Harry Whisman
09-21-2017, 12:47 PM
Greetings wood turner effienados.
This is my 1st post; hello and thank you.
For some reason I seem to be drawn toward all things lathe these days and since I have zero lathe experience I thought I might come here to listen to suggestions on which machine and extras to look for.
I've done some research which always points to the same thing: "Buy as nice as you can afford"
So with that in mind here's what I'm thinking:
Machine needs to hold it's value such that I can change my mind and trade for a different toy later as I'm retired and therefor a cheapskate. My wood shop has lots of "old iron" in it and "old iron is where I'm leaning here as well.
I would like the ability to turn larger more substantial pieces as well as the small stuff. I thought the video I saw of the guy turning bowls from alabaster and hardwood was really cool although I might not make that my first project.
There are two Powermatic 45s on Eugene Or Craigslist. One is said to be completely rebuilt and refinished w/mobile base, new motor 0-3000rpm, and no tooling for $1200 and the other comes with at least a few tools 190-3000rpm. Both 220single phase.
Both of these ads have been up for a while so the machines might possibly go for less.
Also the carving tools and accessories; same parameters.
Decisions decisi
This is my 1st post; hello and thank you.
For some reason I seem to be drawn toward all things lathe these days and since I have zero lathe experience I thought I might come here to listen to suggestions on which machine and extras to look for.
I've done some research which always points to the same thing: "Buy as nice as you can afford"
So with that in mind here's what I'm thinking:
Machine needs to hold it's value such that I can change my mind and trade for a different toy later as I'm retired and therefor a cheapskate. My wood shop has lots of "old iron" in it and "old iron is where I'm leaning here as well.
I would like the ability to turn larger more substantial pieces as well as the small stuff. I thought the video I saw of the guy turning bowls from alabaster and hardwood was really cool although I might not make that my first project.
There are two Powermatic 45s on Eugene Or Craigslist. One is said to be completely rebuilt and refinished w/mobile base, new motor 0-3000rpm, and no tooling for $1200 and the other comes with at least a few tools 190-3000rpm. Both 220single phase.
Both of these ads have been up for a while so the machines might possibly go for less.
Also the carving tools and accessories; same parameters.
Decisions decisi