I need help with a new lathe purchase

[Philip Rodriquez]

Okay, so I’ve never turned on a lathe and I am getting ready to jump in. I’ve tried to put it off as long as possible… but I’m tired of limiting my furniture designs. Based on what I have read, it sounds like a lathe is one of those tools that many people end up upgrading and, in general, people recommend buying the biggest one you can justify. As it stands now, I have decided to purchase the JWL-1642-2EVS, 16" x 42" EVS PRO Wood Lathe, 2HP (http://www.jettools.com/us/manufacturing/en/product.html?node=4527&product=747 (http://www.jettools.com/us/manufacturing/en/product.html?node=4527&product=747)).

I know it will be on the next 3000 hour sale ($1,899.99)… and I’ve already secured a little “extra” savings from my local dealer (stealth gloat). To start with, I’m already blowing the majority of my tool budget so I will not have a lot of cash to blow on tooling/accessories. At this point, I’m planning on starting out making a few turned legs and knobs for a few Shaker projects… from there, I’m sure I’ll move on to other stuff. So, here is my here-and-now question:
1. When I pick it up, what essential tools should I get for basic spindle turning? I’d hate to take it home and have it just sit there for a month!
2. Are there particular brands or suppliers that people prefer?
3. I already have a Tormek… maybe I’ll finally get to use it. Are there any must-have accessories for turning tools?
4. I know nothing :o… so what else am I missing?

I already plan on joining my local turning club (http://www.frontrangewoodturners.org/ (http://www.frontrangewoodturners.org/)) and, if necessary, Red Rocks Community College offers several extensive turning programs and workshops. My wife and I do not have any kids, I do WW as a hobby, and my shop already includes an embarrassing number of tools and I’m sure I’m getting myself in to more trouble… please help!

[charlie knighton]

Phillip,

you have chosen a nice lathe, the lathe comes with a drive center for headstock and a revolving center for the tailcenter, so you can turn table legs if you have a couple tools

tools needed for spindle turning are a parting tool and spindle roughting gouge

you are in business, i believe the instruction book also has a couple pointers on tool usage

good idea to take classes and join a club, remember face shield always and dust protection

enjoy

[Scott Hackler]

Welcome Phillip!

That lathe should be a great lathe for any turner.

My suggestions regarding tools would be to try and learn on a Bengamin Best set or maybe the Woodriver individuals that Woodcraft sells. That will help you get some decent starter tools without blowing out the budget. Dont get me wrong, I love me the expensive dedicated tools but when your just starting a set for $100 is a better use of money than a single $100 bowl gouge! It will all end up there. You will easily end up spending more on tools and accessories than you will spend on the lathe.... over time.

Use that savings to pick up a chuck. I am one that believes in the joy of turning with a chuck and highly recommend that you use one. You can easily turn between centers but if you have a chuck, you can to that and easiliy turn bowls and hollow forms and pretty much everything else. I dont EVER take the chuck off my lathe.

[Roger Chandler]

Philip,

Scott is correct........Penn State Industries has a Benjamin's Best set that has spindle gouges, parting tool, skew and a bowl gouge all included for less than $100.00, and it will do a good job for you until you can afford specialized tools for other purposes.......

You can accomplish table legs with this set, and the skew is important for cutting the pummel.

http://www.click-2-customer.com/collect/analytics.php?_ss_aid=d8aa0892-16d0-102d-a83e-00065bf3fffb&_ss_referer=http%3A//www.pennstateind.com/store/lathe-chisel-sets.html&_ss_pageurl=http%3A//www.pennstateind.com/store/LXWM1007.html&_ss_uid=1266292073675&_ss_lang=en-US&_ss_browser_vend=Mozilla&_ss_browser=Firefox&_ss_browser_version=3.6&_ss_agent=Mozilla/5.0%20%28Windows%3B%20U%3B%20Windows%20NT%205.1%3B %20en-US%3B%20rv%3A1.9.2.12%29%20Gecko/20101026%20Firefox/3.6.12%20%28.NET%20CLR%203.5.30729%29&_ss_os=Windows&_ss_page_group=PROD&_ss_item_code=LXWM1007&_ss_flash=10.1%20r85&_ss_adwords_cookie=107671197.1284165882.18.5.utmgc lid%3DCOz6lNmS_qMCFeh25QodKlCpLA%7Cutmccn%3D%28not %20set%29%7Cutmcmd%3D%28not%20set%29%7Cutmctr%3Dpe nn%20state%20industries
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Sale!
Set of 6 Benjamin's Best WOOD Magazine "Best Value" HSS Lathe Chisels

