now that it has been out for awhile, what is the verdict on the new raised bed renzetti lathe? is it worth the extra money over the old one just to be able to slide the thread carriage end to end without removing it? I have a pacbay unit for the past four years and will probably upgrade this year to a renzetti if new owners think it is worth the change.

It was my idea and one I bugged him about for years, but one that I didn't think they'd pursue due to the cost involved for what seemed like a minor additional feature. Andy figured out a method for doing it that only required the least of additional parts and pieces. Pretty clever design on his part. Surprisingly, after trying it I wouldn't go back to the old model. I think it's a very worthwhile feature even with the additional cost.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2015 08:25PM by Tom Kirkman.

But
It works and is easy to use Makes it a good thing Don't have the machine but any upgrade that makes it easier is well done

Bill - willierods.com

250.00 plus shipping for a conversion kit? Ouch, how about a break for those of us loyal customers that have been using the OLD Renzetti lathe for the last 15-20 years?

The new extrusions and related pieces are pretty expensive. I'm sure Andy asked the extruder he's been using since 1984 for a break, but apparently didn't get one.

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I don't want anybody to think that I am bad-mouthing Renzetti, but I own both the old and the new. The new one works fine except for a couple of things. The raised bed vibrates at high speed, but I think that can be fixed by placing rubber under the metal blocks. The other problem I see is that the thread carriage doesn't just come off; you have to take it apart a little bit. One other minor thing is that your work is now 2" higher. I only used this machine for three months, but all in all I think it is better than the original if these problems are addressed.

I fixed the height issue by raising my chair 2 inches so everything is back to square now. I don't have to remove the thread carriage so generally just leave it on. However, it still releases just like my old one, except from the bottom so I don't know if they changed something after the prototype (the one I have) and the final model. I do have to remove the handwheel to slip it out from the bed, of course.

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I'm satisfied with the old lathe, but if I were in the market for one, I'd get the new one. I have two lathes, one in New York and one in Florida.