Buying my first Lathe

[Jay Erickson]

Ok, first I would like to say thanks to everyone, I have learned a lot just by reading the message board.
So, I am looking to buy my first lathe and get started turning some pens to start with, and probably other items down the road. But I have a few questions, on what to look for in a lathe etc.. Trying to stay in a budget, what would you consider a good lathe to learn on but not out grow in a short time?
I would like to keep my spending on a lathe under $250.00
I have looked at these:
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?Offerings_ID=19446&TabSelect=Details
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPLUS.html
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPRO.html
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPROVS.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65345
Is it better to have a VS lathe? What is this difference between a MT#1 and MT#2, it their a benefit to have one over the other?

Also, if I was to find a used lathe, is their anything to look for that could be wrong with it? So I know its in good working order
Again thanks to everyone’s help, hopefully I will be turning soon.

Jay

[David Walser]

Jay,

This is a frequent topic of discussion. If space were not a factor, I'd consider this HF lathe over the HF lathe you linked to: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34706. For pens and spindle work, it'll serve you well. On sale (and with a 20% off coupon) you can get it for well under the $250 limit you set. Note: You can turn small bowls with this lathe. Just DON"T expect to turn a large out of balance blank. The lowest speed is too fast for that.

The advantage of #2 MT is that your accessories will more likely fit your new lathe when you upgrade. In addition, it's easier to find accessories in #2 MT than in #1 MT.

Please not: I didn't say anything about the other lathes you linked to. I'm only comparing the one HF lathe with the other.

Good luck!

[Brian McDermaid]

Jay,

I have the PSI Turncrafter Pro and really like it. I got the "pen making starter set (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPROXX.html?mybuyscid=3191799667)" for xmas and was able to turn a pen that day.

You're going to get a bunch of JET recomendations... but IMHO the PSI is a great starter lathe.


~Brian

[Rusty Smith]

Jay,
I started with the Turncrafter Plus. It is a nice little lathe and I have made maybe 100 pens on the little thing with no problems. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong for small turnings. The variable-speed is nice but I'm finding out that it is not as a necessity as I once thought it was. For making pens, bottle stoppers, Christmas ornaments, bird houses, etc. it is quite adequate. You could even make small bowls and boxes but being a table top unit you would not want to, nor be able to mount anything of any size or weight. I mounted a G3 chuck on it once and just turned it on and could tell that the weight of just the empty chuck was putting quite a strain on the little unit. I would limit my bowl and such like turnings to faceplate work.

Good luck.

[Brian McDermaid]

I mounted a G3 chuck on it once and just turned it on and could tell that the weight of just the empty chuck was putting quite a strain on the little unit. I would limit my bowl and such like turnings to faceplate work.

I turned this 9 inch bowl this weekend on my Turncrafter Plus this weekend..

http://www.lostbyte.net/pen/bowl4-2.jpg

I use a Nova Precision Midi chuck with no problems... I wouldn't want to turn anything bigger, but for most mini/midi lathes you'll have the same limits on size.

~Brian

[Mike Spanbauer]

Location needed in your profile Jay :)

I've little experience on the lathe, and won't comment on the lathes you suggested other than to say - careful consider what projects look appealing to you and choose appropriately. Buying now to upgrade again in a few months is MUCH more expensive than waiting a bit and getting something that will satisfy your needs into the relatively foreseeable future.

Good luck and welcome to the vortex :)

mike

[Burt Alcantara]

I wanted to turn pens so I began shopping around for a lathe. My local WoodCraft did not have any minis in stock but told me a new Nova was coming out real soon. I ended up buying it. 2 years later I bought a 3520B.

Still haven't made a pen.

Burt

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Okay, I won't make a Jet reccomendation, mostly since it's out of your price range. I will make the comment that the #2 Morse Taper is more common than a MT #1. In the future, if you decide to upgrade to a midi, the chances are better your accessories will follow. As you will find out, the lathe is the cheaper part of you investment....... You won't have to buy a set of new MT #2 accessories. And since the MT #2 is more popular, you'll be able to get more stuff. I had a Sears lathe, and none of the MT #1 is usable. You can get a MT #2 to MT #1 adapter, but may as well buy new stuff.

Just my .02

[Steve Schlumpf]

Jay - Welcome to the Creek! Finding the right lathe can be a challenge! Just have fun with it!

Lots of great advice so far - hope it helps! Have to agree with Kyle - no matter which lathe you decide on - it would be to your advantage to choose one with a #2 Morse taper so that all your accessories will fit your next lathe. And....... chances are you will get a next lathe!

Looking forward to seeing photos of your new lathe real soon!