Item #: LXWM1007
$89.95
Reg. Price: $103.80
You Save: $13.85










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These Benjamin's Best™ M2 HSS lathe chisels earned "Best Value" Honors in WOOD Magazine's October 2007 issue. In their Oct '07 "Get into Woodturning for under $600" article WOOD magazine said of these chisels, "The tools shown at right win in all three categories: selection, steel and length. The six M2-steel tools shown allow you to turn both spindles and bowls".
This set includes all 6 "Best Value" chisels reviewed by WOOD Magazine:
• 1/2" bowl gouge - 22" L Benjamin's Best: item LX220 HSS Bowl Gouges - Use the bowl gouge for faceplate work.
• 1" Roughing Gouge, 19" L - Benjamin's Best: item LX260 HSS Roughing Gouges - Used primarily for spindle turning, the roughing gouge aggressively takes square spindle stock down to round.
• 3/8" Spindle Gouge - 16"L Benjamin's Best: item LX320 HSS Spindle Gouges- Used for general purpose turning including twig pots,shallow boxes, pens and other small work.
• 1" Standard Skew - 18" L Benjamin's Best: item LX020 HSS Skew Chisels. Used for final finishing and smooth cuts.
• 1" Round Nose Scraper - 18" L Benjamin's Best: item LX120 HSS Round Nose Scrapers - Scrapers are a basic necessity for interior clean-up after the majority of your gouge work has been completed.
• 3/4" x 1/8" Parting Tool - 16"L Benjamin's Best: item LX420 HSS Parting Tools- This tool is used to part off waste, cut tenons, to establish a diameter or cut small flat areas.




Oh, by the way, good luck with just turning table legs ...:D....Many a turner started just wanting to turn some table legs!

That is why we call turning a VORTEX! :eek:

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Good choice on the lathe as everyone already said. Good price too. I'll answer your Tormek question.
You definetely need a SVD-185 for the gouges. The woodturners package is a really good deal, and will sharpen every tool you have. The blackstone wheel is nice, and will save your regular wheel for the kitchen knives.

[Thom Sturgill]

My choice would be:
Spindle roughing gouge - the bigger the better - I use BB 2"

Spindle gouges - a couple of sizes and styles to consider - I like both the english and german (or european) (http://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=packard&Category_Code=tools-pkrd-gsg) style gouges - I would start with a 3/8" spindle and maybe a 3/4" german gouge.

Detail gouge - again about a 3/8" for starters - this is ground with a more pronounced fingernail grind.

Skew - get Alan Lacers video and practice, practice, practice - it will become your favorite tool - again I like a thick wide skew. rounded edge but NOT oval skew.

Parting tool

Misc. tools might include a set of beading tools.

Packardwoodworks.com has one of the best overall selections and decent prices. Most of us think Doug Thompson makes some the best tools available.

[Philip Rodriquez]

I really appreciate everyone’s feedback. My budget exceeds my skill… but I do not want to waste my limited resources buying tools I won’t use. I was actually planning on getting a somewhat decent set of tools… but I did not want to spend top-dollar until I got the hang of sharpening them. I went ahead and ordered the Benjamin’s best set. Shipped, it only ran $74.95! Based on everyone’s advice, I think these will be a good starting point. Now for my next question à

Sharpening turning tools - Can anyone give me some more feedback on the Tormek? As it stands now, I own one… but I only use it to hollow-grind my chisels and plane irons. IMHO – it is way overpriced for what I’ve used it for. Perhaps it will finally have a use. Kyle suggested the SVD-185, which is their “Articulated Gouge Jig”. What about the other Tormek jigs? The SVS-50 “Multi Jig” and the SCD-110 “Torlock Tool Rest” are also listed for woodturning tools. Does anyone have any feedback on them?

