Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Jan 31, 2003 06:21am | #1

   I definitely would NOT buy a mini or midi lathe.  I've had mine less than a year and out-grew it in only a few months.

   I'd go with a full sized cast iron model such as the Delta 46-715 ($650), the Jet JWL 1236 ($580), or, Popular Woodworking's Editor's Choice, the Grizzly G1067 ($504 incl. shipping).

   Add a nice set of Sorby or Crown chisels, and you're still within budget.  (Isn't it fun to spend someone else's money?!?!?)

   Jeff

2. 
   northpond | Jan 31, 2003 06:36am | #2

   Please, for safety's sake, enroll in a basic course at a Tech School or an evening class somewhere. Invest in goggles and/or a face shield. Don't try to teach yourself. That is a dangerous machine...most wood working machines are. Rely on the experience and wisdom of those more experienced. They will also show you how to really enjoy the machine and what you can do with it.

   I speak from over 60 years of amateur WW experience, homebuilding and repair. Have fun but be careful. I significantly damaged a hand once when I violated my training for a brief moment.

3. 
   rkkelly36 | Jan 31, 2003 08:46pm | #3

   I'm new to turning, too. I went through the American Assoc of Woodturners website (http://www.woodturner.org) and found the webiste for our state chapter. I contacted them and told them the kind of turning i was interested in, at least for now--tool handles, spindles and legs, mostly. Might get into bowls later. They put me in touch with a couple of turners in my area, including one in my hometown who does mostly spindle work. Great resource, great guy.

   I got to try out his lathe and his tools; he gave me tips on what to do, what not to do, what to look for, etc. He works with me whenever we have time to get together.

   I ended up buying a nova mercury lathe with bed extension and have been very pleased with it. It has an outboard turning feature that the other midi lathes lack, which will allow me to turn bowls up to about a 10-12" diameter. (The capacity is actually 14", but nova recommends staying at 12" or below.)

   Will i want a bigger lathe in the future? Maybe. Okay, yeah probably. Will i get rid of the Mercury if i do? Nope. If i for some reason in the future do develop an aversion to turning, though, i can probably unload my lathe without losing too much money in the process.

   This has worked really well for me, and i'm very pleased with my lathe, my progress, and the friend that i met.

   Hope this helps,

   kevin

4. 
   GeeSeaWhy | Jan 31, 2003 09:24pm | #4

   I'd agree with Jeff, if you have the space to dedicate to a full-size lathe. Those things are not mobile.

   Graeme

5. 
   jgaiennie | Jan 31, 2003 09:35pm | #5

   I'm extremely unhappy with my Craftsman 48" 2 HP Variable Speed Lathe.  It's so loud that I need to wear hearing protection when using it.  The drive sounds like it's tearing up when it's running.  The 12" tool rest 7/8" shaft (cast pot metal) sheared off when a tool grabbed in the work.  I knew better than to get this thing, but fell victim to the attractive price.  You know - you get what you pay for.

   I have a Craftsman 9" disc / 48" belt bench top sander that is poor quality as well.

   I do still have respect (declining) for some of their mechanics' tools.

   In fairness, I had a 13.2v cordless drill from Craftsman's industrial line that gave me great service and was better than my 14.4 Dewalt or 14.4 Porter Cable.  I wish that drill was still available.

   Saw a beautiful and well recommended Delta (don't know the model #) lathe at the Wood Working Show recently.  I believe it was around $2500.  Sweet.

   jdg

6. 
   BG | Jan 31, 2003 09:48pm | #6

   Rockiness,

   I'm a newbie also to all of woodworking and especially turning.  I bought the Craftsman cast iron lathe and have been very happy with it.  I believe it is still in the $450 range with 38" bed, 15" swing, 180 degree reversable head for outboard turning, develops 2 hp motor with variable speed. It weighs about 180 lbs. lathe only. The only thing missing is a reverable direction motor. 

   I just built a new heavy weight base for (4x4 doug fir)it with nested draws and a double box door cabinet on the top to hold the tools and accessories.  The total weight now has got to be 500 lbs and growing.

   Between the lathe, tools, chuck and base I would say I have spent about $925-1000 dollars....(I can't let my wife see this message...she'd kill me...lol) 

7. 
   ownersrep | Jan 31, 2003 10:30pm | #7

   I'm new to turning also and really enjoy it.  It's much faster than any thing else I've found in woodworking - you can go from a rough blank to a finished project all on one machine and in one session. 

   I do agree with all of the advice on getting some basic training.  The Woodcraft store where I bought my lathe threw in a basic turning course (which fortunately was happening the next weekend).  They also have free demonstrations almost weekly.  I also agree to buy a full size lathe if there is any way you can afford it - you'll quickly outgrow anything smaller and take a loss when you upsize.

   Like all woodworking the lathe is just a start on the money you will want/need  to spend (chucks, tools, sharpening system, etc., etc). (The sharoeniung system is neccesary when you get the fisrt tool and like all woodworking a sharp tool is much safe and makes the work a whole lot more fun).  But most you can add as your skills grow and you want to try different projects.  One great thing is that wood (at least practice wood) is cheap or free.  Make friends with some tree trimmers, they will usually give it to you instead of mulching it up and the stuff they are most willing to get rid of is usually what will make the prettiest project.

   If I'd have discovered turning sooner, I might not have spent so much on other pieces of equipment - turning is that rewarding and satisfying.

   Jim 

8. 
   EdwardW4 | Jan 31, 2003 10:56pm | #8

   I bought a used Delta lathe. You might be able to get more lathe for you money buying used. I turn only occasionally, so a used lathe allowed me to spend more on other machines which I use more. YMMV