalism that you brought to this review. The only thing you could have done different for me, was to do some turning in real time. Aside from that, outstanding review Paul. With any luck, I will have one on order mid summer. Thank you again.

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks, Larry. I appreciate the feedback, and as I look back, I completely agree with the comment. Cheers, Paul

[@brokenbranchwoodshop1873]

One day! One day… love this

[@ToolMetrix]

Yep, love it!

[@rexb6478]

Have you done a review of the 24/36? What about the PM2020 or the 70-3040 that is out this month? Thank you for this review!!

[@ToolMetrix]

I do have a Deep Dive on the 24/36, and that is currently the lathe that I'm using for most of my work. I haven't used any of the PM machines yet, but I'd like to get access so that I could do a video. My main experience with current lathes includes Laguna, OneWay, and Robust.

[@lmallard3788]

I had been looking at the 1524, but did look at the 1824 110 volt version. I dont have 220 power in my rinky-dink shop.

[@ToolMetrix]

I assume you mean 1836. Very nice lathe. I haven’t used the 110 volt version only the 220.

[@pjenslin1]

I need some advise. When I drill holes using my tailstock (with or without Jacobs chuck) the quill becomes very wobbly when extended more for deep drilling. The holes are not good because of all the movement. Any advise?

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Philip, I would be sure that your drill bit is sharp and balanced. Try it with other bits. If that is the case, I'm not sure what is happening. Worth giving Laguna a call.

[@ryanbailey112]

Really struggling to pick one. Thanks for all the videos. I'm concerned if I get the 1216 I will want to upgrade to soon for larger bowls. Should a guy just dive in to the big one...thanks.

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Ryan, if you’re interested in turning bigger bowls, you’ll be much happier if you step up now. The 1216 does prrretty well on a 14” bowl, but the experience is worlds better on a 1.5 or 2 HP lathe.

[@ryanbailey112]

@@ToolMetrix Awesome thank you

[@stevee.7419]

I am in the market for a lathe and there is a laguna lathe in my local classifieds, for $2000. I don’t recall if you priced it. Is that a good price, assuming it’s in good condition?

[@ToolMetrix]

I’m not sure as I don’t keep tabs on the used lathe market. I’d suggest that a fairly new lathe that is lightly used should start in the range of 20-25% off of the new price. This time of year prices might be a bit higher.

[@ericmoorehead1100]

The Revo 1836 is a very good lathe. For the home wood worker be aware that the 110v model does not work with GFIC. For homes built after 2003 or so, electrical code requires GFIC in all garages.

[@ToolMetrix]

What would happen on a GFI? Just trip it? What is different about this tool from any other tool of comparable power with respect to GFI?

[@ericmoorehead1100]

Yes it does trip it. The root cause is the VFD electronics on the lath. I understand that any 110 V power tool, that has a VFD is subject to this issue. I believe the Jet manual makes reference to this.No reference or mention of this in the Revo manual or on their web site. I went round and round on this issue with Revo technical support.

[@ToolMetrix]

That's good to know. I hadn't thought about how the VFD electronics might affect this. Thanks, Eric. I hope they will add this information to the manual as it is very important for people to understand this.

[@crackerjack3359]

Hi Paul. I have a couple of questions for you concerning the tool rest. 1. When the tool rest is locked does the locking handle have the ability to be rotated to a more convenient position. Same for the banjo! 2. When the tool rest is set at 90 deg to the bed does the banjo post stop the rest getting close to the work piece?

[@ToolMetrix]

1. The tool rest lock can be rotated after it’s locked. The banjo can be locked in either direction but the handle can’t move after it’s locked. 2. I don’t remember this being a problem but I’ll have to check this when I’m back in the shop.

[@crackerjack3359]

@@ToolMetrix Thanks

[@zacbell9383]

Curious your opinions on the 1.5 hp 110v version of the 18/36. I don't have access to 220 power

[@ToolMetrix]

I haven’t tried one but I think it would be nice. Probably about the best you can do for the money on 110. Noticeably less power than the 220 version from what I’ve heard but if 220 isn’t an option then it’s a moot comparison.

[@icespeckledhens]

An excellent review. Its a lathe that has just entered the UK. It seems to have plenty of power and some nice features. Does the tailstock fold over when not in use to avoid removing it? Thanks James

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks! Laguna sells an option for that but I don’t have it. If you have the bed extension then you don’t really need the swing-away thing IMO.

[@beppogiglio]

it looks very fine on paper, look around internet, I suggest kim tippin videos ( problems with lathe spindle) also problems with wires, this lathe is “ designed in california“, not made in california, with many excellent brittish and european lathes I would pay little bit more and sleep in peace.

[@icespeckledhens]

@@beppogiglio There are not any British lathes anymore, they are all made in China or Taiwan, probably the same in US.

[@beppogiglio]

@@icespeckledhens you are probably right but there are plenty excellent europian lathes like Hager, Steinert, MCN, Hapfo, Magma,Ligno, and off course canadian Oneway and Australian Wicmark, all proven quality. Changing spindle on Revo after few months of work is not fun.-

[@davidgraham2673]

@@beppogiglio , One thing to bear in mind with the issue Kim had, is that she's had FIVE lathes from different manufacturers, and had problems with every single one of them. At some point, you have to wonder what are the odds of all five lathes from several manufacturers having issues. You start to think maybe she creates problems by misuse, or ignorance on proper setup. Not trying to bash the lady, but it does make me wonder. Just watched her video last night as she had an issue with lathe #5. She said the lathe was perfectly smooth with the drive center, but vibrated with the Nova Chuck. It was a Supernova ll. To me, it looked like the Chuck was mounted slightly off. The point being, if the lathe is silky smooth with the drive center, how can the vibration be the lathes fault one you put the chuck on?

[@albertotripoli7276]

I'm very close to buying a Revo 1836 to upgrade from my current Rikon 1216, however I have one nagging question: Can I turn in Reverse safely with the 1836? Currently, with my 1216, I use the Reverse for sanding but I don't dare turning in Reverse for fear the chuck will get lose. Large lathes have no problems turning in reverse, how about the 1836 ? Thank you

[@ToolMetrix]

I haven’t done it much. I’ve mostly just used reverse for sanding. I think it would come down to the locking mechanism on the chuck. The lathe doesn’t have any feature to stop the check from spinning loose.

[@trishdecker]

i'm trying to decide between a Jet 1440 and a Laguna 1836. they both seem good,, just turning bowls and b bats. also will the Laguna plug in to a standard 115 volt outlet in my shop. thanks CD

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Trish, I have not used the Jet 1440 myself, but I've looked at it. I think it's a decent machine in its own right, but I don't believe that it is in the same class as the 1836 (I believe a more fair comparison point in the Jet line would be the JWL1840-EVS). A minor area of comparison between the 1440 and 1836 would show that the 1836 has more substantial components, including headstock, tailstock and banjo. Where the differences become more pronounced are in the power drive mechanisms. The 1440 uses a Reeves simple mechanical system for varying the speed, while the 1836 uses a more sophisticated Variable Frequency Drive mechanism that enables the motor to operate more smoothly on 3 phase power with single phase power coming into the lathe. This is what provides the ability to respond automatically to resistance and provide more power to the project as needed. If you are turning bowls at lower RPMs you will really notice this because the lathe will not bog down much when you are taking a heavy cut, and I'm guessing that you would notice the bogging effect on the 1440. When you are turning spindles and working at higher RPMs, you might not notice this very much if at all. In terms of power, Laguna sells a 1.5 HP version of this lathe that plugs into a standard 115 volt outlet, but the 2 HP version shown in this video doesn't. The 1.5 HP version uses the same VFD system and still has a lot of power from what I've heard. Good luck with your lathe purchase!

[@trishdecker]

thanks so much for the detailed reply, I just got the Laguna 18/36 and it is really smooth. Now, can you advise me on a good chuck for the 1-1/4 spindle.. just turning plan bowls, various sizes. thanks

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Trish, congrats on your purchase. I have a couple different chucks, and the one that I like the best is the Nova Titan. It would generally considered overkill for a lathe this size, but I like it a lot for big bowls. It's 1.25", so no adapter is needed; it just threads right on. Enjoy your new lathe; I hope you love it as much as I do.

[@larrypasha5015]

Paul, do you have any reservations buying from Laguna? Any issues with fit and finish or customer service?

