Replies

1. 
   Napie | Feb 05, 2010 04:06pm | #1

   Basically you're hosed, those
   Basically you're hosed, those will spoil you for for everything else! The less expensive jet models will be OK but like many things if you are going to turn (and it is addictive) you'll want the quality. I started with a Record that I still have but it didn't take long to start trading up. I love the Powermatic.

1. 
   stevemorris | Feb 10, 2010 01:59pm | #2

   beaver rockwell 3400 gap bed, cheap solid very little to go wrong

   hasnt been made for 30 years, but still plenty around

2. 
   forestgirl | Feb 10, 2010 11:32pm | #3

   Rob, what's your budget??
   Rob, what's your budget?? (remembering that the lathe is just the beginning of spending money on turning!!) In addition to the lathe, you'll need (probably): 6-12 chisels (to start), a scroll chuck, a face plate or two, more than one tool rest, a sharpening setup with good stone, and other miscellaneous (including an instructional DVD or two, unless you have live help or a good library).

   Set a $$lathe$$ figure for people to go by.

   If you're in a geographical area that has good Craig's List availability, you may well find a good lathe with some accessories there. I paid $225 for my Jet 1232, including 3 tool rests and a face plate. Had some chisels, but they were cheap Delta, not worth keeping.

   Looking back over the first few months of Newbie Turning and Decision-making that I just went through, I'll suggest that you set an overall-budget amount that you can afford in the next 2-3 months, then do a bunch of research on best-bang-for-the-buck for all critical start-up items, and see what you can afford to spend on the lathe.

1. 
   floormeister | Feb 11, 2010 01:01am | #4

   Thanks for the input.All the tools i've owned up to this point,have paid for themselves.I always do alot of research and pick alot of peoples brains.Enter the lathe..I have no jobs lined up requiring a lathe.If a oneway or powermatic came avail.,i would consider stretching myself,if the price was right i.e.used and in good cond.,but 3-4000+$'s..no.So your comment about the jet,esp.if it was a 2hp may be what i need to look at.My class ends in may,and by then i will know a little more about pricing,quality,shipping and service.A friend of mine is a retired shop teacher,and uses a lathe to turn 8'posts for cabins and such.i have to look at that closer to see how he extends the ways and tailstock..so you can see i'm at 'the gathering of info stage',and i appreciate any and all input.thanks forest girl!..rob

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 11, 2010 01:43am | #5

   Sounds like you have a good network and great ongoing education, not to mention a proven process for deciding where to put your equipment dollars. You may find a good used lathe by spreading the word you're looking for one. People upgrading to those big-buck lathes have decent mid-level ones to sell. Are you familiar with the American Association of Woodworkers? If there's a chapter near you, that's a great place to meet turners and network for equipment.

   https://www.woodturner.org/ There's a find-a-chapter link in the left column.

   Also, link below for a very active and accomplished group of turners:

   http://www.sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?f=20

3. 
   bduffin104 | Feb 11, 2010 06:20am | #6

   I have an inexpensive Rockwell lathe that I improved by building a very heavy stand for it with a shelf that has 4 90lb sacks of sand on it. The added weight has helped reduce the unwanted vibration greatly.

4. 
   JoeRo | Feb 11, 2010 12:35pm | #7

   I taught high school shop for many years so have used many different kinds of lathes. My first personal lathe was an old 1/2 hp Shopsmith with a v-belt drive.I later upgraded to a copy of the Mark V and when I retired from teaching bought a 40 inch Grizzly with a variable speed. The stand is thin sheet metal but if you add weight to it , it is pretty stable and works fine for my purposes. The price is right if you can put up with some of the cheap hand wheels and knobs. A lathe is not something that most woodworkers us on a daily basis so I would go for economy and put most of my money where it is most to be utilized.

5. 
   user-64052 | Feb 11, 2010 06:05pm | #8

   first assess what you want to turn for the first while and then look for a good used older rockwell(delta) or a general 160 or 260 from someone who has upgraded to a oneway or whatever. a lot of these newer inexpensive one are a piece of crap. when you finnd that you want to stay with it , then you can upgrade to the more expensive.

   I just bought a couple years ago from a cust who said that they had an old lathe. said that I would like to see it. he phoned me one day and said that he had all these walnut boards that he had briught from long island and asked if I wanted them. well you know what I said and now I can see what this lathe was.

   well it was an old delta/milawauke with the cast iron legs from the mid 40's which he had gotten new. I bet that it had never seen 20 hrs of use. there was a full set of chisels, a set of spinning tools,3 and 4 jaw chucks and about 25 carving chisels with the walnut thrown in for $200.00

   one of my better deals. replaced the brgs as the grease had all settled to the bottom, put a d/c invertor on it and works like a charm

   ron