bch47
WoW Member
Posts: 82
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Post by bch47 on May 6, 2010 14:07:26 GMT -6
Just about ready to buy my first lathe. Think I have it narrowed down to Jet 10-14vs or the Jet 12-20 manual belt change. Price within $20. The 12-20 gives me a 3/4 hp motor, larger bed and clearance, light and 2 tool rests. How necessary do you find the variable speed? Leaning to the 12-20. Well within my price range.
Found a Grizzly 1027z on Craig list for $400 with Sorby tools and extra chuck. Remember alot of you saying Grizzly lathes were not the best, and this is a mid-late 90's model. What do you think.
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Post by TDHofstetter on May 6, 2010 14:21:04 GMT -6
For years I was entirely satisfied to use a manual-change lathe. Now I've got variable speed... and it's more convenient & pleasant, but far from necessary. If the choice is between variable speed on one side and a larger motor & more capacity on the other side... then I'd opt for the greater capacity at the cost of variable speed. EDIT: ... and I won't plug the lathes I've got this time...  |
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Post by boodrow on May 6, 2010 15:05:07 GMT -6
Brian I cant tell u anything bout the grizz lathes , have a jet 10x14 and a 12x20. They are both manual change belts , Im lazy but not that lazy yet. I actually find myself usin the small lathe the most. I dont know why that is , guess cos it was my first and ive just used it more. If I ever get a real shop I will get a big lathe , I dont have the room now for one and with my back I cant stand long periods of time. The small lathes I have mounted on a-frames so I can sit while im turning.
The sorby tools are great in my opion. Thats what I have mostly of , and depending on how many tools u get with the craigs list lathe and what type of chuck it has wether it would be worth that much to me.
Hope this helps
Boodrow
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Post by Ruffnek on May 6, 2010 16:31:05 GMT -6
I can't comment on the two lathes in question but likie Tim, I'd go for the larger swing and the additional HP. You will go a long time before you outgrow the 12" swing capacity. I know. ;D
BTW, hurry up and get one and join the vortex. I've been turning half the day and it's a blast.
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Doug B
WoW Member
[b]Rescued Firewood[/b]
Posts: 1,938
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Post by Doug B on May 6, 2010 17:13:17 GMT -6
You are already looking at nicer lathes than I have, but I've been happy with my Harbor Freight model 34706 which is supposed to be the same lathe as the Jet 1236.
My lathe is not a true variable speed, but uses a Reeves drive that allows speed changes while the lathe is turning. I use the variable speed a lot when turning and finishing pens. I never expected to be making pens with this lathe when I bought it, but you just never know what is going to catch your interest with a lathe.
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Post by deepsplinter on May 7, 2010 6:18:09 GMT -6
I got nuttin to add here, but I am listening (and taking notes).
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Post by sachbvn on May 7, 2010 7:50:52 GMT -6
*insert Jaws music* duh-nuh.......duh-nuh.......duh-nuh...duh-nuh...duh-nuh!!!!!!
Zac
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Post by Ruffnek on May 7, 2010 11:08:36 GMT -6
*insert Jaws music* duh-nuh.......duh-nuh.......duh-nuh...duh-nuh...duh-nuh!!!!!! Zac Or some music from Queen... Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I'm gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust |
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bch47
WoW Member
Posts: 82
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Post by bch47 on May 7, 2010 17:10:43 GMT -6
Ordered the Jet 12-20 today at Keim Lumber. Free delivery to my house. Will have many many questions when I get up and running.
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Doug B
WoW Member
[b]Rescued Firewood[/b]
Posts: 1,938
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Post by Doug B on May 7, 2010 20:50:33 GMT -6
Welcome to the Vortex Brian. So, what are you wanting to use your lathe for first?
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Post by boodrow on May 8, 2010 5:32:47 GMT -6
Brian ur hooked now. ;D
good choice too
Boodrow
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Post by sachbvn on May 8, 2010 6:09:17 GMT -6
Pictures please - when it arrives of course!  Zac |
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bch47
WoW Member
Posts: 82
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Post by bch47 on May 8, 2010 7:07:35 GMT -6
Doug
Wife picked out a purple acrylic pen kit. I will burn up a lot of poplar and oak scraps before I try the good stuff.
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Doug B
WoW Member
[b]Rescued Firewood[/b]
Posts: 1,938
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Post by Doug B on May 8, 2010 12:31:22 GMT -6
Great choice Brian! That looks like a great lathe for making pens with. Hmmm, a purple acrylic pen...if that means that your first one is going to be for the wife, then that is another great choice  |
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