Sorry for all the questions… I guess I’m just excited to get started turning some legs!

[Kyle Iwamoto]

The Multi jig will sharpen your skews and parting tools. The 110 Tool rest everything else, like scrapers, roughing gouges and such. Overpriced perhaps, but there is a lot of discussion on wet vs dry sharpening. I don't own a dry grinder, and am not planning to. I think the Tormek does just fine. A little slow, but I'm not a production or pro turner. It takes a little longer to freshen the edge. Take a long time to reshape a tool, but that is done very infrequently.

[Michael James]

Nice gloat there Phillip...your enthusiam is dripping off the page. Howdy from NM and keep us posted. Remember, if you don't have any photo proof, it never happened! :cool:

[Andrew Kertesz]

Consider the Tormek Tool Setter. This helps set your bar distance and your settings in the jigs for your gouges.

[Philip Rodriquez]

Again, thanks for the advice. I guess it is time to pull out the Tormek book... if I can find the darn thing.

I'll be sure to post pictures when I get it. I hope it is soon... but they cannot order it until we get closer to the sale...:mad: Oh well, it will give me time to sharpen my new turning tools and figure out where I'm going to put this thing.

Which end of the lathe needs the most room and how much is necessary? I ask because I have a 1,000 lb jointer and a 15" planer I may have to move around. Another option is to move it out of the range of my duct work and forget about using my cyclone... but I'll have to extend my lighting or move my lumber storage.

Thanks,
The noob

[John Keeton]

Another option is to move it out of the range of my duct work and forget about using my cyclone... but I'll have to extend my lighting or move my lumber storage.

Thanks,
The noobPhilip, having a DC drop right at the lathe is a huge benefit! If you can make that happen, you will not regret the effort. Most turners that have a cyclone try to rig a pickup as close as possible to the piece being turned.

I wish you luck in your beginnings, and look forward to seeing some turnings posted soon!

[Kevin Lucas]

If you are doing mostly spindle work you will move back and forth in a line. If you do bowls, hollows etc it is work over the center of the lathe and swinging the tool handle in or out ^ so you have to leave room for the tool and handle length.

Mine is by a wall in the garage but pulled out away from it for the swing of the tool. If I only did spindles it could be closer to the wall. Dust collection is sure an advantage when sanding I wish I had it )

[Rich Aldrich]

Phillip,

I just started turning in March. Spending most of my money on the lathe, I bought the Jet 1642 1 1/2 hp model. It is a really nice lathe. The 2 hp is worth the extra when turning large bowls. I can slow it down when roughing - I get aggressive at times.

I bought a set of Harbor Freight tools for $37 with a 20% off coupon. There were 8 tools mainly for spindle work. Of these, I use the scraper and parting tool for bowls - the only real cross over tools in the set.

I bought the 3 bowl gouges, a 1 1/2" scraper and an 1/2" parting tool - all Benjamin's best.

For sharpening, I bought a Jet VS grinder at Lowe's and a Wolverine system. For sharpening bowl gouges, I use the Sharp Fast System that works with the Wolverine base.

I also bought the SuperNova 2 chuck and have added the 4" jaws (100MM).

[David Woodruff]

Stretch a bit and get the Oneway 1642, more fun and better re-sale when you up-grade. Get stainless ways if possible in whatever you buy. Some Brands come standard with stainless, don't recall which ones at the moment. There was a time when I ,,,,,,,,,,,;; I forgot what I was going to say.

[Philip Rodriquez]

At this point, having never turned, I have a hard time justifying a Oneway. This whole turning thing may really suck!

Fortunately, if I like turning and outgrow my new lathe, I wouldn't have a problem with upgrading :D. It is one of the few perks of being a DINK (double income, no kids).

[Philip Rodriquez]

John, thanks for the advice. My garage is 990 SF… so I guess I'm going to have to figure out how to shift a few things around and make it work with my existing DC. Fortunately, I already have an extra drop in place!

