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Go BIG!!! spend some cash and get the biggest most powerfull variable speed monster you can afford!:gar-La; someday you will be glad you did.:icon_thum
or you can go cheap and upgrade later............. you can turn small stuff on a big lathe but you cant turn big stuff on a mini.
it's all about choices and budget. I hear HF has a good one but never had one so no comment. I loved my fisch but sold it because I had 3 and it was the smallest. my delta is dedicated to copier and the mustard colored one gets most of the use. there is a HUGE differance between the 3. you can spend much more on accessories than you do the lathe itself and some accessories require upgrading or modifying when you upgrade the machine they are used on. standard sizes for spindles and such are a must.:gar-Bi metric accessories are harder to find ect ect ect............
fred
or you can go cheap and upgrade later............. you can turn small stuff on a big lathe but you cant turn big stuff on a mini.
it's all about choices and budget. I hear HF has a good one but never had one so no comment. I loved my fisch but sold it because I had 3 and it was the smallest. my delta is dedicated to copier and the mustard colored one gets most of the use. there is a HUGE differance between the 3. you can spend much more on accessories than you do the lathe itself and some accessories require upgrading or modifying when you upgrade the machine they are used on. standard sizes for spindles and such are a must.:gar-Bi metric accessories are harder to find ect ect ect............fred
You and I have chatted some and you know my feelings ... which are right in line with Fred.
If you can pull it off, go for the variable speed. It will cost more, but is really nice and will make you hold onto the lathe a lot longer. If that's outta the price range, the Delta 1440 I had was great and would do just about anything.
Trust Fred when he said the accessories will cost as much, or more, than the lathe ... a chuck alone could cost $200 plus it's accessories (is that accessories to an accessory?)
If I come across anything I'll let you know ...
If you can pull it off, go for the variable speed. It will cost more, but is really nice and will make you hold onto the lathe a lot longer. If that's outta the price range, the Delta 1440 I had was great and would do just about anything.
Trust Fred when he said the accessories will cost as much, or more, than the lathe ... a chuck alone could cost $200 plus it's accessories (is that accessories to an accessory?)
If I come across anything I'll let you know ...
definitely pony up for variable speed, pulley changes suck
Mac,
Definitely go for the best you can get, I bought a HF because of affordability, if I could have I would have gone bigger. But if you do buy a HF you can get it for $170-$200 on sale ( plus maybe a coupon), and you could easily get $125 for it used so there's no big loss.
The accesories run approximately:
PSI chuck - $200
wide jaws - $60
cheap HSS tools - $40
slow speed grinder- $100
wolverine jig +
fingernail jig $130
total $530
plus sandpaper, CA glue, pen making set ups, angle sander, etc.
All of the above stuff can transfer to another lathe at a later date if you want to upgrade.
Good Luck
Definitely go for the best you can get, I bought a HF because of affordability, if I could have I would have gone bigger. But if you do buy a HF you can get it for $170-$200 on sale ( plus maybe a coupon), and you could easily get $125 for it used so there's no big loss.
The accesories run approximately:
PSI chuck - $200
wide jaws - $60
cheap HSS tools - $40
slow speed grinder- $100
wolverine jig +
fingernail jig $130
total $530
plus sandpaper, CA glue, pen making set ups, angle sander, etc.
All of the above stuff can transfer to another lathe at a later date if you want to upgrade.
Good Luck
If you want to control your investment to make sure you really like turning, you might consider starting with a midi lathe. I purchased a variable speed Jet 1220 (12" swing, 20" bed, with a bed extention (which I don't use). It's fairly powerful for its size, heavy enough to spin a bowl, yet light enough to move around the shop. It might be a great place to start. Then if you get really into it and decide to get a bigger lathe, you can always keep it around. I've found the smaller lathe fun to use, and share with friends, plus it is portable and you can take it to a friends house for some "social turning".
