What is the best mini-lathe for use in a high school shop class. Will be mostly used for making pens.
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Replies
If the criterion is value for money then I don't think you can do better than the Grizzly G8690, Variable Speed Wood Lathe.
I've used it for small lidded containers up to 3" diameter from Purpleheart and Bubinga as well as pens.
IanDG
Thank You
Will this lathe be able to stand up to student use.
I don't see why not -- certainly if the main use is for turning pens it's hard to see how you could damage it. Although I use it for small pots as well as pens perhaps to be absolutely safe you could restrict the use to small spindle turning.
IanDG
Patrick,
In the Oct. 2002 issue of FWW they did an article on mini-lathes. The article featured art students using lathes for the first time. With any lathe, I'd call them and ask for school references where they are installed...might help with the decision making.
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