Laguna Revo 24|36 Lathe "Deep Dive Examination" by ToolMetrix

Lathe available here: amzn.to/31K6R5D
(buying from these links will help support this channel, so thank you!)
The Laguna Revo 2436 lathe is an exciting new lathe with power and capacity to spare. Paul Mayer of ToolMetrix put it through its paces over a two week period and has all kinds of things to say about it. If you are looking for the best bowl turning lathe in its class on the market today, this one is worth a look.

[@paulsustman2709]

Nice lathe. Very informative. Can't wait to buy one!

[@ToolMetrix]

You’ll love turning billy clubs and mesquite bowls on this bad boy!

[@111111111Tiger]

Your smarter than the average Joe. Your the first person I've seen assemble the main stand on the floor on its side and then use a board for leverage to stand up. Bravo ! Well done ! Leverage is our friend !

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks, Tiger! I assemble a lot of heavy tools by myself. You learn a few tricks. :)

[@russellnentwich8745]

I am fairly new to turning. I really want to upgrade from my jet midi. I want to buy a lathe that I will not have to replace again. I have been reading and researching a lot. I really like this lathe but it seems that the “experienced turners” seem to turn their noses up at this lathe. I read where one “expert” was claiming that it was not truly 3 hp. I also see that many quality lathes like some Robust and powermatics seem to have 2hp. How do you feel this lathe stands up to some of the more preferred lathes I mentioned above and why is the price when compared so much cheaper? Some insight would be greatly appreciated.

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Russell, I have not heard the claims that this machine isn't a true 3 HP lathe. What I can say is that I would never say that it lacks power. I've turned quite a few 20"+ bowls on it, and I've been amazed by the torque it delivers. I would love to spend some time on a comparable Robust and Powermatic, but unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to work with either one. Based on everything that I've heard, I have no doubt that both of these are awesome machines. I think that Robust has some nice features that are differentiators, such as the tailstock swing-away mechanism; very cool. The American-made aspect is extremely appealing and everything that I have heard about the owner and the company culture are very cool. I think the price tag is high because manufacturing big equipment in the US is expensive. Labor and materials are more expensive here, and these guys are producing a low volume, super high quality machine, so I'm guessing that it's probably challenging to hold the pricing down as low as it is. Powermatic is a different beast entirely. Lots of cast iron there, because as I understand it good quality castings are a lot cheaper to produce in Asia. That's why you see the massive cast iron bases on the Powermatic and Laguna. Very expensive for manufacturers to do that in the US. If you're turning large bowls, that cast iron base brings a nice weight advantage, and I'm guessing that the Laguna and Powermatic machines are heavier than Robust as a result. So, net net, I don't think there is a bad choice among these three. I think that people who can afford Robust will typically go that way; American made, incredible attention to detail and quality, and customer service that people rave about. Powermatic was the US king of imported lathes, and for years they lived up to their slogan as "the gold standard". I think they still make a great lathe, but (and this is purely speculatively and anecdotally), I believe that Laguna is in the process of displacing Powermatic in this category. As I said I would like to get some hands-on experience to qualify my perspective on this, but I believe that the 2436 is very comparable to a Powermatic, and arguably even better in some respects. Why is Laguna selling theirs so much cheaper? I'm not sure, but at this point I do not believe that it is because of a perceived product disadvantage. I think it is because Powermatic is the established market share leader in this category and they are commanding a premium price with some nice profit margin built in. Laguna really just got serious about the lathe market when they introduced the 1836, and ever since then they seem to be using a low margin penetration pricing model that is all about building a large loyal base. In order to sustain a business at the low price points they are going to have to drive a lot of volume. It seems like the strategy is working, and you may have noticed that they recently increased pricing on some products. This could mean a lot of different things, but my hunch is that the strategy is working and products are starting to enjoy some demand that is resilient to small, incremental pricing changes. Even with the pricing increases there is still a lot of room between Laguna and Powermatic pricing. At some point they might be more expensive, and if the perceived value is there, people will continue to pay it. Jet/Powermatic did the same thing to Delta 20 years ago. Prior to that, Delta (in the New Yankee Workshop days) was the kings of woodworking power tools, and Jet was always 10% cheaper, and pretty comparable quality. At some point there were enough Jet/PM enthusiasts, that they were able to increase the prices above Delta's pricing, and within a couple years, Delta became irrelevant in the woodworking community. I believe that Grizzly had a lot to do with that too, but that's a whole different discussion. Sorry for rambling. :)

[@Oscaro9928]

Have you tuned on the Powermatic 3520C and how does that compare with the 2436 not withstanding the extra capacity... I am torn between the two. Only thing with me is that I will require a base to step on in order to get the spindle to elbow height with the 2436. My elbow is at 41.5". Not sure about quality between the two either.