Here's a link to the variable speed model:
http://www.cpojettools.com/products/708376vs.html?ref=froogle708376vs
And the regular model (non variable speed)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0011TEG7C/interactiveda8251-20
Here's a link to the variable speed model:
http://www.cpojettools.com/products/708376vs.html?ref=froogle708376vs
And the regular model (non variable speed)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0011TEG7C/interactiveda8251-20
I've gotta agree a 12/20 midi would be fine for most people, you can easily do bowls and pens without even needing an extension.
I did exactly what WoodWrangler said. I bought a used Delta LA200 last week on CL for $150. Its basically the pulley Jet 10" x 14". I went to WC, got a 1/2 round nose scraper, 1/4" bowl gouge and the WC chuck. I glued up some scraps and turned some spindles and a goblet. Its a great time. I'd high recommend getting a midi lathe. Get a solid one and you can use it for a long time.
Wes
Wes
Mac, Woodcraft is having a sale on the Nova DVR XP. $2199 => 1799:elvis: IMHO, this is the most under appreciated lathe on the market. I have it and can't think of anything that I would want instead, except perhaps one of the ginormous Oneways.
If you are willing to spend this type of money, then this is the one to get. 2 hp when wired for 220. Continuous variability from 100 - over 3000 rpm. Ability to save 5 preset speeds.
If you feel like coming up to my place to see and try it, you will most welcome.
If you are willing to spend this type of money, then this is the one to get. 2 hp when wired for 220. Continuous variability from 100 - over 3000 rpm. Ability to save 5 preset speeds.
If you feel like coming up to my place to see and try it, you will most welcome.
into the swirl step into the swirl round is your friend...
Go for it!
Buy the best tool you can afford that will meet your needs! Does that line get old????
If you aren't sure what exactly your needs are, talk with a turner at length. If you want to make pens, and have no interest in anything larger then find the best small lathe that will meet your needs. If you want large huge bowls, you can get a custom (or home made) lathe that literally can turn bowls many feet in diameter. There is everything imagineable in between.
I bought loml a Jet mini with vs that is a great tool. We bought a large Jet recently to get size and vs. I'd love to have a Oneway or Powermatic but one thing ($) seems to have stood firmly in my way. I have an older model Delta that has the 4 pulley speed system. I set it and rarely ever messed with it. It served me well for a long time. I finally just got to upgrade.
I bet you could easily get your hands on some different lathes and evaluate your interest and needs before you make your final choice.
And don't forget "stuff". Tools/ chucks/ mandrels/ rests/ faceplates etc...
You don't HAVE to spend a ton of money but its easy to do.
Go for it!
Buy the best tool you can afford that will meet your needs! Does that line get old????
If you aren't sure what exactly your needs are, talk with a turner at length. If you want to make pens, and have no interest in anything larger then find the best small lathe that will meet your needs. If you want large huge bowls, you can get a custom (or home made) lathe that literally can turn bowls many feet in diameter. There is everything imagineable in between.
I bought loml a Jet mini with vs that is a great tool. We bought a large Jet recently to get size and vs. I'd love to have a Oneway or Powermatic but one thing ($) seems to have stood firmly in my way. I have an older model Delta that has the 4 pulley speed system. I set it and rarely ever messed with it. It served me well for a long time. I finally just got to upgrade.
I bet you could easily get your hands on some different lathes and evaluate your interest and needs before you make your final choice.
And don't forget "stuff". Tools/ chucks/ mandrels/ rests/ faceplates etc...
You don't HAVE to spend a ton of money but its easy to do.
Speaking of Oneway, there was one for sale on Ebay in NC for $5300.
I was aware of this one ... VERY, VERY, VERY nice (and expensive)
http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/tls/794357815.html
Delta 46-715
14" Cast-Iron Lathe
List Price: $1209.26
Your Price: $629.00
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/delta/46-715/?ref=base
J
jeff...
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Not you too - Mac, we need to talk
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