Need Lathe Advice - Page 2

Need Lathe Advice · 03-12-2006, 12:16 PM

Ok, I want to learn to turn. However, I have no lathe and no tools

I was thinking that I would get a full size lathe with a rotating headstock (LOML wants me to make her some chargers, platters, etc once I get halfway decent). I have seen a new Delta runs around $600 (plus tools, +++).

However, I found a couple deals recently on old lathes that would allow probably 6" clearance to the bed priced anywhere from $75 to $100, but no rotating headstock.

For you turners out there - should I just get an old / cheap lathe and figure out what I am doing? Or do I spend a little more for something that will handle more of what I want to do? Am I going to get irritated with a $100 or even $600 lathe?

Nobody in any of the stores seems to be able to explain to me where my extra money goes when you get a more expensive lathe. All I can gather is you get more weight and that translates into stability / reduced vibration. If that was true, why would anyone buy a Oneway? Just strap some lead to a HF lathe

Thanks for any and all help

michaelgarner · 03-17-2006, 11:15 AM

I have the harbor freight lathe, It is a solid machine, castiron bed, solid construction throughout. I waited untill it went on sale for 179.00 and then took in a 20% discount card. I just turned a table lamp with ease on it. I have used delta, jet, and general lathes before. The harbor freight is close to them. The over all parts arent as refined, burrs on the edge and so forth. I decided on this one becouse I dont do a lot of turning right now. I use it mainly for a couple pens, lamps, and molding for furniture. If your ever in the area stop by and you can throw some chips. Over all its a quality machine, I performed a lot of research on it before I got it as well. There are some good reviews on the net about it too. And the good part is that all the grizzly accesories will fit it. Harbor freight is notorious for motor problems, but I went into the purchase knowing to save for a really nice motor to replace it with. So when I collect my pennies every payday I set a couple bucks aside for that rainy day. hope its helped. be blessed.

Nice Figures · 03-17-2006, 01:19 PM

Hi Matt,
Here are my two cents, when you get a lathe you are going to quickly want to buy accessories, and they are not cheap. The first thing you'll want to buy is a good chuck, ONEWAY, NOVA, and VICMARC make popular ones and they run around $250.00. One of these is almost a "must have" if you are going to do much turning. The tools will cost you around $75.00 - $100.00 to start out with a couple of gouges and a skew. Then you have to keep them sharp so add a grinder or one of those high dollar Tormek sharpening systems. Don't forget safety...a good face shield with air filter is a must too. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that a lot of expense comes after you buy the lathe so just make sure that the accessories you might want will fit on the particular lathe you want to buy (a less expensive no name lathe won't be a good buy if you can't get parts and accessories for it). Also because there are so many kinds of tools at a wide range of prices the best thing to do is contact your local woodturning club and get some hands on time with some of these different tools before you invest in them. Also the club I'm in sometimes gets together and has a tool making day at a members shop. Home made tools are every bit as good as the high dollar store bought tools. Ok enough of my going on...woodturning is great fun, unlike most woodworking projects if you make a mistake you can just make it smaller or turn it into something else.....Have fun!

gator · 03-18-2006, 11:57 AM

Matt -

I too have the HF 34706. I was looking to get into turning and try it out. I bought the 34706 from a fellow member here, used. Since I got it in Dec, I have had one formal class and done some practicing on my own. It appears to be a good 'starter' lathe. I have found nothing wrong with it (with the things I have done thus far). There are better, and much better, lathes out there but this one has done well so far. It is a clone of the Jet 1236, variable speed control, rotating head, cast iron bed, etc. Everyone else is correct when they say that the true cost of turning comes after the lathe. I started with the $40 set of HF tools. They work but there are better. My shopping list now includes a true spindle roughing gouge, a better small spindle gouge, a bowl gouge, a grinder (with good alum ox wheels), and a sharpening jig (purchased or homemade). I can see many things beyond that. The list above will be in excess of $325-$350. I'm not sure that I'm hooked yet, but I can feel the slipperiness of the slope.

George

cskipper · 03-18-2006, 10:19 PM

I hate to tell you this, but once you notice the slipperiness (is that a word?) you are already hooked!

gator · 03-18-2006, 10:45 PM

Slipperyness?

Slipperieness?

Slippereiness?

I don't know! Pick one you like!

George

DaveO · 03-18-2006, 10:53 PM

SLIPPERINESS,don't Google it

Dave

Canuck · 03-18-2006, 11:21 PM

You guys cannot believe how many times I ran spellcheck to even get it close to slipry.........

(Now that spelling would be ripe for Jeff Foxworthy's Redneck Dictionary i believe!) Oh heck, you know what I was tryin' to spell!!

Call it Canadian spelling!!

Wayne

...Hit the wrong thread. So Sorry!!!... Tried to use the same word commenting on Big Mikes new turned box. ...Wayne

taandctran · 03-26-2006, 09:21 PM

I have a delta Midi lathe (shopmaster) I got mine from woodworker supply.... It is has the features of a bigger lathe but only cost a few hundred dollars... Plus you can buy a bed extension for it so it can be just like a bigger lathe.... For what I do I wouldnt even need a bigger one though....