Any recommendations on a first lathe?? I have an old small lathe, basically a drive shaft and tail stock. No option for changing drive centers or adding a chuck, so I’m pretty limited.
I’d like to get a a decent well rounded/all purpose lathe. I like quality in my tools and am willing to pay for it. But, I also realize I do this for fun and relaxation so I don’t need the absolute best.
Right now I’ve been looking at the Teknatool 1624(?) about $1000, seems well made, able to do spindle and bowl work. Also like General/ Gen Int they have a benchtop for about $1000.
Jet has some slightly less exp, but with more features. I’ve heard Jet makes a pretty good lathe but I have no experience with them.
My income affords me the luxary of having the means to get just about anything, so if the Oneway is the overwhelming recommendation then I’d consider it. But if all you experts out there say the 1k Teknatool is a great machine that will far exceed my needs and ability, then so be it.
Thanks to all!!!
Replies
Look out turning can get addictive, especially bowls !
If you get into bowls, Big & Heavy is best. Look for cast iron legs, variable electronic speed 0-3200, a drive head that will swing 180 degrees from bed for outboard turning(big bowls), outboard turning tool stands. If I could afford one it would be a Jet 16"X42" JWL-1642EVS Largest of the Jet line. Or better yet It's bigger brother from Powermatic(A dream for me) I saw a CD demo done be Ernie Conover. Very sweet machine. It runs off of household AC but converts it to DC for the electronic variable speed. A big lathe can do anything a little lathe can do, but the reverse can not be said.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
the powermatic is nice, but now you are up in the Oneway price range. Probably would go that route if I'm spending 3-4k. The bigger Jets are nice but again you are getting up in the 1500-2000 price range which brings a lot of other players into the mix.
A technical point:
The Powermatic, and most other larger variable speed lathes, have variable frequency drives (VFD) that control the motor's speed. These take the incoming single phase 60 cycle power and turn it into three phase alternating current with a varying frequency. The VFD unit does turn the incoming AC into DC but the DC is changed back into three phase AC before it goes to the motor-the wonder of electronics.
There are DC variable speed drives but they don't work nearly as well as the new three phase VFD's.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
You are correct, as always. The phrasing in the Jet catalog threw me, "Electronic inverter". And now that you mentioned it, I Do remember Ernie saying that the Powermatic he was demoing on the CD was single phase and converted to three phase, Senior moment? ;-) I know I'de be tickled to death to have that lathe, especially the outboard bed extension and it's changeable position for BIG bowls. That Demo has also sparked an interest in spinning metal for me.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Bruce,
We just wrapped up an article on bigger lathes and decided to buy the Powermatic we tested for our shop rather than shipping it back, it is an impressive machine.
Metal spinning is a lot of fun, and almost seems magical. It used to be covered in lathe manuals and how to books prior to WWII but then disappeared as a craft. The Delta manual "Getting The Most Out Of Your Lathe" had a tightly packed eight page section on metal spinning that would be a good introduction to the subject. The manual is probably available as a reprint from Lindsay Publications. Lindsay may also have other larger books on metal spinning.
John White
Did you happen to get the height adjustable outboard bed extension? That feature takes it over the top for me. OH for a few spare coins ! Just have to live with my Old Walker-Turner.Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Bruce,
We got the extension and have it mounted in the low position for the bowl makers on the staff.
John W.
My chlorophyll quotient is almost to the max. ;-)Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
John, or anybody.Sorry to HiJack the thread Doc, but I think John would be the one to answer this question...I have an old Craftsman (Atlas) Metal Lathe inherited from the son of a old pattern maker. He used it for wood, and the manual (c. 1938) covers wood turning quite a bit. Is this really a legit option with this machine? I thought I would just let it sit in storage, and wait until I could buy a good wood lathe (I do not have one currently). But your comments triggered my thoughts again. Could I use this as a bridge machine until I buy a wood lathe? Or is the set up and adjustments that it seems I would always have to do too much of a hassle? Is there any demand for this kind of machine in terms of a trade for a wood machine?Thanks.
Sorry not to respond earlier.
Yes you can use a metal lathe as a wood lathe. You would have to remove the tool carriage and install a conventional woodturner's tool rest. You could leave the carriage in place but you would find it in the way on occasion. For it's size it would be a very solid machine, but being designed for metal work it wouldn't be as practical as a dedicated wood lathe.
The lathe could have some value to an amateur metal worker, its value would depend on the model number, condition, and what accessories are with it. I would be interested in the lathe myself, if you want to sell it, let me know.
John White
Metal spinning: One of Ernie Conovers books has a short chapter on metal spinning, I think it's the book on bowl turning.
Also Oneway is now promoting metal spinning on their website: http://www.oneway.on.ca/metal_spinning/index.htm The page includes a link to a tutorial on metal spinning from Stanford University as well as a short demo video. It also has link to purchase how-to videos.
A lathe is the one tool I don't have that I still want to get. I will have to wait until I win the lottery. The only time I used one was when I turned a lamp in high school woodshop class in 1965.
Your comment on metal spinning does remind me of how beautiful it can be to watch an expert on a lathe. When I was stationed in Germany in '72, I needed a small 4000 psi air compressor fitting quickly to get a plane in commission. I was directed to a German Air Force machine shop where an old guy who was about five feet tall made the part for me out of a block of metal in about five minutes. The lathe he used was American, and about eighteen feet long. The fitting had a 90 degree bend and was threaded on both inside and outside. This little old man playing that behemoth of a lathe like a fine violin to make such a tiny part really impressed me. When he got done with the required part of the job, he rounded all the corners and edges and polished it nicely, all on the big machine. He handed the part to me with a smile and I gave him a carton of Winstons for saving the day.
I know it has little to do with woodworking, but I think it is a good story.
I have students using three of the new powermatic lathes in a high school wood shop. They are super. The variable speed forward and reverse, heavy duty faceplates, spindle lock button and wrench to remove faceplates are a big improvement over other lathes in the woodshop.
I eentually worrked my way up to the Powermatic 3520B and wish I had gotten this machine long ago. It is big, heavy, very well made and has all the features I have wanted all along. It also has many options that let it handle just about anything including metal spinning!
I have a full review of this machine with photos and video at the link below if that would help. I would suggest (strongly) that you consider springing for home delivery with a lift gate if you don't have a fork lift and truck as this thing is by no means light!
http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/pm3520brvu.html
Tom Hintz
Because there is always more to learn!
I have experience with one other lathe (reportedly good) and returned it to buy a Oneway. I cannot praise the quality of workmanship and design of the Oneway highly enough. In addition, several items which I found were 'extras'on the first lathe were standard with the Oneway.
Frosty
which Oneway did you get?
MIKE
Sorry to be tardy in replying - my wife had a medical issue.I have a OneWay 2016 - a shortbed because of floorspce restrictions. I add a 19" extension when I need more length, but wish I had even more length to turn pad foot cabriole legs.It is a dream to use and handles bowls very well.Frosty
I would love to have a Oneway, but being so new to turning it seems unreasonable to drive a Porsche when one has just received their learners permit.
Hope all is ok with the wife.
MIKE
So what's wrong with a Porsche? Just keep an eye on the speedometer.Thanks for asking about my wife. We're waiting for test results.Good luck in your product search.Frosty
From your latest post, It seems as though you just want confirmation that the teknatool(Nova) lathe is the one you need. Yes, It is a fine lathe. But, lathes can be out grown as skills increase and projects progress to bigger proportions. Buy once, cry once! At least thats what I try to do.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
I'm not sure it is the right lathe for me? It seems like a quality lathe, good features, capable of bowl/spindle in a wide range of sizes. Recently got a good review in FWW. But don't hear or see them very much. Then again, I love my General Int saw (which gets great reviews but is seldom seen in article/postings). I think a lot of hobbiest have to settle for lower price tools due to money constraints. I have the luxary of affording higher end tools but don't necessarily need them. It's a balancing issue I prefer higher end and am willing to spend a little more for better quality but I always temper that with what will meet my needs.
I just like to talk to those who have more experience. If everyone says the Oneway is head and shoulders above the rest I'll consider it. But if the pros say you only need the Oneway if you do it full time or for a living, then maybe the teknatool is a better option.
There's no substitute for experience.
Thanks MIKE
Mike,
I'm a pro woodworker but I don't turn all that much anymore. There was a time when I was doing craft fair stuff that I turned a lot..... mostly bowls. I've got a lighter duty but well made Myford lathe. This was the best I could afford way back then. I cannot tell you how many times I have wished for a heavier lathe. Actually I probably could tell you if I went back through my records and looked up all the jobs where I needed to turn something of any size at all. Because my lighter duty machine likes to vibrate. I can always get the job done, but it isn't always fun, nor efficient. If I could justify it, I'd change out my lathe for the heaviest thing I could afford. Why? It's not because the smaller machine can't get the job done.... I know it can. It's just not all that enjoyable and believe me, if I didn't enjoy what I do there really isn't any point in doing it because it's not making me rich. You are a hobbyiest and so naturally you want to enjoy the process of turning. So get the heavy weight lathe. Leave the $1000 machine alone. I don't know squat about the tool you are asking about, but a grand is nothing nowadays. You can afford a serious tool, so get it. In my personal experience (I've used a few other lathes besides my own) heavy is good. Sturdiness in a lathe seems more important than sturdiness in any other woodworking machine.Sorry I cannot advise on brand or model. I haven't researched them. But I have heard good things about the Oneway. You might want to visit the "Ask the Experts" area of the FWW site. Ernie Conover is there and he should know a thing or two about currently available lathes.
