Lathes on Raleigh CL

[Matt Schnurbusch]

Don't know a derned thing about lathes. Saw two of them listed on CL so I thought I'd put them up here for you spinny type folks. I'd like to get into turning someday, but I still have too much to learn about the tools I already own.

Rigid
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/1062771681.html

Jet
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/1061933065.html

Are either of them a decent deal? Like I said I know nothing.

 

[DaveD]

That Rigid one looks like a knockoff of the old craftsman one I had. I never did like it because the tailstock tended to rotate on the round tube even though it had an adjustable keyway.

it was one of those lathes where you never took the work out of the lathe until you were done.

You should be able to periodically find the craftsman equivalent on craigslist for $100-125 and that's all I think they are worth.

That Jet is about $450 new but I wonder how practical those 3 top speeds are. Spinning something 1800-4000 RPM can get your attention pretty quick. Maybe one of the experienced turners will comment on RPM vs diameter of work. I'd expect more versatility in the lower ranges though.

The 20" between centers is ok if you aren't going to do table legs.

 

[DIYGUY]

I used a Jet in my turning class at the NC State Craft Center a while back. I liked the tool but found changing speeds a tad cumbersome. It was a belt driven system with different dia pulleys. Not necessarily difficult, just a tad time consuming and more than a little bothersome. Other than that it was a great little lathe.

 

[ScottM]

Matt, retail on the Jet is about $450. IMHO, while variable speed is a very nice feature (VS with a leveler or dial or button) changing speed by moving a belt on pulleys is not that big a deal unless you are turning for a living.

Offer $250.

 

[Matt Schnurbusch]

Oh, I'm not looking to make a purchase, I'm YEARS away from taking that plunge. Like I said I already have a pile of equipment that I'm less than stellar with. No need to add to my mediocrity.

I was merely posting for others benefit.