[@ToolMetrix]

I haven’t turned on one but have looked at one and I’d like to give it a try. It’s a very impressive machine. At the surface the quality appears comparable but it’s hard to tell with a longer term test. I built a platform for my daughter to use when she turns on the 2436. Worked great. I think you’d be happy with either machine.

[@Thom4123]

What a beast of a lathe. One question what are you doing with your 18/36 lol

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks, Thom! Can never have too many lathes! LOL

[@stanjudd2552]

Excellent job on your video . One question , is the tool rest post 1" or like the 1836 less then 1" .

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Stan, thank you. The tool rests on the two machines are identical. I measure the post at 1".

[@stanjudd2552]

My 1836 must have came from the factory that way , because mine was 25.3 and my robust tool rest would not fit .So I took my banjo to a machine shop they honed it out now its fine .

[@ToolMetrix]

Dang, that sounds like a defect to me on either the part of Robust or Laguna. I use the standard Laguna tool rest about 80% of the time, but I also use a curved Robust tool rest for better support inside of a large bowl. It fit perfectly with no modifications necessary.

[@tmikeporter]

Nice review like the 18/36. It was that review that ended up selling me on the machine and I've had mine for over a year now. I graduated from a Shopsmith and its lathe so you know what a jump in performance I experienced. If I was buying today, I'd likely opt for this model just for the extra power. With a heavy, wet bowl blank I can overpower the motor on the 18/36 as I lean in with my roughing gouge. Still, the 18/36 seems to do all that I want. I have one nit pick and that is the wheel on the tailstock. Held on to the shaft by a single set screw it will come loose every so often. The shaft is getting a bit scarred up from the set screw. I have to remember to check the tightness of that screw on a regular basis. Love the lights. Love the wheels. I have nicked the tool rest with a sharp edged tool, though; it's not bullet proof. What I still find when I compare is that it has the features and performance of a lathe costing $2-3000 more.

[@ToolMetrix]

Thanks for the feedback, Mike. I'm bothered by the problem that you're having with that tailstock hand wheel. I haven't had to touch that set screw a single time in 2 years, and I just checked it and there is no slop at all. I would try locktite, and if that didn't work, I'd try a different set screw, and if that didn't work I'd request a new tail stock. That should be giving you trouble free service. As far as the power goes, I never thought that the 1836 lacked power until I used the 2436. Yes, I've slowed down the 1836 with some of the soaking wet blanks that I've only roughed with a chainsaw, but it is so much more powerful than any lathe I had used previously that I guess I was impressed that it could handle that much mass at all. I can definitely tell the difference on the new machine, however. I agree with the comment about the 1836 comparing favorably against more expensive machines. I think Laguna has gotten very serious about going after this market. The only design modifications that I would suggest would be American motors (I haven't had any problems at all, but I'd have higher confidence) and stainless steel bed for guys like us who like to turn soaking wet wood. Although the other day I turned a bowl and my lathe didn't rust, but there was water spraying on my jointer and that rusted because I didn't notice it soon enough. This woodturning is one messy hobby!

[@tmikeporter]

Helpful response. Thanks. I'll chat with Laguna on this. Re the 14" bandsaw you have also reviewed, I just sent in my ReSaw King blade for resharpening and expect to get it back next week. Customer Service so far has been OK to deal with.

[@ToolMetrix]

Glad to hear that. It seems that Laguna has made some improvements in their customer service area, as I'm hearing mostly good reports these days. That ReSaw King blade is amazing. Sounds like you're using it a lot!

[@tmikeporter]

That blade is well worth the $150. I've used it heavily to cut logs into bowl blanks over the last year; mostly wet wood. Have also cut some very hard dry wood. I nearly wore it out but Laguna said it was still worth resharpening. If I remember, I can let you know how well it works when they return it.

[@ToolMetrix]

Wow, that's great. I haven't used it on bowl blanks and I was wondering how it might work turning a circle through a gnarly piece of wet wood. I've wrecked a couple regular blades by twisting them in a log while rouging out a bowl blank, so I was leery to do that with the higher $ RK. Let me know how it works when you get it back. Supposedly you can sharpen them several times, depending on how worn down the teeth are between sharpenings I'm sure.

[@brokenbranchwoodshop1873]

I’m drooling over here! 🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@ToolMetrix]

Nice tool, that’s for sure!

[@brokenbranchwoodshop1873]

@@ToolMetrix yes sir. Trying to convince my wife on the cost part. 😳😳 She told me grow my channel. 🤣😂

[@paddlefaster]

I know this is an older thread but I'm considering a new 24-36 Laguna or the Harvey t60s. I've heard lagunas had problems with the motors, I don't know anything about Harvey's Servo motor. Any thoughts?

[@ToolMetrix]

I hadn’t heard anything about motor problems with Laguna. I heard about some issues with earlier models where switch panels had to be replaced but I haven’t heard anything for quite some time. Im not familiar with Harvey lathes so I can’t comment on those.

[@eileendavies5426]

We have just bought the 24/36 Revo have you had any problems ? just seen one review of the lathe and the fellow had had three heads replaced and some are saying not good with heavy wood . We are in Australia and the wood is really hard and really heavy . Just a bit worried now .

[@ToolMetrix]

I’m still loving my 2436. No problems for me. I just turned 6 bowls that started out with blanks that were 85-90 pounds apiece. No problems. The lathe is lighter than some 3hp 24” lathes which means that you will have to start a bit slower than you would on a 1000 pound lathe. I started out each bowl at about 270 RPM which is pretty slow but was able to get up to 400 relatively quickly which is a better speed. So, for the money I believe it’s a great lathe.

[@cedwards874]

Watched both your 18-36 and 24-36 review. I'm in a dilemma which one to buy. Is the 20" bed extension and riser the same part for both lathes? Thanks

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Chris, they are the same design and work the same. I'm not sure whether they are in fact interchangeable across the two machines. I would think that the riser would be taller on the 2436 but I'm not positive. For me, the 1836 has plenty of capacity for anything that I'd turn. I've turned some pretty big stuff on there, and there are professional turners who turn some massive stuff outboard on the 1836. For bowls, if I can lift it, I can turn it on the 1836. The upgrade to the 2436 is mainly about the additional power, which is noticeably significant, and the auxiliary switch. The banjo is also nicer. The extra 100 pounds is nice too, but you can always add some weight. I still turn on my friend's 1836 once in a while, and I can definitely notice the power difference but it's still a great turning experience even after spending a couple years on the 2436. IMO, you won't go wrong with either machine.

[@cedwards874]

@@ToolMetrix Thank You, I definitely want that extension and I think from a budget standpoint and your comments, I'll go with the 220v 18-36. Much appreciated.

[@ToolMetrix]

The extension design on these machines is awesome. I’m mainly a bowl turner but I use the extension constantly for outboard turning. Even if I’m turning smaller bowls I really like the ergonomics when scooping out bowls. It’s a great accessory.

[@cedwards874]

@@ToolMetrix Thanks, my main lathe focus is bowl/platter turning. I'm moving from a Oneway 1224, so really wanted the extra over the bed capacity. With the extension, I really don't see me turning something as large as the machines capacity.

[@lynbren]

Does this lathe have soft start ?

[@ToolMetrix]

I don't think so. If it does, it's a pretty subtle softening.

[@AlexGarcia-ly9fq]

I just came across this video as I am in the market for a new lathe. After all this time, are you still using it? If so, how has it held up? There are numerous woodturners on KZbin that use laguna lathes but I concerned about quality. I am retiring soon and will not get another opportunity to buy another "forever" lathe. Any insight? Thanks.

[@ToolMetrix]

Hi Alex, yep, I'm still using it and loving it. Reliability hasn't been a problem for me. Power is outstanding. The only downside as I compare it to other lathes is that it's pretty light for a 24" lathe. I've turned bowls on other 24" lathes like Robust and OneWay and the additional weight is nice. But for me as a hobbyist, it's not a huge problem, but the difference is noticeable. I've turned quite a few 20+" bowls on it without any problem, however. It just takes a while to get the blank round because you have to turn at a slower speed. That said, I don't really like turning stuff that big any more. Those 100 pound blanks are a lot to lug around, and my friends and family don't seem to want those gigantic bowls. So, net net, I love the Revo, and would also consider Robust and OneWay if your budget allows.

[@AlexGarcia-ly9fq]

@@ToolMetrix thanks for the quick reply. I rarely turn anything that big either, I just like to have the capacity if needed. I live on 15 acres with lots of trees so I can make whatever size I want/need. Thanks again and Happy Turning!

[@jorgeluislameiralameira4015]

Gostaria de compra um torno desses sem os acessório e um conjunto de goivas voces poderia mandar o preço ....brasil

[@ToolMetrix]

Hola Jorge. Lo siento, pero no soy un comerciante. Póngase en contacto con www.lagunatools.com.

[@majedalsayyah1737]

Im new to wood turning and i have the revo 24/36 and im wondering what is the knob on the backside of the lathe box for

[@ToolMetrix]

What are you referring to as the lathe box?

[@majedalsayyah1737]

@@ToolMetrix the VFD box which has the CB reset button. it has a rotating knob where you can increase and decrease

[@ToolMetrix]

I’m pretty sure that is disabled, and the functionality is controlled by the dial on the speed control knob on the front of the panel. But Laguna could tell you for sure.

[@majedalsayyah1737]

@@ToolMetrix I might be mistaken but when I played with it i had a feeling that the torque changed

[@ToolMetrix]

Interesting. Definitely worth checking with Laguna in that case.

[@JohnShumate-el4iu]

Spindle lock?

[@ToolMetrix]

Yes, it does have a spindle locking feature.

[@jorgeluislameiralameira4015]

Quanto custa um

[@ToolMetrix]

lagunatools.com has pricing info