Looking to jump in and lathe question

[Frederick Ieppert]

I'm wanting to try my hand at turning, mostly spindle work to start and see where that goes. I have an chance to buy a General 160-2 varible speed lathe with a Barracuda 2 chuck for $675. This machine was made in Canada not one of the offshore machines. I have not seen the machine yet, but I was assured that it is in very good condition and runs smoothly. I'm wondering if this would be a good choice to start and if that price is reasonable? All suggestions and comments are welcome. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jim Burr]

If you type "General 160-2" into the search function...I found minium 6 hits with answers.

[Deane Allinson]

It seems OK for the $ if in good shape. You probably won't "out grow" it for a good while. You can do a lot on a lathe with a little. I've been turning almost 3 years and still only own a Harbor Freight set ($45 for 8) of tools and 2 Benjamin's Best gouges and no chuck. I bought a $100 lathe to turn some new handles for my flat-work chisels and got intrigued by bowls, but I have use of a larger lathe at work if I have something too big or heavy. It will take you a while to figure out what you like to do. You can get serious with the toy's later. There are more experienced turner's here that will have good advice, I tend to do the "cheap" approach. Turning is fun and messy.

[robert baccus]

General is a top quality tool line. Bought a 20" lathe 25 years ago, sold it to a friend and still turning everyday. Hint--replace the belt with a linktype soon.

[Dennis Ford]

That is a great machine for spindle work, they are well built and were often used in school shops. The price is reasonable although I would not call it a bargain.

[Harry Robinette]

Mine is in the process of it's 2'nd upgrade 1st was 12" to 18".The 2'nd is happening now 3/4hp DC drive change to 2hp VFD AC drive. I love my General 160-18".

[Frederick Ieppert]

Thanks for the comments. Harry what is involved with going from 12" to 18" ?