[@ToolMetrix]

+Larry Pasha I haven't had much experience with their customer service, but my observation on Laguna's quality is that they've always had good overall quality in their industrial product line, including fit and finish. I believe that they have matured as a company as their business has grown so much over the last decade, and they are demonstrating that they can maintain quality on their retail-focused product lines. Moving down market from high-end industrial focus to a high volume hobbyist market is not an easy transition for companies to make, but Laguna seems to be navigating this quite well. In the retail market, one minor oversight in manufacturing can crush the profitability of an entire product line. One example of an issue where I felt Laguna demonstrated some poise was the with their 1412 bandsaw. Early versions of this saw had some minor vibration problems caused by the tires that were installed on the saw. They were very forthcoming about this, and let their dealers know that anyone who bought these saws could contact Laguna and receive a free tire upgrade. I actually had one of those units, but I didn't notice any vibration problem. I requested the tires anyway just to see if they would make the saw run even smoother. I hooked up a vibration meter and did a before/after test, and sure enough they did make it run smoother, even though I could not tell the difference without a vibration meter hooked up. But I thought it was a good sign that they wanted everyone to have the best product experience that they could. If your question about fit and finish is specific to the 1836, the fit and finish of this product is superb. I've only heard glowing reviews from other owners, including from a friend of mine who got one shortly after I got mine. The only thing I hear complaints about are that the markings on the variable speed and forward/reverse seem to be backwards, which I never thought about until I heard it. It wasn't a problem for me, as the operation is intuitive (forward and faster are clockwise, reverse and slower are counter clockwise) even if the markings are not.

[@andrewmorris2820]

Will this unit run on 208 Volt? I have an older 3 phase electrical service which means two pole is 208. My Sawstop table saw runs fine on it but I just want to make sure with the lathe. Thanks

[@ToolMetrix]

I don’t know but I would think so. Better check with Laguna on that one though.

[@andrewmorris2820]

@@ToolMetrix Thanks, Laguna says it will but to account for +- 10%. Not sure what exactly that means but I think I am good to go.

[@ToolMetrix]

Good to know. Thank you.

[@samswoodshop9937]

Paul question right below the head stock there looks to be a 3 bolt pattern. What is that for? Would it be to bring the way extension to the front side of the lathe?????

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Sam, that’s exactly right. I was actually just in the shop of a professional turner who owns a Stubby lathe and uses it that way all the time. I’ve never had the need to set it up that way.

[@WillxM88]

Has it stood up over the years? Hope you read this

[@ToolMetrix]

I upgraded to the 2436 after about a year. Both machines are built extremely well however and either one will hold up quite well. I have two friends who are professionals and use the 1836 daily and both love it. If you’re on Facebook you can join the Laguna lathe users group and talk to lots of 1836 owners to get their input.

[@julianodasilva7658]

Olá ! Todo bem? Adorei esse torno. Aqui no Brasil tem muita madeira boa para tornear. Gostaria de saber quanto custa para mandar um desses pra mim?

[@ToolMetrix]

Sorry but I do not know. I would suggest contacting Laguna directly with this question.

[@julianodasilva7658]

Tua resposta veio em inglês. Me perdoe mas não falo inglês. Obrigado

[@ToolMetrix]

E eu não falo português. :) Desculpe, mas eu não sei. Eu sugeriria contatar Laguna diretamente com esta pergunta.

[@tomsparks2294]

How do the 1836 110 volt do , I don't have anyway to get 220 volts

[@ToolMetrix]

I haven’t used one but people generally seem to have good things to say about it. There’s a great Laguna Lathe Owners Group over on Facebook where you could hear from some folks that have one. I do have a 110V Revo 1524 which has a lot of power but isn’t as heavy as the 1836. It has the same size motor (1.5 HP) but uses pulse width modulation rather than Variable Frequency Drive. Both are very good, but VFD would be better.

[@tomsparks2294]

@@ToolMetrix thank you

[@richardcampbell8196]

what is the cost for that whole set up?

[@ToolMetrix]

About $3700 retail price. That's 2400 for the lathe, 300 for two lights, 500 for the extension, 500 for the wheels.

