Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Aug 13, 2019 05:56pm | #1

   I started out with the Craftsman lathe you show. I wouldn't recommend it, or the HF.

   I would look for either a used lathe, or check out the new midi lathes. You can do more with that, and have a wider range of store-bought and shop-made accessories to go with it. FWW has reviews for midi lathes, check them out.

2. 
   user-6445466 | Aug 13, 2019 06:09pm | #2

   May also want to consider a few turning tools to use with the lathe.

3. 
   user-6445466 | Aug 13, 2019 07:02pm | #3

   Another option rather than buying equipment is to sign them up for a wood turning class. A class may also help identify equipment needs and desires based on the types of items they enjoy turning.

4. 
   rob_ss | Aug 15, 2019 07:13am | #4

   I would second the lessons as a better option for a beginner. Also the advice to avoid the lathe you picture.

   The Harbour Freight lathe is definitely the bottom of the pile of cheap lathes from China but is still, at least from it's appearance a decent usable item. It is better quality that the lathe I use at the moment - mine's an ancient shopmade thing with a loose motor, but it does the job.

   If I were you, I'd buy the HF lathe as you won't get much more robust until you are spending over USD 400. Do buy a decent gouge to go with it. I make a recommendation below. You can get full sets of beaten up tools for not much cash though and they work just as well as new ones.

   The problem with turning is that you do need quite a lot of gear to begin, but once you have that, you can achieve a lot. Most pros will use one or two gouges for most of their work. Google Frank Howarth Youtube and see what you can do with a bowl gouge, scraper and parting tool. Plus a bunch of really expensive chucks. Not jealous or anything...

   Best of luck.

   In order to get turning you will need:

   A lathe
   Something to stand the lathe on (needs to be very sturdy)
   Some drive attachments to grip the work (not usually included)
   Some turning tools.
   Something to sharpen the tools
   Goggles or preferably a face-shield
   Dust mask and sandpaper.

   The lathe need not be large or expensive as it will take a long time before you get good enough to need anything more. Something like the chinese-made Jet JWL-1015 (get the VS version if you can afford it) will do nicely. Or anything that looks a bit like that design. Google the Jet or you can find it on Amazon for an idea of what to look for. Nice solid bits of square metal.

   The stand can be purpose-made or just a really hefty table. Kitchen worksurface is great but leads to marital disharmony. Whatever you use, it must be solid. Wobbling is not safe and very unpleasant. The metal stands you can get for most lathes are pretty good but DIY is fine.

   This
   You have to hold the wood. Most lathes come with a faceplate (round thing to screw wood onto) and live centre (rotating bit that goes in the tail stock and pins the wood against the spinning bit) Ideally you will need a screw drive (for larger bowls), drive spur (for spindles) and small scroll chuck(awesome - does everything and it's what I use for most basics). All except the scroll chuck are cheap. Lathes have different fittings so best to buy those when you know which lathe you will get.

   Turning tools are essential. If you can only afford one, then a 3/4" bowl gouge will do almost everything you need and is still useful when you have a full set. Sorby are a good brand and well worth the extra cash.

   A bench grinder is essential. 8 inch is preferred. You can use the wheels that come with it until you can afford better.