[Gordon Seto]

Don't touch anything that is not 1" X 8 tpi and Morse Taper #2 spindle. That is the current standard for entry level mini lathe.
Lathe is only a fraction of the cost of woodturning. You also have to allow for accessories, tools, sharpening system and safety gear, finish & other supplies.
Variable speed is nice, but not essential for mini lathes.
Find a local AAW chapter, they are the best value.
http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/LocalChapters.asp
(http://www.woodturner.org/community/chapters/LocalChapters.asp)

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Turning pens, small boxes and spindles is one thing. If, however, you intend to turn bowls..look for a lathe with a low low Slow speed. My Jet 1014VS had a slow speed of 500 RPM IIRC. WAY TOO FAST with an out balance, out of round bowl blank on it. It will definitely raise your heart rate and your adrenalin levels!


Low slow speed and #2 morse taper so your accessories will tranfer to a bigger lathe in the future....and there will be a bigger lathe.

Keep in mind..the lathe is only 1/2 or less of what you will spend to turn. The idiot turners here gave me a Jet 1014VS and a bunch of tools. 18 months later when I upgraded to a PM 3520B...I had already spent between $$2,500-3500 in "accessories"!


Good luck on your Abysseration!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Keep in mind..the lathe is only 1/2 or less of what you will spend to turn. The idiot turners here gave me a Jet 1014VS and a bunch of tools. 18 months later when I upgraded to a PM 3520B...I had already spent between $$2,500-3500 in "accessories"!


Good luck on your Abysseration!

Yea if old Fitz hadn't gotten that lathe and tools he would still be giving us turners a hard time instead of turning.:cool::rolleyes:;):D

Welcome Jay to SMC. My advice after upgrading twice myself is to find a turning club or woodcraft close and go turn. Talk to other turners. Think about what you want to turn. You might start with pens like I did but it will soon turn to bowls, then hollow forms then platters, etc. If I were starting over today it would be the Jet 1220 VS for my first lathe. Most turners keep them around when they do upgrade for the small projects and if you fall into the turning black hole you will upgrade. I agree with the rest to make sure you get a 1 X 8 with a MT 2. That way your accessories can follow to the next lathe. Ken was right the lathe is cheap. I have probably around $3000 in other tools, finish, sandpaper, Trend, grinder, buffing, etc. So enjoy and have fun figuring it out.

[Jay Erickson]

Thanks for all the great input. I think I decided to go with the stater kit from PSI . http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPROXX.html?mybuyscid=3191799667

It looks like a good place to start. I am going to a turning demo at a local woodcraft store on Sunday, just to check it out.

Again thanks for all the input.... hopefully I will be turning soon.

Jay

[Brian McDermaid]

Thanks for all the great input. I think I decided to go with the stater kit from PSI . http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLPROXX.html?mybuyscid=3191799667

It looks like a good place to start. I am going to a turning demo at a local woodcraft store on Sunday, just to check it out.

Again thanks for all the input.... hopefully I will be turning soon.

Jay

The 3 tools that come with that kit work great for pens... but remember your going to have to sharpen them eventuality (mine didn't come that sharp to start with). I do a light pass on the grinder after ~ 2 pens.

A good way to get started is to build something like this sharpening jig (http://www.aroundthewoods.com/sharp.shtml).

Its been said before... but the lathe is going to be a small % of your final cost :eek:.

You'll like the PSI lathe... They (PSI) have given me great service so far.

[LARRY WALDEN]

I bought a Turncrafter Pro on ebay. Wanted something I could carry. I also have a Tyme Avon, Nova 3000 and an old Shpsmith. The turncrafter Pro is great, Variable speed for sure. Larry

[Reed Gray]

To get the most lathe for the least money, go used. If there is a local Woodcraft, there is probably a bulletin board with 'for sale' items. You may be able to get lathe and tools for what you would get the lathe for new. Also, find the local or nearest club. Not only for learning, but to find out who is upgrading, and again, used tools.

I used to say that whatever you spend on your lathe, you will spend at least that much on accessories. Well, for me, that now seems to be more like 3, 4, or even 5 times as much, and that doesn't include the shop to put it all in.

robo hippy

[Bill Bulloch]

You have $250.00 to start with, but look to spend a lot more over time. I found Woodturning to be almost as expensive as Golf.

[Bailey Hudson]

This is such a great read!!
I have been planning on buying my own equipment. My dad and I stated doing projects when I was young. I still have his old lathe. But I've been wanting to buy my own so I can do more projects. This thread is a really fun and useful read.

[Mike Peace]

This is such a great read!!
I have been planning on buying my own equipment. My dad and I stated doing projects when I was young. I still have his old lathe. But I've been wanting to buy my own so I can do more projects. This thread is a really fun and useful read.
Just remember it is 9 years old and there are a lot of new midi lathes out there. I did this video you may be interested in on buying your first Midi lathe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0YDgte_C7Q

[Bailey Hudson]

I've been scouting lathes (https://www.summitmt.com/product-category/metal-lathes/) from Summit. Have you heard of it? They also have this guide on lathe projects (https://www.summitmt.com/metal-lathe-projects/) that can help me get my groove on making more projects. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. I think they're a bit expensive but it's a lifetime investment to have a machine like that.