Mike,
I am in a similar situation in that I will probably be making this same decision within the remainder of 2007. I am considering the DVR XP and the Oneway. Obviously the difference in price indicates these two machines are in different classes.
One of the characteristics of the higher priced lathes is adequate mass and stiffness to absorb vibration. The Nova bed can be extended, but the connections between sections become natural flex points. One thing I am considering is whether I should design a stand to increase mass and stiffness or just bite the bullet up front and get a lathe in the higher class.
I am noticing that Ernie's favorite is the Powermatic. I haven't educated myself on the differences between the 3520B and the comparable Oneway. Perhaps others here can comment on it.
Is the Oneway just a "luxury" class machine or does it truly make turning easier and more a pleasure?GREG
<!---->•••••••
Exo 35:30-35<!---->
Cincinnati you hit the nail on the head. How much of the price difference is just in the name. Is the Powermatic a "heavy duty toyota" that is reliable and will run for ever. While the Oneways are flashy Porsches that have extra cost that add little to performance.
I'm a guy who like a quality tool, rather than bells and whistles. Give me a lathe that's solid/accurate/performs well and cost a little more rather than a $700 lathe that has "all the features"
MIKE
A lot of time the machine a pro uses, and the machine a pro wants are dictated by economics, just like it is for hobbiests, sometimes even more so.
I had a guy who worked for me. He had spent years as a professional musician. Studio work in Nashville, tours with various bands for twenty years, and settled down and got a "real" job when he got married.
I bought several wonderful guitars from him. After he got out of the starving artist mode, he was buying the high end guitars he had always wanted, but couldn't afford. The ones I bought are great, but median cost guitars, and while I will never be limited in my playing by them he was. He was buying the best guitars made so that the limit was his skill, not the guitars characteristics.
Buy the tool you want. Not because the pros use it, but because it is the machine you want. Look at them, touch them try to rock them on their stands. Big iron has a feel to it, like nothing else. And remember, it is a lifetime purchase for you, while for a pro shop it might be a two year purchase to perform a predefined task. Buy a machine that has the capacity to meet your needs as you skill improves. Not, one that will limit how far you can go.
well said
I agree whole heartedly with the philosophy.
It's the rational part of me that is confused
MIKE
I have a Delta 1642 which I bought when they came out about 2 years ago or so. I wanted something that was beyond my skill level that I could work up to, but I did not want to pay for a Oneway or a General. The Delta is a great lathe. I think it goes for $1000 or so. It has a variable speed Baldour motor and a 24 pin indexing head. Both the head and tail stock slide on the ways and the headstock can be rotated 90 degrees. The ways and base are steel (not stamped sheet metal). The bed length is 42 inches and the swing is 16 inches (hence the model number). The machine is very heavy and so far it is everything I have needed. My two cents!
Vicmarc VL300EVCM-Long Bed. Not flashy, just the best around. Bar none.
http://www.vicmarc.com/
Please read this disclaimer which is an integral part of my post: Do not copy, print, or use my posts without my express written consent. My posts are not based on fact. My posts are merely my written opinions, fiction, or satire none of which are based on fact unless I expressly state in writing that a statement is a fact by use of the word "fact." No one was intended to be harmed in the making of this post.
Edited 5/24/2007 7:27 am by ThePosterFormerlyKnownAs
I'm probably about a year or so away from getting a lathe, but looking forward to getting one. All this discusison of the Oneway got me to surfing the net. I found the site and the machine certainly looks nice. Just how much do those things cost? For example, how much is a 1640?Brian
If you have the same experience as me, you will find that the cost of the lathe is not the problem. Cost of tooling and accessories as you stretch your legs is.
I bought a fairly light lathe (record) based on 'proven'design, really good opinion about their other stuff such as vices and clamps, and the age of the company argued for continued service. The #1 taper stinks and those 1 1/2" bars actually bend if you ovetighten the tailstock, causing alignment problems. Nonetheless I have been essentailly happy with it and suspect that most of the issues are mine not the tools. Then...record got sold and there are no distributors in Australia!
Tooling will run something like this - irrespective of the lathe. (and in Aust$)
it should come with a small faceplate, a spur centre and a dead centre for the tailstock.
live centre, particularly a hollow one will set you back up to $150 plus a hollow boring tool $60 (you need to make at least 1 lamp base don't you?)
Scroll chuck with one jaw set perhaps 250-400
you will want at least three sets of jaws @$50
tools for furniture size stuff that is not too fancy - you need about 6 - $40 - 60 ea, then for little stuf another set, plus some big tools for big bowls, you can see where this is going; and I don't take turning to seriously.
Message: get a good quality versatile lathe, the marginal cost wont be noticed within 18months!
have fun, Dave
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled