bch47
WoW Member
Posts: 82
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Post by bch47 on Mar 13, 2010 9:24:01 GMT -6
After seeing all of the beautiful pens and bottle stoppers that have been made, I caught myself looking at small lathes when I was at Keim Lumber earlier. What size lathe do you use and brand. Maybe in my future. I still have a Dewalt Scroll saw that I have only used once, so maybe I should work on using that tool before buying another.  |
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Post by TDHofstetter on Mar 13, 2010 10:22:46 GMT -6
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sawduster
Moderator 
The Motley Crew
Posts: 1,831
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Post by sawduster on Mar 13, 2010 10:49:23 GMT -6
Although you may intend initially to only want to turn pens and bottle stoppers and such, most folks (Doug being one of the very few exceptions ;D) end up wanting to try some other bigger stuff. I would recommend at the very least that you go with a 12 X 36 inch lathe. Takes up a bit more room, but you may want, at some time, to spin some legs for a table or some such, and everyone needs to try a bowl or three.
I started out with a tube lathe like Tim mentioned, with a different paint job and brand sticker on it, but later upgraded to a Jet 1236 for the easier speed changes and rigidity.
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Post by sdb777 on Mar 13, 2010 13:16:33 GMT -6
Got the Jet 1220VS
Haven't had a problem with it....
Scott (my back is my problem) B
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Doug B
WoW Member
[b]Rescued Firewood[/b]
Posts: 1,938
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Post by Doug B on Mar 13, 2010 17:37:19 GMT -6
I have the same Harbor Freight lathe that Tim posted a link to.
And for the record, I enjoy making bowls too, but I don't seem to find the time to do them very often. I still have a Mesquit tree trunk that I need to make some NE bowls with as soon as I get a round tuit ;D
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Post by Ruffnek on Mar 13, 2010 17:49:44 GMT -6
Add another vote for the HF lathe that Tim linked to. It's identical to the Jet JWL 1236 that I have, only cheaper, and, while it has some limitations, should perform well for you over a number of different applications.
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Post by boodrow on Mar 13, 2010 18:31:38 GMT -6
I have 2 lathes , a jet mini lathe and a jet midi . Wouldnt take a gold monkey for either. I have a prob that I cant stand for very long. I built both of these on a A frame stand so I can sit while turning. I turn bowls , pens , stoppers , bells , hollow forms , etc with these 2 lathes. What u will find is the lathe is the cheapest expense , buyin the chisels , chucks and so on is where the money goes. Hope this helps a little. Also if u go with a mini lathe u can always upgrade. The local turnin assn I belong to most of the members have high end lathes and also a mini lathe for the quick stuff.
Boodrow
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Post by boodrow on Mar 13, 2010 18:36:02 GMT -6
One other thing Id like to say , that goes against most that has been posted on this thread. Harbor frieght stuff is cheaper than most , then the golden rule comes into play. As my dad told me at a young age , u get what u pay for. I know some of the members here own um and used um a lot with little probs. On the other hand Ive visited there stores and dont like the looks of the finished products. My personal opinion I would have one.
Boodrow
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Post by boodrow on Mar 13, 2010 18:36:55 GMT -6
Correction , I wouldnt have one.
Boodrow
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bch47
WoW Member
Posts: 82
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Post by bch47 on Mar 13, 2010 19:14:57 GMT -6
Definitely some things to think about. This will all be on hold until after the family room is completed. Thanks for your answers and help.
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Post by triplefreak on Mar 14, 2010 7:38:42 GMT -6
I did things bas ackwards. I bought a used Grizzly G0462 first. Then, I had to practically rebuild the entire headstock in it. Still, less $$$ than a new one. Then, I decided I wanted to do pens & such, so I went & bought new Grizzly G0624. I like both lathes just fine, so far.
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