Pen Turning

I purchased a Vicmarc VL240 from “Branches to Bowls Ltd” in October, 2017. Negotiations, details, and agreements were all done long distance (phone and email). I was very pleased with Ken’s friendly, informative, customer friendly approach throughout the process (and since). Now I am enjoying an excellent lathe that is versatile, stable, powerful and precise! This workhorse runs for hours without any sign of heating...all sizes and types of wood keep changing shape...and I...enjoy!

...and I hum my theme song (from the Byrds)...”There is a season, turn, turn, turn...”

I just wanted to drop a note to say thanks for the help getting what I needed to finish the bottoms of my medium bowls.  The quality of the Vicmarc chucks and jaws are fantastic.  They run very true and that has not been my experience with other jaw sets.
Also thank you for the ruler. It will come in handy.  Thank you!

I have chucks from all the major manufacturers, but my VM-100 is by far the best! I love that it is easy to use but more importantly its holding power!

After an extreme length of time and research into exactly what tools I would upgrade to and make an investment in I decided to go with Carter and Sons (C&S) M42 tools and I wanted to deal with a Canadian distributor. The people at C&S directed me to Branches to Bowls. I placed a request for a quote and was shocked that 30 minutes later Ken called me to discuss my order. Not only did he review my order with me, but offered a wealth of information about turning. I appreciated the exchange so much I had to send him some of the blanks of a type of wood he had never turned before. He promptly sent me a quote and we were able to finalize it the next day.

Thank you very much Ken and I look forward to doing business with you again in the future.

During the last year I acquired an older model Vicmarc VL300. The lathe was purchased locally in northern Canada where if you want accessories you will have to purchase from a distance either on line or by phone order. A search on line came up with Branches to Bowls Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta.

I knew what I wanted to accomplish with this lathe, however I did not know exactly what parts or types of accessories I should purchase so I called Ken. What an eye opener that was. Having answered a couple of questions Ken asked me about the lathe, I soon realized I was talking to someone very knowledgeable about Vicmarc products. Ken was not in any rush and we talked about turning in general as well as available options for me relative to accessories for my VL300. In the end I placed an order and Ken has become my “go to” guy for all my lathe needs.

I have ordered numerous items from Branches to Bowls and have been very impressed with the quality of service provided by Ken. Vicmarc products have earned a great deal of respect around the globe and here in Canada, Branches to Bowls Ltd will no doubt earn the respect of the woodturning community.

Thanks Ken!

Sincerely,

A few weeks after ordering I was eager to unpack my new Vicmarc VL150 and bolt it on the base waiting in position. The cast iron housing and the quality of the overall manufacturing provides the feel and behavior very much like a solid stand large lathe for projects less than 12”. Additionally, the VL150 comes with the advantages of a small lathe-tools and accessories can be used in close range and operation from the tail stock end is easy, no need moving the assembly and head stock or even mounting the lathe bed. Also, tail stock removal is fast and does not require significant strength.

Electronic RPM control and the VL150 power at very low RPM’s allow turning operation at optimum speed for high quality turning projects. I like that “reverse turning” requires override an is reset to normal direction afterward. In the heat of the moment one is prone to forgetting with unwanted things going to happen.

Turns out I tend to use the Vicmarc VL150 for most projects, unless the diameter or size requires me to use my large lathe. Fortunately, compatibility with its 1” tool rest diameter and the #2 Morse taper tools swap with a large is easy without new inventory. Well worth waiting for the shipment from Australia.

Recently I needed to acquire an accessory for my Vicmarc VL300 lathe. After contacting all of the Vicmarc dealers in the U.S. together with all of the woodturning specialty houses with whom I was familiar, I had no success, the typical response being that the accessory I needed might be available in three to six months.

Then I discovered Ken Rude at Branches to Bowls. com in Canada. Ken is the Canadian Vicmarc dealer. I called and spoke directly with him - the accessory I needed was in stock - and in a matter of a few days I had the Vicmarc accessory I needed. To me, customer service is extremely important, and the service I received from Ken was outstanding and exceptional in every way. From my initial conversation - to timely updates regarding pricing and shipping - to follow up e-mails to assure on time receipt of my order, Ken’s service was fast, professional, personable, and customer oriented.

I could not have been more pleased. It is so good to have a supplier that is dedicated to providing quality Vicmarc equipment together with truly outstanding customer service.

Sincerely,

Hey Ken,

Quick email to say how pleased I am with the Carter and Son tools. I’m re-learning how to turn all over again it seems but what a joy to get covered in a pile of curly shavings, lol. These tools are like being handed the keys too a Porsche after driving a Russian Lada. I’ve just started working with the bowl gauge, the spindle gauge is amazing, especially on higher speed, the shavings fly off.

The bowl gauge works so well at my lowest speed, it’s just so much safer. The only problem I have now is that all other tools fail in comparison... Starting too think about a couple more down the road once I get more time flying curly shavings.

Cheers,

Ken,

Wow!. I am extremely impressed with the VM 100 chuck. I have not found any other that runs as smoothly. It runs true and precise. Dovetail jaws are the best out there and direct thread is an added bonus.

Thanks Very Much,

Switching to the Korpro has been a game changer for using the Oneway Coring System.  I get close to 175 cores from one cutter blade and NEVER have to go to the grinder to sharpen.

Although the cartridge may seem to be a bit expensive up front the replacement blades are inexpensive and overall it's well worth the cost in time saved and ease of using the coring system.  Thanks Branches to Bowls!!

I have been extremely impressed with Ken and Valerie of Branches to Bowls.  Their commitment to customer service is outstanding and industry leading (by far!).  My experience with Branches to Bowls started when I was looking for a Northamerican Vicmarc distributor who would sell me a VL240 HD lathe. I sent an inquiry to Branches to Bowls and Ken called me almost immediately saying he could provide me with the lathe I wanted. Since the lathe was being shipped from Australia, Ken kept me informed along the way and ensured that the lathe was delivered per my specific instructions (literally right into my shop!).  Ken also quickly responded with concern to an initial start up issue I experienced (I did not have the correct type of 220/240V breaker).  I truly feel Ken and Valerie want me to be happy with my new lathe... and I am just delighted!

Best wishes, 

I should thank you for your wonderful products and customer service.  I've bought a few Vicmarc chucks and jaws from you and have had nothing but good experiences.  

All my experiences with Ken Rude have been truly excellent.  Ken is always helpful and this goes way beyond when you buy from him.  He is always ready to answer questions, offer advice, and share his knowledge.  I cannot recommend Ken Rude and Branches to Bowls highly enough.  I just wish other companies gave the same level of service and support.  Thank you, Ken.   

The Vicmarc VL300 is the best wood lathe I’ve used. The rest assembly is easy to move using one hand, the rest height easy to adjust. And Vicmarc chucks are second to none.

"I've always been a fan of Oneway lathes, starting with a 1640 and then upgrading to a 2436. When I needed a second lathe for teaching, I tried to order a 2416, but the long lead time didn't work for me. At the Hamilton Wood Show in 2023, I had the chance to check out the Vicmarc 300 short lathe, and after speaking with Ken Rude, I decided to make the switch. The service was exceptional—within two weeks, the lathe was delivered and set up in my shop. Since then, I’ve found out why so many pros love Vicmarc. It’s become my go-to lathe, with features I truly appreciate. Anyone interested is welcome to visit my shop and see it in action. I spend more time on my Vicmarc than my Oneway these days because it’s simply the best."