Replies

1. 
   user-196729 | Oct 09, 2006 09:47pm | #1

   If you have the space, get a full sized lathe.  You don't necessarily have to mount the lathe to a permanent metal stand.  If you have a workbench that would support the lathe without a stand, all you have to do is set the lathe on the workbench top and clamp it down.  The biggest problem with this is the height of the work when you go to turning the wood.   The workbench height is too high if you don't have the rest and wood chisel at waist height.  I solved that problem by making an extra workbench about 2" lower than normal.  You can purchase a full sized lathe from Sears, or get on line to check out differnt suppliers of lathes.  I bought mine from "The Tool Shed", a local outlet that has any and all tools.  The cost was $137.09 with tax and has a 39" bed and 14 inch bowl capacity.  Check out TJL Industial Model MCJ 1000.  By the way, the extra bench comes in handy for glueing or finishing your work, build a shelf under it and you also have extra storage.

2. 
   cadiddlehopper | Oct 09, 2006 10:14pm | #2

   IMHO, you can get by without cast iron legs, but your bowl diameter is quite limited on a mini lathe. I think that a low speed & stability are important, especially if your blank is a bit off center when you start.

   Cadiddlehopper

3. 
   AB | Oct 10, 2006 01:35am | #3

   Mowog, check out sears,I have had the craftsman professional for two years.It has performed well,the speed changes without changing pulleys.The bed is heavy cast iron and vibration is not a problem.Find a copy of F.Pain's book on lathe use.It explains in clear language how to cut wood on a lathe. I can use a skew without it jumping back at me because of this book. Good Luck.

4. 
   RickL | Oct 10, 2006 04:15pm | #4

   Get the biggest lathe you can afford. I'd look for used first, as lathes don't get the demand that saws, planers and jointers do so you should be able to find a good lathe for 1/2 the price of new.