I am looking for a standard size, versatile lathe. I have done some turning , but at this point it would not be a frequent task until I feel more comfortable incorporating turnings into my designs.
I have a budget of about 1000$ and am struggling with a decision. the Jet & Delta seem too light and flimsy and the Powermatic is too expensive. I would definitly consider used but cant seem to find any thing on the net.
Any advice for a begining turner would be great. (turning tools – can’t forget those, any help )
thanks a bunch, Dave
Replies
Teknatool's Nova lathe. Expandable, and just a bit over budget... go for the extra $$ and order with the DC variable speed motor.
-gwc
I second George's suggestion. I have had a Nova 3000 for about 6 months and am well satisfied. Not the biggest lathe but very versatile. Teknatool is supposedly due out with a direct drive VS motor soon. Don't know if it's better than the current belt drive or just a gimmick, but if you are in no hurry, you might check on it. GP
a metal lathe also makes a great wood lathe. you could get a beat up one from a machine shop for next to nothing. an inaccurate machine is useless to any machinist, but an awesome lathe for a woodworker. plus the high speed steel bits that go in the tool post are really cheap compared to chisels ect, and work very well. a metal lathe is very versatile, and you'll be able to do things you couldn't even think of with a wood lathe.
thanks guys, the nova looks like a qaulity machine and definitly warrants further research. I really like the idea of a metal lathe. my shop is wired for 220 but only single phase ( i assume they are large machines)
decisions, decisions!
actually they range in size from tiny benchtop models to giant industrial machines, just like a wood lathe. a metal lathe is built a lot heavier than a comparably sized woodworking lathe because they have to be a lot more accurate. for a lathe the size that you want, switching the motor would be relatively cheap. you could pay for one with the money you save on not having to buy a set of chisels and gouges.
Hmmmm... I suspect you don't do a lot of woodturning. Not a critism, but as a woodturner, trying to create without a nice set of gouges and scrapers would make the whole art very unsatisfying.
I won't disagree that a metal lathe can be used as a woodlathe, but... the bits you describe shold be used for special projects, not general wood turning.
JMO
tim
thanks again Andrew, I have calls into a couple machine shops in the area, hopefully I'll get a call back.
is it possible to change the jaw chuck to a morse taper? would that be a standard item to order from whatever company made the lathe? would a combo lathe/mill make sense and have an acceptable distance between centers? I imagine they come in different sizes as well.
I really appreciate all the help, Dave
tim, you're right that i don't do a lot of wood turning. using the HSS bits that fit into the toolpost on a metal lathe definitely aren't the same as freehanding with a chisel or gouge. i think it's probably best to have both, but having the HSS bits would allow you to have a large collection of cutters for a lot less $$$. then you could go out and get a few nice chisels, scrapers and gouges.
dave, i don't think it would make sense to have a combo lathe/mill. the mill wouldn't much use to you unless you either want to do metalworking or don't have a drill press. if you want to do metalworking the mills that i've seen on the combo machines will give you no end of frustration to set them up accurately. i haven't used a combo lathe/mill so i can't speak from experience, but the people that i've talked to that have them would much rather have separate machines. i would just look for a lathe with damaged or worn ways, metal lathes that are in good shape are expensive. since you're not doing precision turning you don't need the accuracy
the tailstock on a metal lathe has a morse taper on it so you can mount a jacobs chuck, center or boring head. if you want to use a drive spur just put one in the chuck.
Have you checked out Sears offerings? Not that flimsy asp tube thing but the cast iron swivel head one. (sorry don't have the number handy) very solid piece (and let me tell you I HATE SEARS!!!) $595 plus the stand and if you get it on sale (fathers day for example) you get it under $500. Sign up for their credit card and it's 10% cheaper and the floor model will give you an additional 15% off.
Variable speed and I've so far carved about 120 spindles with only 420 more to go...Not a hick-up.
That flimsy Sears $350 approx. "tube thing" lathe is not all that bad if it's mountreed on a really heavy base - mine's on a welded steel base, 4' x 3' x 5', decked with 2x6's and for the money, including my $200 gear chuck, has been fine.
Thanks for the input Ralph. Since I first asked this question I have ruled out a metal lathe as well as had time to save a little more dinero.
It seems to me there are two schools of thought on purchasing a tool such as a lathe; spend little and upgrade when you are more aware of what you need, or research and buy what you think you will need.
I have narrowed my search to the General (canada) 12"VS ($1400) or spend half the money for the Grizzly 12". Although I dont own any General equipment, based on their rep and what I have seen I am leaning that way. I do own a grizzly 16" bandsaw and I am not completly happy with it. The price difference is to much to ignore so it is taking forever to make up my mind.
Anyone with experience with either of these machines feel free to set me straight.
thanks much, Dave
I have the General 160-2 (variable speed model) and I love it--it's my favorite machine. The accuracy is perfect. One thing I really appreciate in this machine is how effortless it is to adjust the tool rest--I see so many other machines that look as if they would be a bother to adjust while in the middle of a turning. I would make the same purchase if I had it to do over again.
I know it is out of your budget by about $700 but the new Delta variable speed lathe is a real beauty. It is the one I have my sight set on. Good luck.
I am in the market for a lathe and was eying the Conover's they just seem to be a little bit to "Old Craftsmen" for my skill level. The new Delta definitely is cool and more along what I think I really want and can handle. It is a little bit light weight but sand bags could take care of that I think. The motor and the controls are whats really impressing me.
Steve - in Northern California
Edited 5/3/2002 5:43:12 PM ET by Steve Schefer
After looking at the Delta now I am completly confused. As always it takes me forever to make up my mind. To make matters worse, I was offered a Delta 15" planer with Delta 1 1/2 hp DC and a Delta stationary sander all for a 1000 bucks. Needless to say, the lathe might have to wait a while.
Dave
Edited 5/4/2002 1:25:01 AM ET by DJPP
I agree. The thing I liked about it the most is the variable speed control. Much better than most lathes.
I had a large kitchen table to build and decided to buy a good larger lathe to turn the legs. I decided on the big Grizzly 41" (I don't remember the model number) that was about $500. Although I had top tweek the setup a bit when I got it, it turned out to be an excellent decision. A good heavy casting, plenty of stability. It also had a sanding attachment off the back of the headstock end that has proved to be really useful. I give it an A++. I bought a NOVA 36" duplicator and the combination has just worked out wonderfully. Look hard at Grizzly. They use they use same castings as Jet and Delta at about half price. You may have to do a little extra setup to make them perfect, but the Grizzly folks seem to be very helpful.
Good luck!
Charles
Build a rectangular box out of 2X6's 3' wide and the appropriate length, fill it up with sand and close the top with 2X6's screwed all together and you will have an unmoveable box that is 8.5" tall that you can bolt you lathe to. Simple huh?
Just me thinking out loud. :)
John
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