[Eric Danstrom]

I've been scouting lathes (https://www.summitmt.com/product-category/metal-lathes/) from Summit.....
These are metal turning lathes. They can be used for woodworking but it isn't common.

Are you looking to work with wood or metal? This website is dedicated to woodworking. There are websites for metalworking.

[Bailey Hudson]

For a novice like me, I think I should start with wood huh? What's a good lathe now? or a mini maybe since I'm just starting?
I remember we did some metal projects before. But I think I want to give woodworking a try.
What's a good one to start with?

[Thomas Wilson80]

For a novice like me, I think I should start with wood huh? What's a good lathe now? or a mini maybe since I'm just starting?
I remember we did some metal projects before. But I think I want to give woodworking a try.
What's a good one to start with?

Welcome Bailey. I’m still pretty new myself but woodturning is a lot of fun and very rewarding and has become somewhat of an obsession for me. You can plan on spending more money on tools than you will on the lathe. A lot will depend on what you want to turn - Bowls vs small spindles/pens/ornaments. I started with a harbor freight 10” for ornaments then upgraded to a used jet mini 10” then wanted to do a bit of everything (except pens) and was hooked so I saved up for a couple years for a Laguna 2436.

You will need cutting tools and a way to sharpen them unless you use carbide - many people (including myself) start with carbide but many eventually turn to traditional gouges because the finish is much better and requires much less sanding. Hunter carbide tools act more like gouges with the ability to cut instead of scrape but they aren’t cheap. After getting hooked on carbide, I bought a Thompson bowl gouge and wolverine grinding jig and made several bowls before eventually adding skews and spindle gouges for smaller/detailed work.

You will need a face mask with respirator and if possible a dust collection system is ideal (I don’t have room for dust collection now and my cars and garage have a perpetual film of dust covering them....hoping to move to bigger shop soon).

You can use the faceplate that comes with the lathe to hold wood or glue blocks, but most people eventually go to a 4 jaw chuck (or multiple chucks) for convenience.

There is an endless array of tools to spend money on out there. One of of the best things you can do up front is find a local turning club and get involved. Most turners are more than happy to give advice or even let you try certain tools to see if you like it. You can save a lot of money by figuring out what you want before buying.

Here are a couple photos of a recent jewelry box I made from cedar, some “magic” wands from random branches, and a natural edge walnut bowl that pushed the limits of my mini lathe and helped me decide to go bigger! Again, I’m new and still learning but have really enjoyed the process!!

Good luck and enjoy!

Tom

[Bailey Hudson]

Welcome Bailey. I’m still pretty new myself but woodturning is a lot of fun and very rewarding and has become somewhat of an obsession for me. You can plan on spending more money on tools than you will on the lathe. A lot will depend on what you want to turn - Bowls vs small spindles/pens/ornaments. I started with a harbor freight 10” for ornaments then upgraded to a used jet mini 10” then wanted to do a bit of everything (except pens) and was hooked so I saved up for a couple years for a Laguna 2436.

You will need cutting tools and a way to sharpen them unless you use carbide - many people (including myself) start with carbide but many eventually turn to traditional gouges because the finish is much better and requires much less sanding. Hunter carbide tools act more like gouges with the ability to cut instead of scrape but they aren’t cheap. After getting hooked on carbide, I bought a Thompson bowl gouge and wolverine grinding jig and made several bowls before eventually adding skews and spindle gouges for smaller/detailed work.

You will need a face mask with respirator and if possible a dust collection system is ideal (I don’t have room for dust collection now and my cars and garage have a perpetual film of dust covering them....hoping to move to bigger shop soon).

You can use the faceplate that comes with the lathe to hold wood or glue blocks, but most people eventually go to a 4 jaw chuck (or multiple chucks) for convenience.

There is an endless array of tools to spend money on out there. One of of the best things you can do up front is find a local turning club and get involved. Most turners are more than happy to give advice or even let you try certain tools to see if you like it. You can save a lot of money by figuring out what you want before buying.

Here are a couple photos of a recent jewelry box I made from cedar, some “magic” wands from random branches, and a natural edge walnut bowl that pushed the limits of my mini lathe and helped me decide to go bigger! Again, I’m new and still learning but have really enjoyed the process!!

Good luck and enjoy!

Tom

Hi Tom,
Thank you so much for this input. I will seriously take this in consideration. You have been a great help. Again, thank you.

[Michael A. Tyree]

Ebay has many decent lathes cheaper than building one. I also saw a wood lathe bed extension for sale new on ebay. Obviously Chinese but ships from CA for ~ $85. I fabricated my bed extension years ago by welding. Never had any interest in pens on a lathe though, to each his own but I'd never go after a lathe with that use in mind. To me a good pen is a free pen from my credit union.