[@makerspace533]

This is a great lathe and a good value. Our makerspace bought one and I liked it so much I bought one for myself. One comment: There is no way to shut down the power to the VFD. As long as the lathe is plugged in, the VFD is under power. I'm surprised that this is allowed by OSHA. If you are installing a new 240VAC circuit for the lathe, it would be a good idea to put a disconnect (switch) near the lathe. Disconnecting the lathe while not in use is a good safety measure and helps protect the VFD from power surges. Otherwise it is a good idea to keep the lathe unplugged when not in use.

[@ToolMetrix]

Good info, George. Thanks for sharing.

[@makerspace533]

@@ToolMetrix I did some checking and found that Jet and Grizzly VFDs are also directly connected to power. Powermatic uses a master switch which removes all power from their machines.

[@makerspace533]

Correction, the PM2020 is directly connected.

[@user-li7xi2yv3s]

Hi

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi there

[@garrybrpwine3073]

Laguna Revo 1820 when.......... ?? for us bowl turners

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Garry, Great question, but I don't know. I'm not affiliated with Laguna, so you'd have to send them an inquiry. If they do make one, I'd love to review it!

[@garrybrpwine3073]

Just getting into bowl turning and my work area is a parking area for a "golf cart " Powermatic makes a 2020 unit would fit but very hard to get plus cost. and with the Laguna you have the machined area next to head stock plus the machined area at the end of the bed plus the extra extension for larger turning. More places on this Laguna to mount out board or end of lathe turnings

[@user-li7xi2yv3s]

Kuwait

[@ToolMetrix]

👍

[@stanjudd2552]

I've been waiting for a year and a half for a review on this lathe . Tell me ? What all comes standard , does the head pivot , what about indexing . You know if your going to spend 16 : 47 min . don't spend 6 min . talking the speed . There is so much more you could have shown and talked about . Try again !

[@ToolMetrix]

+Stan Judd Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. The only things that we covered here that are non-standard upgrade items are the mobile base, the bed extension, and the lights. Everything else comes standard with the base price. The head does not pivot. As far as indexing, 18|36 provides a very nice capability here, with a mechanism to lock the spindle in fixed increments around the perimeter of the work piece. This feature offers the flexibility to set up for 14, 36 or 48 stops around a rotation, with positive stops at each location for setup consistency.

[@stanjudd2552]

+ToolMetrix Thank you for taking the time to respond back , but I would really like to see these things in a demo . THANK YOU .

[@ToolMetrix]

+Stan Judd We filmed a video on the indexing feature which will be uploaded shortly...

[@coleyounger4060]

WAY over priced

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Cole, that's an interesting perspective. I would actually price it about $300 higher if I were Laguna. They literally sell these faster than they can make them at the current price point. What product are you comparing it to that would lead you to your opinion that it is overpriced? And what do you feel is an appropriate price point for the Revo 1836?

[@stevencorridori3406]

I'd like to see you build it for less.

[@ToolMetrix]

Great point

[@stevestevenski4054]

the intro ad could have been talking about the republicans' relentless attack on obama.

[@ToolMetrix]

Gotta love those ads!

[@kennethcaine3402]

I see that this lathe is a piece of shit according to the lady who had to charge the headstock shaft on a new lathe. The bearing fits should be an interface fit on the headstock spindle and they are 1 or 2 thousands loose. Stick this where the sun don't shine.

[@ToolMetrix]

I did see the video that you're referring to. That was definitely a sucky situation for her to deal with. With all due respect, I wouldn't write off the entire product based on one data point, however. This lathe has become the one of the most popular lathes in its class for a reason, and the overwhelming majority of owners that I've interacted with give the machine a glowing review.

[@kennethcaine3402]

@@ToolMetrix I apologize if I was rude, I really think that most of her problems were herself. She changed 2 spindle shafts one on a grisley lathe and she screwed it up and blamed grisley and I would bet 1000 dollars to a hole in a donut there wasn't a problem. But the lathe you have she changed out the spindle and the bearing fits were too loose they should have been an interference fit which was obvious. So with so poor engineering I would never buy one. Thanks for replying and accept my apology, I am normally a gentleman.

[@ToolMetrix]

No worries whatsoever sir. Cheers, Paul

[@kennethcaine3402]

@@ToolMetrix thanks

[@patwelch8187]

Don't forget to tell people that their..TECH SUPPORT SUCKS !!!!!

[@ToolMetrix]

I had totally forgotten to do that. Thanks for the gentle reminder.