First lathe recommendation, please.

[Howard Pollack]

Hi- I just took a weekend turning class, at the Crucible, in Oakland, CA and had a wonderful time. I'd like to do more. I don't have much room in my shop but could probably find a way to make room for a mini or perhaps a midi lathe. Is there one that is preferred by folks? Is there one that allows out-board turning so that I could turn a bowl that is bigger than the swing over the bed? At this beginning point I'm more interested in bowls and platters than spindles. Thanks. -Howard

[Brian Weick]

Hi Howard,
What is your budget? - after all that's where it starts. a lot of the turners on here like the powermatic,jet,Robust- that one is new to me, nova, delta,grizzly, general, just stay away from no names if you are serious about turning- you will probably be disappointed. There are a lot of turners on here that do bowls/ pens and the like - they will surely reply to your thread. I am not a pen/bowl turner, I do large architectural turnings and I don't have any educated opinion on these type of lathes- but my point was - you have to start with what you are willing to spend- and go from there.
Happy turning (when you get the lathe you want)
Brian

[Frank Kobilsek]

Howard,

Now that you have found turning you won't need many of the other tools in your shop. I'd recomend that you sell your table saw for both the space and the money then get a Jet 1642 lathe. That will get you through several years of your 'abysseration' before you step up to a high end lathe. All you need in a turning shop is the lathe (maybe a tool rack), a sturdy bandsaw, and shelves for chainsaw, blanks and rough-outs.

I am kidding but only a little, I needed to rip some boards for the neighbor lady this week. It took at least an hour for me to uncover my table saw so I could help her.

Enjoy your fall into the life of a turner.

Frank

[Malcolm Tibbetts]

Howard,
The best advice I can give you is to join a club in the Bay area. Go to the AAW website at woodturner.org and research the local chapter info. There is likely a club near you. Attend a meeting and jump in with both feet. The experienced club members will help you with your decision.

[Patrick Taylor]

If you just want to get your feet wet and try a mini (you will want to upgrade later, trust me) the most popular are the Jet mini, Delta mini, and Rikon mini. (Cue Nancy here... ) I think the Jet is probably the most popular, and most people are happy with it (and keep it even after they upgrade).
I have it and can answer more questions (as can many others).

Keep some cash for tools and other accessories. There have been many good threads on these topics this summer here on SMC, have a look! Welcome to the abyss!

[Bernie Weishapl]

Howard I have the Rikon and love it. I also had the Delta Midi which I gave to my nephew who wanted to start turning. Right now and I hope this is ok Amazon has it for I think $122. That is less than half price for a really decent lathe. The only difference I have found between the Delta LA200 and the Rikon is the Rikon has a 12" swing versus a 10" swing.

[charlie knighton]

i am still on my first lathe but am strongly considering moving up, the most important feature of my new lathe will be electronic variable speed

[Kim Ford]

i am still on my first lathe but am strongly considering moving up, the most important feature of my new lathe will be electronic variable speed

Could not agree more !!!!!

[Phil St.Germain]

Wood Magazine has a nice story in the October issue about getting into woodturning for under $600. Recommend that you take a look at that as well as joining a club and keep reading the Creek.

[Joel Sauder]

Howard,

Just a few months ago I was in your shoes. I went for the General International Maxi-Lathe. A bit more swing over the bed (12in) and a larger motor (3/4hp) than the Jet mini, plus the headstock pivots to turn outboard up to 16inches ( I have yet to do this). It was the right choice for me and not much more $$ than the mini. But I agree with the others here, go with a variable speed, you will not regret it. The Maxi will go down to 410RPM which is pretty good for a lathe like this.

Good Luck

Joel

[Nancy Laird]

If you just want to get your feet wet and try a mini (you will want to upgrade later, trust me) the most popular are the Jet mini, Delta mini, and Rikon mini. (Cue Nancy here... )
Keep some cash for tools and other accessories. There have been many good threads on these topics this summer here on SMC, have a look! Welcome to the abyss!

Always trying to get me in trouble, aren't you, Patrick?

OK, I'll jump in here and testify for the Woodtek mini (currently $239.99, IIRC). I have one and the ONLY drawback to this machine is that it isn't VS. If they made a VS, I'd have one. Of course I'll also push the Steel City mini--you can go here and compare: http://www.woodworker.com/cgi-bin/FU...ARTNUM=060-100.
They have a VS and a 5-speed - the VS is $399.99, the 5-speed is $289.99.

I don't have the SCTW midi, but the VS may be in the cards as a replacement for the Woodtek non-VS, if I keep on doing smaller stuff like pens, stoppers, and small bowls. We have a 12" Atlas (about 60 years old!!) and intend to get a Woodtek #1 in the next 6 months or so, but I sure do like the mini/midi.

Jet and Delta make good minis; I've heard a LOT of unflattering stuff lately about the Rikons, unfortunately. In order of preference, I'd say Steel City, Woodtek, Jet, and Delta, in that order.

Nancy (112 days)

[TYLER WOOD]

Joel, congrats on one of the best bargains in the turning industry! GENERAL!!!! Good machines at good prices. I too would suggest looking into them. But variable speed is great. Steel City is making headway quick in getting some VERY nice tools on the market. I have played with their mini and I want one BADDDDD!!!!

Steel City
General
Jet
Rikon

never even heard of Woodtech!!! Must be a second rate underrun outfit for wherever New Mexico is!!!!!!(just kidding Nancy)

[Nancy Laird]

never even heard of Woodtech!!! Must be a second rate underrun outfit for wherever New Mexico is!!!!!!(just kidding Nancy)

Tyler, Tyler, Tyler.....if you're gonna bad-mouth Woodtek, at least learn to spell it right.

I knew you were kidding - but you need spelling lessons.

Nancy (112 days)

[Jude Kingery]

Hi Howard, sounds like you've gotten sound advice from lots of folks who know what they're talking about - I know I researched my decision for over a year to decide what to go with when we purchased - but then I had a smaller lathe I still use all the time that I inherited so I didn't have an itch being it wasn't like I couldn't do any turning until I bought something. Guess the best advice I can give you is don't be in a hurry, I'd echo the thoughts of decide on your budget and then set aside some money for tools and a chuck or mandrel, and then make a rational decision. Let us know what you decide and best to you! Jude

[TYLER WOOD]

a little touchy there Nancy . I knew that mis-spelling ould catch ya right in the eye! Sorry the voices made me do it!!!