[Jim Burr]

Welcome sir!! That is a great lathe and my eye is on the same one for my FINAL lathe!;) Anything from Randy Thompson will serve you for generations...not paid, just a happy user and returning customer:cool:

[Greg Just]

Philip:

I have had my eye on this lathe so I'll be interested in your review after you have had it for a while. Looks like a great choice for the price.

[Philip Rodriquez]

Greg, I don't know if I'd take my advice on a lathe :o...

I really appreciate everyone’s advice. With your help and my limited budget, this is what I’ve decided to go with:

1. Lathe purchase = JWL-1642-2EVS, 16" x 42" EVS PRO Wood Lathe, 2HP
2. Turning tools = Benjamin’s best set
3. Tormek Accessories =
· Tormek Tool Setter
· Articulated Gouge Jig
· Multi Jig
· Torlock Tool Rest

Now I have to rework my shop, expand my duct work, and move some electrical :0( Or…:rolleyes: move my jointer and planer in to my wife’s parking spot!

[Philip Rodriquez]

Update:

I had to rearrange my shop and move +/- 700 BF in to the basement. My wife gave me a few dirty-looks… but she’ll get over it (I hope :eek:)!

Yesterday, I received my Ben’s Best turning set. As a result, I ran over to Rockler and picked up the Tormek accessories. It only took a few hours to get everything reground and sharpened.

I ended up leaving my jointer and planer in place. As a result, I’ll need to expand the duct work to the cyclone… but it shouldn’t be too bad. In the interim, I’ll just have to live without it.

Today, I’m going to sneak out and pick-up the lathe. It actually came in, on Monday, but I have not had time to go get it. I hope to get it assembled today… but I have to come back to work for a 3:00 meeting. After that, I already have plans with some friends to kill some zombies (Xbox)… so I doubt I’ll be able to get the lathe all done.

Now for the question:
I know I should check the beds for flatness and look for any obvious damage… but what else should I be checking and what tuning is typically necessary?

[Mike Spanbauer]

One thing to consider while you have those zombie killing buddies over. Assembling the lathe can take a bit and getting the legs under the bed in addition to the headstock on the bed once legs are underneath is a challenging task for 1 guy (unless you've got a little crane). I'm not talking bravado / can be done, I'm 6'3 - 220 and I doubt I could do the jet assembly without aids (lever, crane, lift, etc) and not hurt something. If you have everything laid out and ready to go, your zombie team could knock it out in 5-10min tops.

Sounds like a nice setup. I too have a tormek (and a slow speed grinder too) and felt the tormek didn't earn its keep until I started turning. now, it's WELL worth the price imo.

Enjoy!
mike

[Philip Rodriquez]

Because of Xbox live, I only have one zombie killing friend coming over; the rest will join online. I’m sure he is going to earn his dinner, no doubt! It is going to snow tomorrow, therefore, I plan on moving everything I can. I have a 500 lb capacity lift table that should come in handy. From there, I’ll get his help with anything remaining.

I agree with the Tormek. I purchased it 4 or 5 years ago and it has never had much use. I picked it because it can sharpen almost everything… and I expected I would eventually get in to turning. After doing my turning tools, I expect it will finally start to get some regular use - Lord, I hope I don't hate turning ;).

[Bernie Weishapl]

Philip one of the rewards of turning is you can go from start to finish in short order unlike flat work. You will have almost instant gratification. I have the Tormek and love it for sharpening my tools especially with being able to hone them. The tool sharpness for me last longer than off a dry grinder and doesn't take any longer to touch up. You also have access to a club that meets at Rockler and the president is Ron Anige. Great guy and a club is a good place to learn plus ask questions. It will save you lots of frustration that a lot of us self taught turners run into. Have fun.

[Philip Rodriquez]

Okay, as I understand it, I have to have pictures or it didn't happen ;).

I was able to get everything unloaded and assembled without too much trouble. At the end, my neighbor stopped by and offered to help me with the head stock... which weighs around 100 lbs.

I want to thank everyone for their help and I look forward to learning something new!

[Nate Davey]

Nice lathe, I have the same one and love it. Is that snow???

[Philip Rodriquez]

Unfortunately, yes. I live in the Denver are and it has been cold this week! This is about as close as my car gets to the stuff:eek: